POSTPONED
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Sports Law Conference 2025 will not be taking place as scheduled on Friday 14 November 2025.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely apologise for any disruption.
We remain committed to delivering this important event in the future and are actively working to reschedule it as part of the future Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
Thank you for your understanding and your continued support.
Time: 9:15 – 15:00
Location: Law Society House, Belfast
The Law Society of Northern Ireland, in partnership with the NI Sports Forum, is proud to present the Sports Law Conference 2025, a premier event exploring the evolving legal and ethical responsibilities in sport. Taking place at Law Society House, Belfast, this CPD-accredited event offers 5 hours of Group Study CPD, tailored for legal professionals working in or alongside the sports sector.
This year’s theme, “Duty of Care in Sport,” will be explored through keynote presentations and expert panels featuring leading voices in sports law, safeguarding, and athlete welfare.
New for 2025, the conference introduces two key and timely developments in safeguarding:
· Paul Stephenson (NSPCC / Child Protection in Sport Unit) will address the rise in online safeguarding risks and their impact on sport, a growing concern for organisations and practitioners.
· Marcella Leonard MBE, a leading safeguarding specialist, will explore safeguarding adults in sport through trauma-informed approaches to domestic abuse and organisational responsibility, highlighting the evolving duty of care across all levels of sport.
In addition:
· Dr Mick Molloy and Dr David Irwin will lead a session on concussion protocols in sport, drawing on the latest work from the Trinity Research Group’s TRADA Programme. This internationally recognised initiative, driven by Dr Molloy – former Irish Rugby International, member of the IRB Medical Advisory Committee, and the IRB’s first ever medical officer -emphasises the development of cohesive concussion guidelines across all sporting codes. It opens the conversation to all stakeholders and leads a training network for the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and legal professionals on how society addresses the long-term impact of concussion.
· Uniquely, every year since the first annual conference in 2012, Keith McGarry and Professor Jack Anderson expertly provide key updates on current sports law on the local and global stage.
Confirmed speakers also include:
· Colin Michell – President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland
Panel discussions will feature representatives from Ulster GAA, Women’s Aid, and the NSPCC, making this a must-attend event for sports administrators, coaches, legal professionals, and policymakers.
Why attend?
Last year’s conference received outstanding feedback, with every attendee recommending it to a colleague and sessions rated an average of 4.7 out of 5. This year builds on that success with a packed day of learning, discussion, and networking.
Tickets are £120 + VAT and can be booked using the booking link below:
2025 Agenda:
Get to know this years speakers:
