CJC National Forum 2026
About this Event
Welcome to the CJC National Forum 2026!
The Civil Justice Council's National Forum is a key event in the civil justice calendar, bringing together judges, legal professionals, policymakers, academics and justice sector stakeholders from across England and Wales.
This year's theme, Future Technologies and Access to Justice, explores how emerging technologies are changing the way people access and experience civil justice. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops and live technology demonstrations, delegates will have the opportunity to examine current developments, exchange ideas and contribute to the conversation about the future of the justice system.
A day of discussion, insight and practical engagement with some of the most important issues facing civil justice today.
The full programme will be released early Autumn, alongside details of livestreaming for those unable to attend in person.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:50 AM
Arrival, Refreshments and Demos
Info: Arrival from 9:30 for refreshments and technology demos from Garfield AI, LawFairy and PinqDR.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Scene Setting
Host: Rebecca Hilsenrath
Info: Rebecca is the CJC's Determinative ADR Member and Chief Executive of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:20 AM
Opening Address
Host: The Master of the Rolls
Info: The opening speech will be given by the new Master of the Rolls, Sir Colin Birss, Head of Civil Justice and Chair of the Civil Justice Council. One of the first public engagements as the new Master of the Rolls, this will be an opportunity to hear something of Sir Colin Birss' vision for civil justice.
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
Judicial and Ministerial Speeches
Host: Lady Chief Justice andTBC
Info: The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Sue Carr and TBC
🕑: 10:40 AM - 11:15 AM
Question and Answer Session
Host: Lady Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls, TBC
Info: This is an opportunity for delegates to directly question our judicial and ministerial stakeholders. Facilitated by HHJ Karen Walden-Smith, the CJC's Designated Civil Judge Member, the audience will have the chance to interact with the senior judiciary and minister with responsibility for civil justice in England and Wales. To submit a question, please email [email protected].
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Refreshment and Networking Break
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:45 PM
Workshop: The Impact of Technology and AI in ADR
Host: Amrik Kandola
Info: An interactive panel workshop facilitated by Amrik Kandola, the CJC's non-determinative ADR member. The discussion will look to identify where AI and digital technologies are already affecting civil dispute resolution in practice, and what safeguards and behaviours are required to ensure fair and effective use. In this workshop, the panel and audience will consider: How should technology and AI influence civil dispute outcomes — and what does the system need to do in response? Panellists with be announced closer to the event time.
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:45 PM
Workshop: The OPRC - Digital Technology and Access to Justice in Court Rules
Host: Sue Prince
Info: An interactive panel workshop facilitated by Professor Sue Prince, the CJC's Lay Person Member. The discussion will look to explore how court rules should evolve to accommodate digital procedures while maintaining fairness and accessibility, balancing the case for detailed, prescriptive rules with the need for a modern, accessible online process in which rules are simple and intelligible. In this workshop, the panel and audience will consider: Is the OPRC’s approach to digital procedure the right one for delivering fair and accessible civil justice? Panellists with be announced closer to the event time.
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:45 PM
Workshop: Renters' Rights
Host: DJ Kevin Harper
Info: An interactive panel workshop facilitated by Kevin Harper, the CJC's District Judge member. The discussion will seek to understand how the Renters' Rights reforms operate in practice in the civil justice system, and what has changed. In this workshop, the panel and audience will consider: What has changed in practice for renters and those advising them — and where are the risks to access to justice? Panellists will be announced closer to the event time.
🕑: 12:50 PM - 01:55 PM
Lunch and Networking Break
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Keynote Speaker
Host: Catherine Smith KC, Advocate General for Scotland
Info: A unique opportunity to hear from Catherine Smith KC, Advocate General for Scotland and member of the House of Lords. Catherine's vast and varied experience in and commitment to fair and accessible justice for all will make for an inspiring keynote event.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:50 PM
Plenary
Host: Amrik Kandola
Info: This closing session draws together insights from the day's workshops, identifying common themes and challenges across technology, procedure and housing. Panellists will reflect on the implications for access to justice and system design, before highlighting practical actions and key takeaways for delegates to apply in their own work.
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Master of the Rolls
Info: The Master of the Rolls will conclude the Forum by reflecting on the key themes emerging from the day, identifying common priorities across the justice system and highlighting areas for further discussion, development and reform.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Demos and Networking
Info: Technology demos from Garfield AI, LawFairy and PinqDR and final networking opportunity before close.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
