In association with the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we’ll bring together the Bar of England and Wales and London’s diplomatic community to build relationships and an understanding of the Bar’s legal services for States. Join us to showcase the breadth and excellence of our profession.
Diplomats will leave with practical insight into how legal processes work, what support is available and how to use legal tools effectively in real world situations.
About the event
As States manage overlapping international obligations and face legal issues across multiple jurisdictions, diplomats are often on the front line of identifying, triaging and progressing these matters.
International relations carry constant legal exposure from treaty compliance, disputes before international courts and tribunals, to sanctions, state immunity and proceedings in national courts. Diplomats are frequently required to assess legal risk early, instruct lawyers and manage potentially sensitive litigation.
Join us for a panel presentation on the Bar’s role in upholding the rule of law and providing world-class advocacy and advisory services, in particular to States. Hear from our expert speakers covering proceedings before both domestic and international courts. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for networking in our drinks reception.
Through discussion and networking, the event aims to strengthen international legal ties and showcase the Bar of England and Wales as a trusted partner for foreign States.
Programme
6pm to 6.10pm: Introduction
Kirsty Brimelow KC, 2026 Chair of the Bar of England and Wales
Greg Dorey CVO, Inner Temple
6.10pm tp 7pm: FCDO facilitating a panel discussion
international and foreign courts, a judge and
members of the FCDO.
7pm to 8pm: Networking reception
Speakers
Naomi Hart, barrister at Essex Court Chambers
Naomi has a diverse practice in international, commercial, human rights and public law. Naomi has acted in nine cases before the International Court of Justice as well as in proceedings before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the European Court of Human Rights (including four cases before the Grand Chamber), the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, various United Nations treaty bodies and the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization. She is routinely involved in cases before English and foreign domestic courts which involve questions of public international law as well as in investor-State disputes.
Why attend?
Our event is a unique opportunity to participate in meaningful conversations between the Bar of England and Wales and the diplomatic community about advising and representing States in a variety of contexts. It’s a chance to build relationships that may lead to collaboration on advisory or representative work in the future.
Who should attend?
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Barristers with an interest in public international law
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Representatives of states with involvement or interest in international legal affairs
Book your free place
Register your place for this session.