The 2026 Law Society’s risk and compliance conference comes at a time when solicitors are facing an expanding set of regulatory, technological and operational pressures. We operate in the most heavily regulated professional sector in the world. With risks spanning insurance, data, cyber resilience and shifting client expectations, the conference aims to give practitioners space to understand the issues shaping the profession.
Artificial intelligence will take centre stage this year, reflecting its growing impact on legal practice. Imagine trying to bring in the productivity benefits of AI whilst addressing the insurance risks, data, cyber and client risks. The technological shift underway is the largest platform shift in history and the profession must maintain clarity of thought. All solicitors using AI must think clearly for themselves and not outsource thinking to technology. The conference will explore ways in which lawyers and AI can work together while maintaining professional judgement and protecting client and regulatory obligations.
Regulation itself is another major theme, particularly following the appointment of Sarah Rapson as the new chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The SRA has been staggering on its feet since the criticism linked to Axiom Ince and SSB, and there is a need for renewed confidence in the regulator. Rapson’s appearance at the conference will provide a credibility test, offering practitioners a chance to hear directly from the SRA at a moment when many are looking for a clearer sense of direction.
More broadly, change is the fundamental challenge facing risk and compliance teams. Human psychology means we loath change and often resist it, but there is a shifting landscape across AML, sanctions and SRA compliance, alongside evolving generational expectations within firms. We need outstanding leaders, supervision that helps the team, strong role models, and to truly inspire our teams. Success depends on the willingness to commit to change and lead change effectively.
For solicitors deciding whether to attend, your first task as a solicitor is to equip yourself with current knowledge to deliver outstanding client service. This year’s programme brings together practical updates on ethics, AML, economic crime and wider compliance issues, and is designed to be relevant to firms of all sizes - from small practices to larger organisations.
There is a sense of community that characterises the event. The audience at this conference, which I have fortunately chaired before, is great fun. While specialist events have their place, this is the profession’s annual opportunity to reflect on the 'big picture'. No General Counsel, COLP, COFA or managing partner/CEO should miss this event.
The 2026 conference arrives at a defining moment for the legal sector, offering practitioners the chance to engage with the changes shaping their future and to share perspectives with peers navigating the same pressures.
Paul Bennett, conference chair, is a leading regulatory lawyer and partner with north west firm Bennett Briegal
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