About this Event
Edinburgh Law School warmly invites students, alumni, colleagues and members of the public to its opening-of-the-academic-year event: a distinguished panel discussion on Law and Leadership, followed by a drinks reception.
A legal education can open the way to leadership in many settings: in legal practice and the judiciary, public service and business, universities, charities and communities. But what makes an effective leader? And what does good leadership require in a period of rapid change? Does a legal education provide what is needed? These questions are particular timely. The legal profession is being reshaped by technological change, including artificial intelligence, and leaders in all sectors are confronted by wider social, economic and environmental challenges. Thoughtful, ethical and effective leadership matters more than ever.
This discussion brings together leaders whose careers demonstrate the varied ways in which legal knowledge, professional judgement and public responsibility can inform leadership. They will draw on their experience to explore:
- what effective leadership looks like in legal settings and beyond;
- whether there is something distinctive about leadership grounded in legal education;
- how leadership evolves as the world around us changes;
- how students and early-career professionals can develop the skills, confidence and values needed to lead in changing times.
Chair
- Professor Jacquelyn MacLennan, Honorary Professor, Edinburgh Law School
Speakers
- Lord Carloway, Former Lord President of the Court of Session
- Gillian Carty, Partner and Chair, Shepherd & Wedderburn
- Julie Hutchison, Philanthropy and Governance Adviser; and Visiting Professor, Edinburgh Napier University
- Professor Lesley McAra, Professor Emerita of Penology, Edinburgh Law School
- David Ovens, Chair, Scottish Athletics; and Joint Managing Director, Archangel Investors Limited
This event launches Edinburgh Law School’s 2026–27 Law and Leadership series: a programme bringing together students, alumni and friends of the School to consider leadership across the legal profession and the many other fields in which law graduates exercise leadership and influence public life.
Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.
Event venue & nearby stays
Edinburgh Law School, South Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.