WHEN | 6 November 2025, 9:00am – 5:00 pm

WHERE | King's Inns Main Building, Constitution Hill

DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME >

This event is worth 5 CPD hours/points.

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BOOKINGS 

All bookings must be made through the online booking system. Booking options: 

• NON-SUBSCRIBING MEMBER - €195.00  - BOOK HERE >

• SUBSCRIBING MEMBER OF KING’S INNS €175.00 - BOOK HERE >

Enquiries – please contact members@kingsinns.ie 

6:30 - Member dining (optional): Book dining here >

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ABOUT

The conference will take place on Thursday, November 6th, 2025, from 9am to 5pm. Designed for all graduates of the King's Inns who are practising barristers working outside the Law Library, either in public or private practice.

Registration starts at 9:00am with tea/coffee, followed by a welcome and opening address by The Hon Mr Justice Oisin Quinn at 9:30am. At 10am, Jim O'Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice will give an address.

The keynote speaker session will begin at 10:30am, with  Mr Ruud van Herpen, Global Chief Legal Officer of Xebia Group.

A tea/coffee break will follow, with the conference continuing with a segment on the “Challenges faced by in-house counsel”, including providing independent-minded advice, displaying leadership, and managing conflict. This will include 15-minute presentations followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

The afternoon sessions will include a regulatory update by the LSRA, a segment on AI & Legal Practice, and a discussion on professional ethics.

The day will conclude with a workshop, panel discussion, or fireside chat on health and wellbeing in the legal space.

 
PROGRAMME 

9am - Registration, Tea / Coffee on arrival 

9.30am - Welcome and Opening Address,  

The Hon Mr Justice Oisín Quinn, Judge of the High Court 

10am - Mr Jim O'Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 

10.30am - Keynote Speaker, Mr Ruud van Herpen, Global Chief Legal Officer of Xebia Group “From Legal Silo to Strategic Engine: Leading In-House Counsel in a Global Tech Environment" 

11.am - Tea / Coffee Break 

11.30am – “Challenges for In-House Counsel”, panel discussion followed by Q&A, chaired by the Hon Mr Justice Oisín Quinn 

Speaker

• Pádraig Ó’Ríordáin, Group General Counsel for CRH plc, former Chief Legal Officer for Flutter/PaddyPower and former Managing Partner of Arthur Cox and former graduate of the King’s Inns 

Panelists

• Julie Galbraith, CBO at Arachas Corporate Brokers; former Partner, Head of Employment & Labour Law, Commercial,  Eversheds Sutherland LLP; Head of the Employment Lawyers Association of Ireland,  (ELAI).  

• Etaoin Harbinson, Head of Legal, hyperexponential 

• Ruud van Herpen Global Chief Legal Officer of Xebia Group 

• Brian McElligott, Partner and Head of AI, Mason Hayes & Curran 

1pm – Lunch  

2pm      - “AI & Legal Practice” Panel discussion followed by Q&A, chaired by Dr Barry Scannell, Partner, William Fry LLP & Member of AI Advisory Council, Ireland 

Speaker 

• Mr Russell Kane, Consultant in AI and former University Engagement Lead for Microsoft, "AI in Law: Releasing a Future of Opportunities or Navigating a Legal Minefield?" 

Panelists

• Mr Lee Bristow, Director of Cyber and AI Governance, Saros Consulting  

• Ms Deirdre Ardagh, DPO and Senior Regulatory Counsel with Three 

3.20pm - Tea / Coffee break 

3.35pm – "Professional Regulation"

• Mr Tony Watson, Interim CEO, Legal Services Regulatory Authority; 

• Ms Sara George,  Chair of the Employed Barristers Committee, Bar Council of England and Wales 

4.30pm - "Beyond the Brief: Wellbeing and Resilience for Legal Professionals"  - Ms Michelle O'Keeffe, Platform 55 

5.pm – Networking & Drinks Reception

6:30 - Member dining (optional) - Must be booked separately.

TALKS

From Legal Silo to Strategic Engine: Leading In-House Counsel in a Global Tech Environment 
An Exploration of the evolving role of in-house counsel from isolated legal advisors to key strategic partners within global tech companies. It highlights how legal teams can align with business goals, drive innovation, and add value beyond compliance in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. 

Challenges for In-House Counsel  
An in-depth discussion on the complex challenges facing in-house legal teams today, including regulatory pressures, data privacy, cross-border issues, and internal resource constraints. The session concludes with a Q&A, offering practical insights and shared experiences from peers. 

AI & Legal Practice; AI in Law: Releasing a Future of Opportunities or Navigating a Legal Minefield 
This session examines the dual nature of AI in the legal field—as a tool that can revolutionize legal services and efficiency, but also one that introduces ethical, regulatory, and liability risks. It invites reflection on how legal professionals can embrace AI responsibly. 

LSRA Regulatory Update 
A timely update on recent and upcoming changes from the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA), including regulatory reforms, compliance obligations, and their impact on legal practitioners and firms. 

Beyond the Brief: Wellbeing and Resilience for Legal Professionals
This session addresses the growing importance of mental health and wellbeing within the legal profession. It offers strategies to manage stress, promote a healthier work culture, and support sustainable legal careers.