APIL Abuse Conference 2026

An unmissable day of expert insight, practical learning, and meaningful networking for abuse lawyers

Date Friday, 19 June 2026

Attendance In-person or virtual

Venue Marriott Marble Arch Hotel in London

Abuse Conference Highlights

Designed for practitioners working on abuse and safeguarding claims, APIL’s 18th Annual Abuse Conference delivers authoritative legal insight, practical guidance, and expert analysis to support the effective handling of complex abuse cases. The conference returns to the prestigious Marriott Marble Arch Hotel in London, in partnership with ACAL.

Leading practitioners and subject-matter experts will present a carefully curated programme exploring key developments, emerging challenges, and best practice in abuse law.

What to expect

APIL’s flagship conference for professionals specialising in abuse law
Expert-led sessions offering practical insight into current legal issues and case strategy
A high-quality programme designed to strengthen knowledge and professional confidence
Flexible attendance, with in-person and virtual options via the APIL app, plus six months’ on-demand access
Valuable networking opportunities with peers working in abuse and safeguarding claims

Topics covered:

Keynote address from the Gisele Pellicot lawyers
Law reform and enquiries
Bringing cases against abusers in person - practical tips and enforcement
Fixed Recoverable Costs
The impact of abuse on education
Online and image-based abuse including coercive control
Legal and case law update

Book your place at the APIL Abuse Conference 2026

In-person places are limited - early booking advised

Abuse Flagship Conference

Programme

9:00am – 9:30am	Registration and refreshments
9:30am – 9:35am	Welcome to the conference Morning Chair: Kim Harrison, APIL Past President, Slater + Gordon Lawyers, Manchester
9:35am – 10:15am	Keynote address Speakers: Antoine Camus and Stephane Babonneau, Gisele Pellicot lawyers
10:15am – 11:15am	Law reform and enquiries Speakers: Richard Scorer, Slater + Gordon Lawyers, Manchester Malcolm Johnson, Lime Solicitors, London
11:15am – 11:45am	Refreshment break
11:45am – 12:30pm	Bringing cases against abusers in person - practical tips and enforcement ??? Speakers: Abbie Hickson, Senior Associate, Bolt Burdon Kemp, London Sam Edwards, Costs Lawyer, Bolt Burdon Kemp, London
12:30pm – 1:00pm	Fixed Recoverable Costs Speaker: John McQuater APIL Executive Committee member, Switalskis Solicitors, Doncaster
1:00pm – 2:00pm	Lunch break
2:00pm – 2:05pm	Welcome back Afternoon Chair: Richard Sweetman, Joint Abuse SIG Coordinator, Irwin Mitchell LLP
2:05pm – 2:50pm	The impact of abuse on education Speaker: Dr Irene Broadley-Westerduin, Chartered and Educational Psychologist
2:50pm – 3:10pm	Refreshment break
3:10pm – 3:55pm	Online and image-based abuse Speaker: Nina Ross, 12KBW, London
3:55pm – 4:40pm	Legal update Speaker: Justin Levinson, 1 COR, London
4:40pm – 4:45pm	Closing comments Speaker: Richard Sweetman, Joint Abuse SIG Coordinator, Irwin Mitchell LLP
4:45pm	Close of conference

SPEAKERS

Dr Irene Broadley-Westerduin

Sam Edwards

Kim Harrison

Abigail Hickson

Malcolm Johnson

Justin Levinson

View all speakers

PRICES

In-person

From £360 + VAT

Virtual

From £360 + VAT

Book now

TESTIMONIALS

"Couldn't choose most enjoyable session - all of them excellent! I think this was one of the best conferences for the last few years."
2024 delegate

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Hear from the planning committee:

Richard Sweetman

"I am really pleased to say that the Abuse Conference 2025 agenda is once again packed with a diverse range of speakers, who are all expertly knowledgeable in their fields of specialism. I am really looking forward to the mixture of both legal and practical updates, as well sessions focussing on client care, which I hope will assist delegates in continuing to provide boundary pushing legal expertise and support to all of our clients. For those attending in person, it is always such a great opportunity to catch up and network with other practitioners in this area of law!"

Richard Sweetman, Joint Coordinator of APIL’s Abuse SIG, Irwin Mitchell LLP, Birmingham