CBA Spring Conference 2026

Saturday 18th April 2026
IET London, Savoy Place

Criminal Justice at a Crossroads
CBA Spring Conference 2026

The Criminal Bar Association is pleased to host its 2026 Spring Conference, Criminal Justice at a Crossroads, bringing together senior judges, leading practitioners and policymakers to examine the key developments shaping the criminal justice system.

At a time of continuing pressure on the courts, procedural reform and evolving sentencing policy, the conference will explore the challenges and future direction of criminal justice. The programme will address developments in criminal procedure, sentencing reform, professional ethics, advocacy and the wider sustainability of practice at the Criminal Bar.

Topics

The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts
Updating the Criminal Procedure Rules
The Service Prosecuting Authority
Professional Ethics Under Strain
Getting the Witness’s Best Evidence
Sentencing Reform and the Sentencing Act 2026
Resilience and Sustainability at the Criminal Bar

Speakers

Lady Justice May / Lord Justice Edis (tbc)
Rt Hon Sir Brian Leveson
HHJ Edmunds KC
Mary Cowe, Director of the Service Prosecuting Authority
Ewan MacLeod, Director of Policy, Strategy and Insights, Bar Standards Board
Dr Samantha Fairclough
Lyndon Harris
Valerie Charbit
Paul Jarvis KC, Director of Education, Criminal Bar Association

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 18th April 2026
Time: 08.30hrs – 15.45hrs
Venue: IET London, Savoy Place
Format: In-person conference

Breakfast, coffee and lunch will be provided.