The Civil Litigation Conference is an annual event organized by the Bournemouth & District Law Society (BDLS), dedicated to providing legal professionals with insights into the latest developments in civil litigation. The 2026 conference is scheduled for Thursday, 26 March 2026, from 12:30 to 17:15, at the Queens Hotel in Bournemouth.
The conference will feature a series of sessions covering key topics in civil litigation. Attendees can expect discussions on optimizing the solicitor-expert relationship, a review of recent changes to the Civil Procedure Rules, and strategies for alternative dispute resolution. These sessions aim to equip practitioners with practical knowledge and skills applicable to their daily practice.
In addition to the educational sessions, the event offers opportunities for networking with peers and industry experts. A buffet lunch and refreshments will be provided, facilitating informal interactions among attendees. Notable speakers include Conor Maher from Ellis Jones and BDLS, Greg Huitson-Little from Menzies LLP, and representatives from The Law Society Dispute Resolution Committee.
This conference is ideal for solicitors, barristers, legal executives, and other professionals involved in civil litigation. Attending will provide valuable updates on procedural changes, practical tips for case management, and insights into effective dispute resolution methods.
Categories
Speakers(5)
Conor Maher
Senior Associate Solicitor and Solicitor Advocate (Civil) at Ellis Jones
Conor Maher is a Senior Associate Solicitor and Solicitor Advocate (Civil) at Ellis Jones, serving as the Honorary Treasurer of the BDLS and Civil Litigation Lead for the Dispute Resolution Sub-Committee. He is also a qualified Civil and Commercial Mediator registered with the Society of Mediators. Conor's practice encompasses a range of civil and commercial matters, representing both businesses and individuals, including high-value and complex litigation before the High Court and regular appearances in the County Court. He was individually ranked as a 'Leading Associate' by Legal500 in 2024 and 2025, noted for 'An exceptional reputation for advocacy in the County Courts' and being 'very knowledgeable on disputes.' Conor was also individually ranked as an 'Associate to Watch' in Chambers & Partners 2025, with a 'broad range of expertise in litigation.' He regularly delivers training on civil litigation and dispute resolution through MBL Seminars, LegalFutures, and is an Associate Lecturer in Dispute Resolution at Bournemouth University as part of the LLM course.
District Judge Ashby
District Judge at County Court at Bournemouth and Poole
District Judge Ashby sits at the County Court at Bournemouth and Poole, coordinating the Court’s approach to civil justice under the leadership of the Designated Civil Judge. He also serves as a Recorder in both civil and family matters. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he specialized in serious and life-changing personal injury claims at the Bar.
Greg Huitson-Little
Partner and Forensic Accountant at Menzies LLP
Greg Huitson-Little is a Partner at Menzies LLP, a forensic accountant, fellow of the ICAEW, and expert witness. He assists clients with the financial aspects of commercial disputes, from advice in the early stages of a case through to giving expert evidence and testimony in respect of loss of profits, loss of value, or other damages-related issues. Greg has experience across a range of dispute resolution forums, including high court litigation in the UK and international arbitration matters. He has particular expertise in transaction-related disputes, providing evidence as to accounting issues and diminution in value under warranty claims, or acting client-side in completion account or earn-out matters. Greg is Highly Recommended by Lexology for his work in Arbitration and as a Consulting Expert, noted for 'consistently producing work of the highest quality' and being 'a fantastic expert with strong attention to detail.'
Katherine Harper
Knowledge & Innovation Lawyer at Goodwin Procter
Katherine Harper is a Knowledge & Innovation Lawyer at Goodwin Procter and a member of The Law Society Dispute Resolution Committee. She specializes in analyzing key changes to the English Civil Procedure Rules, highlighting significant procedural developments, and providing insights into their impact on litigation strategy and day-to-day practice.
Leah Alpren-Waterman
Legal Director at Mishcon de Reya
Leah Alpren-Waterman is a Legal Director at Mishcon de Reya and a member of The Law Society Dispute Resolution Committee. She focuses on unpacking key changes to the English Civil Procedure Rules, analyzing their impact on litigation strategy and day-to-day practice, and providing insights into expected changes in the legal landscape.
Event Details
- Date
- March 26, 2026
- Location
- 🇬🇧 Bournemouth, United Kingdom
- Queens Hotel
- Pricing
- £120 - £160
- Audience
- Solicitors, barristers, legal executives, and other professionals involved in civil litigation.
- CLE Credits
- 3 Hours