ABA Lawyers to Celebrate Historic 1924 Visit in UK
In 1924, J. Carroll Hayes documented the significant event of the American Bar Association’s first visit to the United Kingdom. This fall, the International Law Section of the ABA is set to honor this momentous occasion with a special event titled “100 Years of the ABA in the United Kingdom: Tradition, Innovation, and Influence.”
Hayes, an ABA member from West Chester, Pennsylvania, described the 1924 visit as a unique opportunity for American lawyers to immerse themselves in the English legal system and engage with prominent judges and legal practitioners. The visit, which spanned a full week, was facilitated by three large ships that transported the lawyers and their families across the Atlantic Ocean.
The upcoming conference, scheduled to take place from Nov. 13-15 at the Inner Temple and Middle Temple in London, will cover a wide range of legal topics including business law, competition, dispute resolution, intellectual property, legal ethics, practice of law, private wealth management, and trade/sanctions.
Reflecting on the Past and Looking to the Future
Jeffrey Golden, a former chair of the International Law Section who is involved in organizing the conference, emphasized the importance of reflecting on the past while also looking ahead to the future of the legal profession. The event will explore the evolution of Anglo-American legal practices and address key issues such as ethics, diversity, and attracting top talent to the legal field.
Golden discovered materials from the 1924 visit to London, which highlighted the grandeur of the occasion, including meetings at Westminster Hall, banquets at the Inns of Court, and a garden party at Buckingham Palace hosted by King George V and Queen Mary. Notable attendees such as Charles Evan Hughes, George Sutherland, and James Aikins were among the distinguished guests who celebrated the profession of law and the common law tradition.
Programming and Panel Discussions
The conference will feature a variety of panel discussions and programs led by industry experts and legal professionals. Topics will range from the special roles played by the American Law Institute and the Law Commission in the development of the common law to the ethical and diverse future of the legal profession. Additionally, there will be sessions on emerging areas of law such as cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, providing insights into how different jurisdictions approach these evolving challenges.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in social activities, including a closing reception at the Winfield House, a day trip to Windsor Castle, and a tour of Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed. The ABA’s Magna Carta Memorial, erected in 1957, commemorates this historic event and the principles of liberty and justice it represents.
As preparations for the conference continue, early bird registration is available until Oct. 1. For more information on the agenda and registration details, visit the 2024 International Law Section Fall Conference website.
In conclusion, the upcoming celebration of the ABA’s 1924 visit to the UK serves as a reminder of the enduring connections between legal professionals across borders and the importance of collaboration and exchange in shaping the future of the legal profession.
