Welcome from Fergus Randolph QC, Circuit Leader

The European Circuit is for all advocates delivering and developing our cross-border practices.

The Circuit brings together barristers practising European law (in its broadest sense) and barristers working in Europe, as well as European and international lawyers with a connection to the UK. Members also include UK solicitors and in-house counsel dealing with EU law.

At our regular events we debate law and practice in the ever-changing international context. Hosted in major European cities, these events offer the perfect opportunity for regional and international advocates to come together.

The Circuit brings real benefit to all advocates with cross-border practices in these exciting times - we look forward to welcoming you as a member.

News & Events

The Lisbon Treaty - How it Changes the EU
25/02/2010, London
The European Circuit of the Bar of England & Wales is delighted to invite you to an evening seminar on the Lisbon Treaty. The Treaty came into force on 1st December 2009 and makes substantial changes to the operation of the EU law both at the international and domestic level and across most policy areas. Dr Gunnar Beck will give an in-depth analysis of the Treaty and its implications. At present, he is Reader in EU law and Legal Theory at SOAS, a practising barrister at Henderson Chambers and sometime adviser (EU Legislation) to the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee. This talk is a must for all practitioners and judges whose work involves EU law. Join us in the Spy Room in Gray's Inn at 17.30 on Thursday 25th February 2010. Free entry and CPD points – a splendid way to kickstart the year! RSVP: Catherine Walton - Catherine@europeancircuit.com

European Contract Law
18-19 March 2010, Trier
Circuiteers' attention is brought to the following event, organised by the Academy of European Law. Consumer contract law and contract law are important priorities in the field of justice. Viviane Reding, the European Commissioner-designate for Justice, praised the Draft Common Frame of Reference at a hearing before the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee on 12 January 2010 as a "wonderful piece of work" and as the "embryo for a European Civil Code" to which one day we should arrive. The conference will discuss content and perspectives of a future ‘political’ CFR. It will then discuss the state of play of the future Consumer Rights Directive and ask whether and how the development of the CFR and EU consumer contract legislation could be synchronised and connected. For further details, visit http://www.era.int. Taking into account the positions of the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, participants will discuss whether the CFR can serve as an ‘optional instrument’. Registrations reaching ERA before 18 February 2010 will be eligible for a 10% discount.

The 5th World (Referral) Bar Conference
01/04/2010, Sydney, Australia
Circuiteers are invited to attend the 5th World (Referral) Bar Conference will take place in Sydney at Easter (1-4 April 2010). This is the only conference in the world which brings together members from the eight jurisdictions that have referral bar professions: Australia, England & Wales, Hong Kong SAR, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. To register and for further information please see the Bar Council website at www.barcouncil.org.uk/news/events
5th World Bar Conference advert
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Annual Lecture by Master of the Rolls
24/06/2010, London
We are delighted that the Master of the Rolls has agreed to deliver the Circuit's first Annual Lecture entitled "The Incoming Tide: The Civil Law, the Common Law, Referees and Advocates" on 24 June 2010. Further details to be circulated nearer the time.

Annual Conference - Paris (tbc)
October 2010, Paris
Plans are underway for our Annual Conference in Paris, October 2010. If you'd like to help with the organisation, or have ideas for content or speakers, please let Catherine know. cwpss@tiscali.co.uk