The BICBA Annual Law Forum 2026 will take place on 26 March 2026 at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, bringing together commercial law practitioners from across the UK and Ireland for a day of insight, discussion and networking.
Organised by the British Irish Commercial Bar Association (BICBA), the event has established itself as a key date in the legal calendar, particularly for those working in cross-border and commercial disputes.
A Focus on Contract and Unjust Enrichment
This year’s forum centres on the theme “The Laws of Contract & Unjust Enrichment” – two areas that remain fundamental to commercial practice but continue to evolve through case law and judicial interpretation.
The programme is expected to cover a range of topical issues, with contributions from leading barristers, senior practitioners and members of the judiciary. For legal professionals, this offers a valuable opportunity to revisit core principles while gaining practical insight into how they are being applied in current disputes.
Cross-Jurisdictional Insight
One of the defining features of the BICBA Forum is its cross-border perspective. With speakers and attendees drawn from England & Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, the event provides a rare opportunity to compare approaches across jurisdictions.
For practitioners dealing with multi-jurisdictional matters, or those looking to expand their understanding beyond their own legal system, this is particularly valuable. It highlights both the common ground and the subtle differences that can shape outcomes in commercial cases.
Why It Matters
In a legal landscape that is constantly developing, forums such as BICBA play an important role in keeping practitioners informed and connected. By combining high-level legal analysis with cross-border collaboration, the event delivers both technical value and practical benefit.
For commercial lawyers, the BICBA Forum 2026 represents an opportunity not only to deepen legal knowledge, but also to stay engaged with the wider legal community shaping the future of the profession.
Brad Pomfret KC