Reimagining Family Justice 2026

Law, Evidence and Human Impact

Thursday 24th September | INNSiDE Liverpool

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Be Part of the Conversation

“Bringing together KCs, leading practitioners and specialist experts, this year’s conference builds on last year’s discussions to examine how family justice operates in law, in evidence, and in real lives.”

- Lisa Edmunds, CEO of Unit Chambers & Senior Barrister

A full day conference exploring practice, evidence and lived experience in family justice.

Unit Chambers is pleased to host its annual Family Law Conference, Reimagining Family Justice 2026: Law, Evidence and Human Impact, proudly supported by DNA Legal as Title Sponsor.

The conference brings together leading King’s Counsel, practitioners and specialist contributors to examine the key developments shaping family justice today.

This year’s programme focuses on the intersection of law, evidence and human impact, considering how decisions are made in practice and what those decisions mean for the families and individuals affected by the system.

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Conference Highlights

Family justice is shaped not only by legislation and procedure, but by the evidence before the courts and the lived experiences behind every case.

Reimagining Family Justice 2026 brings together legal professionals, experts and voices with lived experience to explore the realities of the system today, and the challenges shaping its future.

Across the day, we will examine how family justice is responding to increasing complexity, evolving technology, and growing expectations around transparency, fairness and participation.

  • Topics explored throughout the day will include:

    • Domestic Abuse in 2026: Law, Evidence and Practice Update

    • Family Justice in the Public Eye

    • AI in Family Law Practice: Opportunities, Risks and Ethical Boundaries

    • The Future of DNA Evidence in Family Proceedings

    • Post-Adoption Contact

    • Child-Focused Courts

    • Lived Experience of the Care System

    • A full-day in-person conference with leading speakers in family law

    • Complimentary buffet lunch

    • Refreshments served throughout the day

    • Interactive discussions and audience Q&A sessions

    • Opportunities to network with speakers, exhibitors and colleagues from across the sector

    • Post-event drinks and networking

    • CPD-relevant learning for family law professionals

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Speakers Shaping the Future of Family Law

  • Lisa Edmunds

    CEO of Unit Chambers and Senior Barrister

  • Emily Henshaw

    Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers

  • James Woods

    Pupil Barrister at Unit Chambers

  • Lara Webber

    Pupil Barrister at Unit Chambers

  • Elizabeth Isaacs KC

    Door Tenant at Unit Chambers

  • Ashley John-Baptiste

    BBC broadcast journalist and presenter

  • Professor Katie Atkinson

    Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainability Research at the University of Liverpool.

  • Bianca Castro

    Courts Editor at The Law Society

In Association with DNA Legal

  • LexisNexis

    Official Partner

  • Communicourt

    Official Partner

  • Alder Hey Children's Hospital

    Charity Partner

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Early bird tickets will be released on the 15th July at 10am and will be available for a limited time. Standard tickets will follow once early bird ends.

  • The event will take place at INNSiDE by Meliá, 43 Old Hall St, Liverpool, L3 9PP.

  • No, this is an in-person only event and will not be recorded or live streamed. This is intended as a fully in-person experience to support discussion, engagement and networking throughout the day.

  • Your ticket includes full access to all sessions, lunch and refreshments, printed resources, and post-event materials.

  • Yes. The conference is designed for practitioners across the full spectrum of family law, including public and private law children work. Sessions are practical, relevant and thought-provoking for anyone working in modern family justice.

  • Yes, this event will count towards CPD hours. Attendance can be included as part of your continuing professional development, reflecting the learning delivered throughout the day.

  • Barristers, solicitors, judges, social workers, guardians, Cafcass professionals, law students and legal academics working in family law.

  • Yes – we are committed to ensuring the venue and materials are fully accessible. Please let us know your requirements during registration.

  • Feel free to email our events manager at laurenstatham@unit.law and we’ll get back to you promptly.

  • We’ll be announcing our headline speakers and agenda highlights in the coming weeks.

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