In light of the Legal Blogging Pilot implemented through PD36J, The Transparency Project has developed a CPD workshop for lawyers interested in brushing up their ‘transparency’ knowledge – whether with a view to taking part in the scheme themselves, or so they feel better prepared for responding to attendances by legal bloggers or journalists in cases where they are instructed. We know that for most advocates the attendance of a journalist at hearings is a rare event, and often catches people by surprise. Even more so where legal bloggers are concerned. What is the law and procedure? How should you advise your client, and how should you respond to any application these reporters might make? 

Whilst we are keen to encourage lawyers to become aware of and involved in the legal blogging pilot, the purpose of the event is wider than that – to inform and advise on what restrictions on publication would apply or how the pilot scheme operates in the event that a legal blogger attends court.

Our aim is to assist advocates to best serve the interests of their clients whether parent, child or local authority. We’d also like to take the opportunity to gather any feedback from participants on the issues that may be emerging from the pilot scheme and their experiences of it or worries about it.

We initially ran this workshop in January at Gresham College, and in light of positive feedback are re-running it in Bristol on 15 May 2019.

For more information and to book tickets see our Events page.

We are grateful for the kind sponsorship of Bloomsbury Professional Family Law and the support of St John’s Chambers, who are hosting the Bristol workshop. Without their support this event would not be possible.

Feature pic : she is a pilot by Alexander on Flickr (creative commons license – thanks!)