A Week in Legal London is an annual program organized by the Litigation Section of the California Lawyers Association, offering legal professionals an immersive experience in the British legal system. Scheduled for April 19-25, 2026, this event provides exclusive access to historic legal venues and interactions with UK legal practitioners.
Participants will engage in courtroom observations and educational sessions at esteemed institutions such as the Supreme Court, the Royal Courts of Justice, and the Old Bailey. The program includes luncheons at the historic Inns of Court and culminates in a Gala Dinner in the Peers Dining Room of the House of Lords, offering unique networking opportunities with solicitors, barristers, and judges.
The event is designed for practicing and retired lawyers seeking to deepen their understanding of the UK legal system and to foster professional relationships with international colleagues. Attendees can earn up to 25 hours of MCLE credit through a combination of in-person sessions and online classes.
Following the London program, an optional add-on in Dublin, Ireland, is available from April 26-30, 2026, offering a bespoke experience in the Irish legal landscape. This extension is limited to 20 participants and is open only to those attending the London program.
Categories
Speakers(8)
Dame Sue Carr
Lady Chief Justice at Judiciary of England and Wales
Dame Sue Carr serves as the Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales and the President of the Courts of England and Wales.
Dr. Joan Rutherford
Expert in Mental Health Law
Dr. Joan Rutherford specializes in the UK mental health legal framework, including key differences in legal systems and the process of assessing capacity.
His Honour Judge Brian John Barker CBE QC
Former Recorder of London at Central Criminal Court
Judge Brian John Barker QC CBE is a British judge and the former Common Serjeant of London, the second most senior judge at the Old Bailey.
Judge Brian John Barker CBE QC
Former Recorder of London at Central Criminal Court
Judge Brian John Barker CBE QC is a British judge and the former Common Serjeant of London, having served as the Recorder of London, the presiding judge at the Old Bailey.
Judge Lise Buckingham
Judge
Judge Lise Buckingham is an expert in the UK mental health legal framework, focusing on assessing capacity, legal options, and potential outcomes.
Kim McGhee
Conservatorship Specialist
Kim McGhee addresses California competency issues, including legal challenges and changes resulting from high-profile cases.
Leah Saffian
Co-Chair, Week in Legal London 2024
Leah Saffian is dual-qualified in California and as a barrister in England, providing practical information, historical context, and personal insights into the English legal system.
Lord Robert John Reed
President of the Supreme Court at Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Lord Robert John Reed serves as the President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases and for criminal cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Event Details
- Date
- April 19-25, 2026
- 7 days
- Location
- 🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
- Pricing
- $4,395 - $4,995
- Audience
- Practicing and retired lawyers
- CLE Credits
- Up to 25 MCLE hours
- Attendees
- Limited to 60 participants in London and 20 in Dublin