Contract - the Virtual Summer Series 2025

Our new online conference will consider some of the most important current developments which have an impact on you and the advice you provide to your clients, with topics ranging from the impact of AI on Scots contract law and modern drafting techniques to the new Procurement Act, IP licensing and an update on some key differences between Scots Law and English Law.

Chaired by Alastair Dunn of BTO, the conference will include contributions from Colin Miller of Burness Paull, Steven Kennedy from the Student Loans Company, Lynn Richmond of BTO, Alan Stalker of Young & Partners, Ross Taylor from Gillespie Macandrew and Megan Dewart of Axiom Advocates.

What's being covered?

The impact of AI on Scots contract law – drafting, formation and enforcement

This session will consider the pros and cons of using AI in contract drafting and formation, the legislative and regulatory landscape and the challenges and opportunities which arise during the lifecyle of a contract created or administered using AI.

Lynn Richmond, BTO

IP licensing - key considerations and potential pitfalls

The careful consideration of intellectual property rights is essential for many clients. This session will look at some of the most important contractual aspects of IP licensing and indicate where particular care should be taken by those advising licensors and licensees.

Colin Miller, Burness Paull

Construction cases - the latest developments

A review of the significant cases in the last twelve months, commenting on any trends.

Ross Taylor, Gillespie Macandrew

The impact of the new Procurement Act

The Procurement Act 2023 came into force earlier this year. This timely session will consider the implications for you and your clients, as well as its likely impact.

Steven Kennedy, Student Loans Company

Drafting tips and tricks, common problems and how to avoid them

Areas in commercial contracts where poor drafting can cause significant issues will be considered with reference to a number of practical examples and relevant case law. Specifically, the session will look at how the courts deal with inaccurate or inconsistent drafting and how they go about interpreting provisions such as notice periods, the transfer of intellectual property and exclusion clauses.

Alastair Dunn, BTO

Contract caselaw update

A review of some of the most important contract law cases recently decided and the possible implications of those decisions for your advice.

Megan Dewart, Axiom Advocates

English law – how different is it really?

We’ll look at three big things to have in mind when we’re straying south. The differences in execution (electronic and paper) matter, and not only when we’re registering deeds and documents. The need for consideration and/or acceptance matters too, and sometimes fundamentally. And remedies are sometimes similar, but based on a wholly different footing.

Alan Stalker, Young & Partners