Big turn-out for Criminal Law Masterclass

Donald Findlay QC was on good form at the Criminal Law Masterclassin Glasgow at the weekend which drew over 100 lawyers from across Scotland.

The Masterclass was sponsored by Scottish Legal News and, in addition to Mr Findlay,Frances McMenamin QC, Brian McConnachie QC, Jim Keegan QC, Claire Mitchell and Shelagh McCall gave expert lectures.

Mr Findlay urged the attendees to connect better with jurors in the course of trials and to include them in the process rather than talking at them. Mr McConnachie warned of the dangers of hubris for court performers saying it took humility to know when to stop in cross examination.

Ms McMenamin guided practitioners about how to deal with children and vulnerable witnesses adding that authenticity with children was crucial as they would see through anything that was put on. Mr Keegan emphasised that preparation was the key to success in the court room. Claire Mitchell and Shelagh McCall both discussed radical changes in the law.

Ms Mitchell focused on the future of summary appeals which will be conducted by solicitors without the involvement of counsel whilst Ms McCall talked about the potential safeguards that may be brought in should corroboration be abolished, as is anticipated.

Event organiser and chairperson Niall McCluskey (pictured right) said he was absolutely delighted with the event.

“The turnout was amazing. Lawyers from all over Scotland gathered to hear a superb selection of speakers. The event was extremely well received by those attending,” he said.

Advocate Ximena Vengoechea, of Black Chambers, said of the event: “We have a good balance of something that is very technical and something that is very current.

“Shelagh has addressed all the questions that are in the air. On the other hand we have Donald Findlay; a pure inspiration. He comes with all the experience and all the passion. You get a bit of both worlds.”

Advocate Bobby Frazer, of Hastie Stable, said: ”The quality of the speakers has been second to none. What they’ve been able to tell the audience and their delivery of it has been excellent.”

Mr McCluskey’s training company NM Legal Training has now joined forces with Scottish Legal News to form a new venture called Scottish Legal Training.

The next CPD event is the Clinical Negligence Masterclass in Edinburgh on 9 March.

You can register here.