Everything Common Law

Edinburgh, Scotland

June 8-15, 2024

12 CLE Credit Hours (2 Ethics)

Embrace the majestic beauty of a land steeped in history.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

WHERE:

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TH, United Kingdom

WHEN:

June 8-15, 2024
CLEs take place on Mon-Wed-Fri

GET THE DETAILS

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

SATURDAY – JUNE 8, 2024

Arrival

Transportation from airport to hotel provided

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, relax and enjoy some personal time. Take a stroll and explore at your own pace. Ask for directions to the best stovies or Scottish pies.

7:00 p.m.

Informal meet and greet in the hotel bar

SUNDAY – JUNE 9, 2024

8:00 a.m.

Depart hotel for private visit of the Edinburgh Castle

Marvel at the breathtaking views of the city from this ancient stronghold, renowned as the most besieged castle in all of the UK. Immerse yourself in history as you stroll through the Portcullis Gate, a remarkable structure that has stood for over 400 years. See the six-gun Argyle Battery. Within the castle’s walls you’ll learn about Scotland’s captivating past and view the stunning Great Hall.

10:00 a.m.

Walking tour of the Royal Mile

Embark from the mighty Edinburgh Castle on a fascinating tour of the city’s landmarks. This walk takes you on a journey harkening back to medieval times. You’ll pass by the iconic Church of Scotland, the St. Giles’ Cathedral. The tour leads to the beautiful Scottish Parliament building and back on the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

12:00 p.m.

On your own for the rest of the day

MONDAY – JUNE 10, 2024

12:00 p.m.

CLE Check-In with lunch for CLE Attendees

12:45 p.m.

Welcome and announcements

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Common Law and Common Origins: Legal History of England, Scotland, and the US

Presented by: Stephen Tierney, Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee

We know that American law evolved from English common law. But how? And what of Scots law, with its distinct Roman law origins? Did legal traditions from Scotland also cross the Atlantic? Professor Tierney, a legal adviser to the UK government and professor of constitutional theory, will explore the captivating history – amusing in some ways, alarming in others – that shaped the US legal framework. This presentation will recount the evolution of common law and civil law from feudal origins, pivotal historical events, landmark court cases, and revolutionary reforms that changed everything. We’ll then hear about a range of differences in English, Scottish, and American law. With that, you’ll be ready to start walking the streets of Edinburgh without getting sued or arrested!

2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Judges and Trials in the UK

Presented by: Stephen Tierney, Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee

Things are also different once you get to court in the UK. First, there’s the judges. Professor Tierney, Board Member of the Scotland Judicial Appointments Board, will discuss how Scotland’s judicial appointments are entirely different than in the US, and less controversial. Instead of presidential appointments and a major role for the US Senate, how about an independent body composed largely of lay people? How would that play in America?

And then there’s the juries. Did you know that Scottish criminal courts consider three possible verdicts? Hear about the ‘not proven’ verdict and its resulting controversy. We’ll also explore evidence rules, hearsay, trial procedure, the protection of vulnerable witnesses, and proposals to dispense with juries altogether in some criminal cases.

3:30 p.m.

15-minute break

3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Connecting Constitutions: UK Influence and Famous Scots

Presented by: Stephen Tierney, Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee

Who from Edinburgh signed the American Declaration of Independence? Who eloped from Scotland to America with an Edinburgh lawyer? Who handed the presidential keys to George Washington? Which Edinburgh churchyard sparked the British revolution against King Charles I?

Professor Tierney, founding Director of the Edinburgh Centre for Constitutional Law, will delve into the fascinating world of constitutions. Discover the profound influence of the UK constitution on the formation of the American Declaration of Independence, and the Scots who played vital roles in American revolutionary history. Before we’re done, you’ll know all the legal landmarks in Edinburgh you should visit!

Evening

Dinner on your own

TUESDAY – JUNE 11, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Choose 1 of 4 Tours

Lunch on your own

Option 1: Loch Lomond National Park, Kelpies, and Stirling Castle

See the historic beauty of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Then we’ll head to Loch Lomond and the Kelpies Monument. See stunning mountain views as you tour the “The Highlands in Miniature.” You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the National Park and then a visit to Stirling Castle.

Option 2: Outlander Adventure

Embark on an Outlander-themed journey and visit Jamie Fraser’s family home, Midhope Castle. You’ll also explore Blackness Castle, a formidable fortress standing in for Fort William in the series. Step into the 16th-century village of Culross, transformed into the town of Cranesmuir. Then head to Doune Castle, which served as the fictional Castle Leoch with its enchanting views of the River Teith.

Option 3: St. Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife

This captivating journey begins at the awe-inspiring Forth Bridges and UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll see the charming fishing village of Anstruther, before touring the majestic ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral. You’ll visit the fascinating Old Course, the revered “Home of Golf,” and the village of Falkland to see the oldest royal tennis court built for King James V in 1539.

Option 4: Gullane Golf Club

For an additional fee, play a round at Gullane, a bucket-list course for any true golfer. With 4 beautiful links courses, golf legends started here over 350 years ago. Let us know if you’d like to play!

WEDNESDAY – JUNE 12, 2024

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Mastering International Business Law

Presented by: Harry Borovick, General Counsel at Luminance

Today’s businesses regularly operate in multiple countries, subject to varying domestic and international rules. This presentation will cover the law and practicalities of negotiating international contracts, advising clients, and the specter of cross-border disputes. Our speaker, visiting scholar of law at the University of Edinburgh, will focus on businesses straddling the UK and US, then walk through surprising legal issues you wouldn’t expect if you don’t regularly practice international business law.

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Gambling Everywhere and Chaos in the Law

Presented by: Harry Borovick, General Counsel at Luminance

Sports wagering is legal again! In 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to regulate sports wagering. The UK and US regulate gambling entirely differently. Our speaker is former regulatory counsel to sports betting company Kambi, with services on six continents. He’ll cover those differences and explore how gambling companies are currently operating on either side of the pond, and on both at the same time.

11:00 a.m.

15-minute break

11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Tech Is Changing Everything: AI, Privacy, and More (1 ethics)

Presented by: Harry Borovick, General Counsel at Luminance

The EU and UK have taken on a holistic approach to privacy and technology, while the US has implemented legislation incrementally. GDPR and the Data Protection Act regulate much of what happens in the UK and EU, including US companies operating marketing overseas. This presentation will compare the significantly different frameworks, including varying agency oversight. Tied into everything tech are the rules and protections for intellectual property. We’ll hear about these issues from the General Counsel of one of the widest-reaching legal technology companies in the world.

7:00 p.m.

Dinner at the Signet Library

The Signet Library holds a significant connection to the judiciary system since its establishment in the late 18th century. Located in Parliament Square, this historic institution has long served as a hub for legal professionals and the administration of justice. Within the library's grand halls, legal practitioners have gathered for meetings, consultations, and discussions throughout the years. Tonight we will dine in its distinguished surroundings.

Kilt and sash rental is available and encouraged. [Additional charge]

THURSDAY – JUNE 13, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Choose 1 of 4 Tours – Choose a different tour or the same one!

Lunch on your own

Option 1: Loch Lomond National Park, Kelpies, and Stirling Castle

See the historic beauty of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Then we’ll head to Loch Lomond and the Kelpies Monument. See stunning mountain views as you tour the “The Highlands in Miniature.” You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in the National Park and then a visit to Stirling Castle.

Option 2: Outlander Adventure

Embark on an Outlander-themed journey and visit Jamie Fraser’s family home, Midhope Castle. You’ll also explore Blackness Castle, a formidable fortress standing in for Fort William in the series. Step into the 16th-century village of Culross, transformed into the town of Cranesmuir. Then head to Doune Castle, which served as the fictional Castle Leoch with its enchanting views of the River Teith.

Option 3: St. Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife

This captivating journey begins at the awe-inspiring Forth Bridges and UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll see the charming fishing village of Anstruther, before touring the majestic ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral. You’ll visit the fascinating Old Course, the revered “Home of Golf,” and the village of Falkland to see the oldest royal tennis court built for King James V in 1539.

Option 4: Gullane Golf Club

For an additional fee, play a round at Gullane, a bucket-list course for any true golfer. With 4 beautiful links courses, golf legends started here over 350 years ago. Let us know if you’d like to play!

FRIDAY – JUNE 14, 2024

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Malpractice Standards: Scotland, England, and the US (1 ethics)

Presented by: Stephen Tierney, Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee

Ethics are ethics, right? But malpractice standards are the rules of our legal profession, and they vary by jurisdiction. We’ll discuss overlap and differences, as well as strategies for malpractice mitigation and prevention. For example, did you know that American personal injury lawyers can avoid liability for their clients’ tax and financial issues by getting informed consent to a “limited scope engagement”? This presentation will address issues of client communication, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and attorney-client privilege.

11:00 a.m.

15-minute break

11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Remedies by Country: Damages vs. Performance

Presented by: Stephen Tierney, Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee

Jurisdictions vary significantly in civil actions for damages. This can impact greatly on the costs faced by unsuccessful defendants. Scottish courts tend not to grant the huge financial settlements that are often a feature of American justice but this may be changing. This presentation will cover landmark cases in tort and delict, the Scottish version of “tort law,” looking also at judicial review against public bodies. This is a growing area in Scotland where the state now faces significant challenges and an increasingly litigious population. Is this what the UK has learned most from America?

11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Immigration After Brexit and Crossing the Pond

Presented by: Stephen Tierney, Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee

Brexit didn’t stop immigration, but things are certainly different. Labor migration is down, while student migration is up, and the UK just passed the Illegal Migration Bill. This presentation will focus on US-UK immigration, and address how the UK still has to work with the European Union on migration issues. We’ll discuss everything from green cards to work visas, impacts on spouses, and even deportation. Plus a number of odd situations and “lessons to learn” from around the world. We’ll hear about this from Professor Tierney, legal adviser to the UK House Of Lords Constitution Committee on its recent report on the UK Illegal Migration Bill.

7:00 p.m.

Good-bye Dinner and Whiskey Experience

Prepare to be enchanted by a thoughtfully curated menu featuring exquisite Scottish cuisine, perfectly paired with a selection of fine whiskeys. Experts will guide you through the art of whiskey tasting and you’ll certainly enjoy the rich flavors, aromas, and the traditions of Scotland's iconic spirit in this delightful and memorable dining experience. Soft drinks are also provided.

SATURDAY – JUNE 15, 2024

Departure

Time to head home

Airport shuttles provided.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Professor Stephen Tierney

Stephen Tierney is Legal Adviser to the UK House of Lords Constitution Committee and Board Member of the Scotland Judicial Appointments Board. He is Professor of Constitutional Theory at the University of Edinburgh, Distinguished Research Fellow at Notre Dame Law School, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Professor Tierney’s research interests are UK constitutional theory and comparative constitutional law. He has published ten books, including those on constitutional law, contract law, federalism, some drawing heavily on American federal history.

Harry Borovick

Harry Borovick is General Counsel at Luminance, which provides legal technology to more than 25% of the Global Top 100 law firms, spanning over 60 countries. He has specialized in the regulation of technology in the UK and US markets, previously leading the UK legal function for NASDAQ-listed AdTech’s Live Ramp. As regulatory counsel to international sports betting company Kambi, with services on six continents, he negotiated contracts for online gambling services with states across America. He is also a visiting scholar of law at the University of Edinburgh.

The Radisson Blu Hotel

Explore historic Edinburgh from a centrally located hotel near iconic attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and Princes Street, with stunning views of Arthur's Seat.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

LOCAL EXCURSIONS

Visit the area at your leisure.

CLE ACCREDITATION

We'll secure CLE credit approval in your state AFTER you register.

If you register less than 45 days before the conference we'll instruct you on how to secure credit yourself.

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CLE PACKAGES

Join us in Edinburgh, Scotland for the adventure of a lifetime!

Attorney Only

We prep all arrangements

$7,000

($3,000 deposit today†)

Hotel Room for 1
(June 8-14, total of 7 nights)

CLE Sessions for 1

All Tours for 1

Listed Meals & Reception for 1

Attorney +1 Guest

We prep all arrangements

$8,500

($3,000 deposit today†)

Hotel Room for 2
(June 8-14, total of 7 nights)

CLE Sessions for 1

All Tours for 2

Listed Meals & Reception for 2

2 Attorneys

We prep all arrangements

$9,500

($3,000 deposit today†)

Hotel Room for 2
(June 8-14, total of 7 nights)

CLE Sessions for 2

All Tours for 2

Listed Meals & Reception for 2

Destination CLEs is a concierge service and Continuing Legal Education provider. Our full-service concierge identifies best options for your flights among the many airlines and providers. If you can stay longer, we’ll extend your hotel reservation and find you additional activities. We also provide travel insurance quotes!