ACL Annual Manchester Costs Conference – a flagship event designed to bring clarity, practical insight, and forward‑looking discussion to a profession navigating rapid and far‑reaching change.
The costs landscape has always evolved, but the pace and complexity of recent developments have been remarkable. From shifts in judicial approach to the continued refinement of fixed recoverable costs, from the growing expectations around budgeting to the ongoing modernisation of the civil justice system, practitioners are facing new demands that require both precision and adaptability. The conference is crafted to meet those demands head‑on.
This year’s programme brings together leading judges, experts, and practitioners to explore the issues shaping our work in 2026 and beyond. Whether you are grappling with proportionality, preparing for points of principle, advising clients on costs and associated risk, or simply seeking to stay ahead of procedural and regulatory change, the sessions are designed to offer both authoritative guidance and practical tools you can apply immediately.
As Chair of the Association of Costs Lawyers, I hear daily about the pressures facing our profession. Yet I am continually struck by the resilience and commitment to excellence that costs lawyers and professionals bring to their work. The ACL Conference is an opportunity to strengthen that collective expertise – to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and engage with the complexity of a system that continues to evolve.
I encourage you to join us for what promises to be an engaging, insightful, and energising event. Your participation not only enriches the conversation but strengthens the profession as a whole.
We look forward to welcoming you.
David Bailey-Vella
We are delighted to welcome to Manchester the eminent Professor Dominic Regan as Keynote speaker, supported by a host of distinguished Counsel, Costs Lawyer and Judiciary speakers backed up with a selection of breakout sessions.
Confirmed conference speakers are:
- Professor Dominic Regan
- Costs Judge Nagalingam
- Martyn Griffiths – Gatehouse Chambers
- Sean Linley – Carter Burnett
- John Meehan – Kings Chambers
- Sarah Jane Lewis – Peak Costs
- Simon Browne KC – 12 King’s Bench Walk
- to be confirmed
We are pleased to continue the inclusion of a choice of breakout sessions:
- Judicial Q&A with DJ Lumb and Kevin Latham
- ACL Special Interest Group – Fixed Recoverable Costs with James Miller of 18 St John Chambers
- to be confirmed
Take advantage of our connections and community by networking with colleagues old and new over post conference drinks and canapes.
Timings, speakers and topics may be subject to change. All photographs taken during the event remain the property of ACL and may be used in Marketing material both print and online. Newly Qualified ticket rate applies to ACLT Students qualifying within the last 12 months. Early Bird rate ends 22/04/26.
