EVENTS IN 2016
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Brexit Means What? – 7 December 2016, Edmond J Safra Theatre, King’s College London
Michael Dougan, Professor of European Law and Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law at the University of Liverpool, gave the Annual Address to an audience of 120 people, followed by a very lively Q&A session and a drinks reception.
In the Chair: Sir Alan Dashwood QC
UKAEL Seminar: The EU Reform Package and the Referendum Debate: Burning Questions – 9 March 2016, River Room, King’s College London
Lord Hannay of Chiswick, Former UK Permanent Representative to the EU and a cross-bencher in the House of Lords: “Sovereignty; the legislative burden of voting for Brexit; Brexit and internal security; Article 50 and the forlorn hope of a re-re-negotiation”
Sir Alan Dashwood QC, Henderson Chambers, Professor at City University London and President of the UKAEL: “Is the reform package legally binding and irreversible? The legal nature and effect of the Decision of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States on the EU Reform Package, and the legal arrangements for implementing its various elements”
Prof Derrick Wyatt QC, Brick Court Chambers: “Does the British Constitution need statutory protection from the excesses of the CJEU? The UK Supreme Court has flagged up the possibility that judgments of the CJEU which lack a credible legal basis or infringe fundamental principles of the British Constitution might be inapplicable under the European Communities Act. The Prime Minister has indicated that steps might need to be taken to prevent such judgments undermining the British Constitution and UK sovereignty. Are any such steps necessary or feasible?”
Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers and UKAEL Secretary, was in the chair. The presentations were followed by discussion and debate before the 50 attendees joined the speakers at a drinks reception.
UKAEL Student Evening: EU Law in Practice: An audience with EU Law Professionals – 23 February 2016, Linklaters LLP
The UKAEL invited students, trainee solicitors and pupil barristers to an evening of short talks on practising EU Law. It was an informal occasion to meet EU Law professionals and fellow EU Law students. The presentations addressed the practice of EU Law in different sectors of the professional world. Speakers covered typical work scenarios and career patterns and answered numerous questions. The meeting was attended by about 80 people and was followed by a lively reception.
The Bar (Michael Bowsher QC, Monckton Chambers)
The Government (Daniel Denman, Director of the Cabinet Office European Law Division in the Treasury Solicitor’s Department)
Academia (Prof Andrea Biondi, King’s College London)
The EU Institutions (Jacqueline Minor, Head of European Commission Representation in London)
Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers, was in the Chair.
EVENTS IN 2015
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Brexit: Process, Substance and Consequence – 16 December 2015, Edmond J Safra Theatre, King’s College London
Prof Paul Craig, University of Oxford, gave the Annual Address to an audience of 150 people, followed by a lively Q&A session and a drinks reception.
In the Chair: Sir Alan Dashwood QC
UKAEL Seminar: Opinion 2/13 on accession by the European Union to the ECHR: Is it convincing? Is there a way forward? Are there wider constitutional implications? – 23 April 2015, River Room, King’s College London
Sir Alan Dashwood QC, Henderson Chambers, City University of London: A critical overview of Opinion 2/13
The grounds on which the envisaged Agreement was found to be incompatible with the Treaties will be considered in turn, and their persuasiveness (or otherwise) assessed. Is it harsh to regard some of the objections raised in the Opinion as trivial? Was the Court simply looking for reasons to say “No”?
Dr Tobias Lock, Edinburgh Law School, University of Edinburgh: Accession after Opinion 2/13? The way forward
The Court has erected a number of hurdles for future accession negotiations in Opinion 2/13. It will be explored what these hurdles are, if and how they can be overcome, and how far accession is still desirable in light of them.
Prof Michael Dougan, Liverpool Law School, University of Liverpool: The EU legal order as articulated by the Court of Justice in Opinion 2/13
In Opinion 2/13, the Court of Justice sets out its understanding of the fundamental principles of the EU legal order in a clear and systematic manner which is actually quite rare in the caselaw. This presentation will consider the “world view” of the EU legal system presented by the Court and assess its constitutional significance.
Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers, in the Chair
UKAEL Student Evening: EU Law in Practice: An audience with EU Law Professionals – 4 February 2015, Linklaters
The UK Association for European Law invited students, trainee solicitors and pupil barristers to an evening of short talks on practising EU Law. This was an informal and friendly occasion to meet EU Law professionals and fellow EU Law students, hosted by Linklaters LLP. The short presentations introduced different sectors of EU Law in the professional world. Speakers covered typical work scenarios and career patterns and answered numerous questions during the lively drinks reception that followed.
The Bar (Jane Russell, Essex Court Chambers)
The International Law Firm (Sir Christopher Bellamy QC, Chairman, Linklaters Global Competition Practice)
The Government (Daniel Denman, Director of the Cabinet Office European Law Division in the Treasury Solicitor’s Department)
Academia (Dr Oana Stefan, King’s College London)
Prof Philippa Watson chaired the event.
EVENTS IN 2014
UKAEL 40th Anniversary Annual Lecture: – 1 December 2014, Great Hall, King’s College London
The Anniversary Lecture on “The tangled tale of Britain’s block opt-out from the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Legislation (Protocol 36 of the Lisbon Treaty)” was delivered by Lord Hannay of Chiswick.
In the chair: Sir Alan Dashwood QC
UKAEL Seminar: Untying the Knot with Europe: The legal Implications of UK Withdrawal from the EU – 28 October 2014, Council Room, King’s College London
Sir Alan Dashwood QC, Henderson Chambers: The process of withdrawal from the EU would be legally complex and probably lengthy. Among the issues to be addressed would be: disengagement from EU institutions and agencies, including the position of UK personnel; vested EU rights of individuals and companies; a review of UK legislation with an EU provenance; and settling the UK’s future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world. Will the game be worth the candle?
Martin Howe QC, 8 New Square Chambers: Withdrawal mechanics under TEU Article 50; consequences and adjustments to UK domestic law; negotiation of international trade relations with EFTA, non-EU States and with the EU itself; and replacement of existing EU mechanisms with accession to existing multilateral treaties or with bilateral agreements.
In the chair: Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers; additional comments from Rhodri Thompson QC.
UKAEL/UCL Joint Seminar: An introduction to the National Rapporteurs and their FIDE Reports on EMU Governance, EU Citizenship and Public Procurement – 18 March 2014, University College London
Union Citizenship: Development, Impact and Challenges
UK Rapporteurs: Dr Thomas Horsley, University of Liverpool; Stephanie Reynolds, University of Liverpool
Public Procurement Law: Limitations, Opportunities and Paradoxes
UK Rapporteur: Brian Doherty, Northern Ireland Executive
Panel discussion on Britain & the Eurozone (FIDE topic: The Economic and Monetary Union)
UK Rapporteurs: Prof Piet Eeckhout, UCL; Dr Michael Waibel, University of Cambridge
Chaired by Sir Alan Dashwood QC (Henderson Chambers, City University, UKAEL President))
UKAEL Student Evening: EU Law in Practice – 6 March 2014, Hogan Lovells LLP
The UK Association for European Law invited students, trainee solicitors and pupil barristers to an evening of short talks on practising EU Law. This was an informal occasion to meet EU Law professionals and fellow EU Law students. Approximately 70 students attended the evening.
The Bar – David Anderson QC, Brick Court Chambers
The International Law Firm – Charles Brasted, Hogan Lovells
The Government – Daniel Denman, Cabinet Office European Law Division
Academia and Chair – Prof Andrea Biondi, King’s College London, Director Centre of European Law
EU Institutions – Lorna Armati, Legal Service, European Commission
EVENTS IN 2013
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Britain and Europe: A New Stage in an Old Debate – 9 October 2013, Edmond J Safra Lecture Theatre, King’s College London
Sir Nigel Sheinwald gave the 2013 Annual Address for the UK Association for European Law. The lecture received an enthusiastic response and was followed by an extended question and answer session.
In the chair: Sir Francis Jacobs QC, president of the UKAEL
Joint Conference UKAEL/ISEL: Current Issues in the EU: Public Procurement; The Proposed European Sales Law; Actions for Damages in Competition Law – 21 June 2013, Middle Temple
Welcome by Sir Francis Jacobs QC, King’s College London, UKAEL President
Dr Catherine Donnelly, Barrister, Blackstone Chambers and Law Library, Dublin and Associate Professor and Fellow, Trinity College Dublin: Public Procurement: Remedies in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Michael Bowsher QC, Monckton Chambers: Public Procurement: The Proposed Reform of the EU Public Procurement Rules
The Rt Hon Sir John Thomas, President of the Queen’s Bench Division, High Court of Justice, and Dr John Sorabji, Legal Secretary to the Master of the Rolls: European Sales Law: The Proposed Common European Sales Law (CESL)
Anthony M. Collins SC, Law Library, Dublin: Private Enforcement of Competition Rules: Reflections on Competition Enforcement in Ireland
The Hon Mr Justice Gerald Barling, President, Competition Appeal Tribunal: Private Enforcement of the Competition Rules in the United Kingdom: A New Impetus
Joint UKAEL/Matrix Chambers Seminar: 40 Years on: The Sovereignty Debate – 27 March 2013, RSA House
1 January 2013 marked the 40th anniversary of the first expansion of the EU and the accession of the United Kingdom. To mark this historic anniversary, the UKAEL and Matrix Chambers hosted a seminar at which leading experts in the field debated the central issues of sovereignty and the rule of law as reflected in the relationship between the UK and EU legal systems.
Sir Francis Jacobs KCMG QC, King’s College London, UKAEL President
Sir Konrad Schiemann, former UK Judge at the ECJ
Rhodri Thompson QC, Matrix Chambers
ProfTakis Tridimas, Queen Mary University of London, Matrix Chambers
Jessica Simor, Matrix Chambers
JOINT UKAEL/ Criminal Justice Centre, Queen Mary, University of LondonConference: EU Criminal Law: Current Issues – 22 February 2013, Signet Library, Edinburgh
The European Public Prosecutor, The Rt Hon Frank Mulholland QC, Lord Advocate
Developments in the exchange and admissibility of evidence in Criminal Cases in the EU, Mark Mackarel, University of Dundee
A leap in the dark? The consequences of opt-out from EU criminal justice, Murdo MacLeod QC, Compass Chambers, Edinburgh, Delegate to the CCBE Criminal Law Committee
The European Law Institute: Launch in the United Kingdom, Sir Francis Jacobs QC, King’s College London
How “fundamental” is the Charter right against double jeopardy? Patrick Layden QC, Scottish Law Commission
The European Arrest Warrant After NS and Assange, Prof Valsamis Mitsilegas, Head of the Department of Law and Director of the Criminal Justice Centre, Queen Mary University of London.
EVENTS IN 2012
UKAEL Student Evening: EU Law in Practice – 29 November 2012, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
The UKAEL welcomed 80 law students to the offices of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.
The programme consisted of short perspectives from the Bar – David Anderson QC (Brickcourt Chambers); from an International Law firm – William Robinson (Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP); from the Government – Daniel Denman (Cabinet Office European Law Division); from Academia – Prof Andrea Biondi (King’s College London); from the European Institutions – Nicholas Khan, Legal Service European Commission
Chaired by Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers, Honorary Secretary of the UKAEL
UKAEL Annual Lecture: Proportionality: The Way Ahead? – 12 November 2012, Edmond J Safra Lecture Theatre, King’s College London
The Annual Address was given by The Rt. Hon Lady Justice Mary Arden.
UKAEL Seminar: Competition Law and Fundamental Rights – 20 June 2012, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Chaired by Prof Richard Whish, King’s College London
EU law and fundamental rights – current status (background and update), Aiden O’Neill QC, Matrix Chambers
Remedies for fundamental rights breaches in the EU and competition cases, Tim Ward QC, Monckton Chambers
Fundamental rights arguments in competition cases, Dr Martin Klusmann, Freshfields, Dusseldorf
UKAEL Seminar: An Evening with the UK FIDE rapporteurs – 20 March 2012, Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
The UKAEL held an evening seminar to introduce the UK rapporteurs and their reports for the biennial FIDE Congress in Tallinn.
UKAEL Seminar: Challenging Contract Award Decisions: Recent Developments in Public Procurement Law – 25 January 2012, River Room, King’s College London
Topics covered included: Recent cases on interim remedies against contract award decisions; The developing law on applications to lift the automatic stay; The Commission’s draft proposal for a Directive on service concessions (COM(2011) 897 final); The implications of extending the Remedies Directive to awards of service concessions.
Speakers included Philip Moser, Monckton Chambers, and Denis Edwards, Francis Taylor Building. In the chair: Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers, Hon Secretary of the UKAEL.
EVENTS IN 2011
UKAEL Student Evening: EU Law in Practice – 10 November 2011, Slaughter and May
90 students enjoyed an evening of short talks by our hosts and UKAEL committee members on practising EU Law. The FIDE essay prize competition was launched during this event.
UKAEL Annual Lecture: The Composition of the European Court of Justice – 19 October 2011, Edmond J Safra Lecture Theatre, King’s College London
The Annual Lecture was given by Lord Mance, Justice of the Supreme Court.
In the chair: Sir Francis Jacobs QC, President of the UKAEL
Joint UKAEL/Welsh Government Conference: EU Law and the Land – 22 September 2011, Swalec Stadium, Cardiff
UKAEL’s first conference in Wales with sessions on agricultural and environmental law and EU Law. With expert speakers from the Bar, Academia, the Welsh government and the European Commission. The event was chaired by Clive Lewis QC, First Counsel of the Welsh Government and Graham Waters of Civitas Law.
UKAEL Conference: Fundamental Rights within the EU: Fundamental Problems? – 24 June 2011, Goodenough College, London
Chaired by UKAEL Hon Secretary Prof Philippa Watson.
Speakers included Prof Christiaan Timmermans, former Judge at the Court of Justice of the European Union; Tim Eicke QC, Essex Court Chambers; Ian Forrester QC, White & Case, Brussels; Aidan Robertson QC, Brick Court Chambers; Peter Oliver, Legal Service, Europan Commission; and Prof Piet Eeckhout, King’s College London.
Joint UKAEL / School of Law at the University of Glasgow Workshop: EU criminal law and the UK: Where do Rights Come in? – 13th May 2011
This one- day workshop brought together a range of academics and practitioners to explore where and how rights fit into the application of EU criminal law in the UK. In addition to offering a useful account of the post Lisbon landscape this workshop offered practical perspectives on the application of the European Arrest Warrant and an account of how rights in the criminal law field were being developed at both EU and ECHR levels.
UKAEL Seminar: Gender Equality, The Charter of Fundamental Rights & Insurance Premiums and Benefits: Case C-236/09 – 5 April 2011, King’s College London
On 1 March the ECJ decided in case C-236/09, Association Belge des Consommateurs Test-Achats ASBL and Others v Conseil des Ministres, that taking the gender of the insured individual into account when determining insurance premiums and benefits was, in principle, discriminatory and contrary to EU law. It declared the relevant derogation in Directive 2004/13 to be invalid and relied, in part, on the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in reaching that conclusion. The UKAEL held an evening seminar to discuss the implications of the case, including the development of the principle of equality, particularly in the insurance industry, the role of the Charter, and the role of the ECJ.
Chaired by Prof Philippa Watson, Essex Court Chambers.
Speakers included: Daniel Beard QC, Monckton Chambers; Prof Aileen McColgan, Matrix Chambers; Charles Raikes, Legal Adviser at the Government Equalities Office
UKAEL 