‘This debate will discuss whether patents are fulfilling the purpose for which they exist and whether, with advancing hardware and software, they help or harm innovation.

Who should attend?: This event is open to both members of the Law Society and the public. This debate is recommended for anyone interested in the debate topic, including: Law Society members, Corporate counsel, Academics, Students.’

CPD hours 1.25

Date: 29th April 2014, 6.00-7.45pm

Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL

Charge: Free

More information can be found here.

‘Many more parties are representing themselves in family proceedings today. In the absence of legal aid or alternative financial help this is bound to increase.This course will inform solicitors about their professional obligations and give practical advice on how to prepare for a court hearing involving a litigant in person.The course will have a workshop style with practical case studies in divorce, finance, children and domestic violence.

Who should attend?: Family Law Solicitors, Members of the Judiciary, Court Staff.’

Date: 1st Arpil 2014, 2.00-5.00pm04/2014 14:00 – 17:00

Location: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL

Charge: See website for details

More information can be found here.

‘The aim of this series is to initiate a dialogue between different areas of private law, between private lawyers and experts in other legal fields, as well as scholars in other disciplines in the humanities and social studies. We believe that these ‘conversations’ can enrich the research and practice of private law, and shed light on its great contribution to, and influence on, other areas of scholarship and practice inside and outside the law.’

Date: 3rd March 2014, 6.15-8.00pm

Location: SW1.18 (Moot Court Room), Somerset House East Wing, London WC2R 2LS

Charge: Free, registration required

More information can be found here.

‘The post-war generation stands accused of wrecking the world for the generations that follow them. It is those younger people – the victims of this excess – who are the prosecuting authorities in this unique legal proceedings.’

Date: 28th February 2014, 6.00-8.30pm

Location: Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building

Charge: Free, registration required

More information can be found here.

‘This one-day conference will give law students, trainee solicitors and pupil barristers a unique opportunity to explore the role of global human rights standards – from Europe and beyond – in the formation of domestic law, policy and practice.’

Date: 22nd March 2014, 9.30-5.oopm

Location: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Northcliffe House, 26-28 Tudor Street, London EC4Y 0BQ

Charge: See website for details

More information can be found here.

‘It is very commonly the case that one authority needs to take account of the decisions of another, in order to carry out its own responsibilities. This lecture aims to give a general explanation of the approach that authorities ought to take toward such judgments. The principle of comity is a central element in such a general explanation. It is the principle that the authority passing judgment (I will call it the ‘second authority’) ought to act in a way that respects the capacity of the other (the ‘first authority’) to carry out its own role. A duty of comity is not a duty to trust the first authority. It does not require the second authority to approve of the decisions of the first. It is a duty that arises not from the rights of the first authority, nor even from the first authority’s success in carrying out its duties, but from the second authority’s duty to those whom it serves.’

Date: 27th February 2014, 6.00pm

Location: UCL Faculty of Laws, Bentham House, Endsleigh Gardens, London WC1H 0EG

Charge: Free, registration required

More information can be found here.

‘We are privileged to announce that our keynote speaker will be Michael Mansfield QC, raising the topic of ‘Undercover Policing and the Secret State’ Rt Hon. Sadiq Khan MP will chair the event. The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.’

Date: 25th March 2014, 18.30-9.00pm

Location: TUC, Congress House, 23-28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS

Charge: £20, Student concession £5

More information can be found here.