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Northern Ireland
Annual Review of Employment Law 2026
Thursday, 05 November 2026
09:00 - 16:30 ( 7 hours 30 mins )
Hybrid
Northern Ireland’s leading employment law conference for HR professionals. Get clear, expert guidance on the latest legal developments, hear from trusted speakers including Jason Elliott BL, and leave fully prepared for the changes ahead.

Choose your booking option:

In Person Early bird
£515.00 + VAT
Virtual Early bird
£415.00 + VAT
Looking for Charity or Small Business rates? View all pricing options
NI AREL 2026
Event details
About the event
-
Full Day Conference Duration
5th November 9:00am - 4:30pm
Hybrid Crowne Plaza Belfast and Online
£515.00 + VAT Early bird ends 10th September 2026 at 5:00pm. Standard rate: £565.00 + VAT Charity and Small Business rate also available
Sponsored By
Overview

Northern Ireland’s leading employment law conference for HR professionals. 

Join hundreds of HR professionals at our annual conference as we provide you with clear, expert guidance on the latest legal developments in the Northern Ireland workplace. Hear from trusted speakers, including Jason Elliott BL, Seamus McGranaghan, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors, Avril Alexander, LRA and other leading voices, and leave fully prepared for the changes ahead. 

Attend in person at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast or live online!

 

What you get

  • A complete update on employment law and HR developments in Northern Ireland, all in one day
  • Diverse sessions across a twin-track programme, so you can prioritise what matters most
  • Practical, jargon-free guidance from leading employment law and HR experts
  • Full access to session recordings, slides, and notes after the event
  • A comprehensive digital delegate pack to support ongoing learning
  • Opportunities to connect with HR and legal professionals across Northern Ireland

 

Why this conference matters

Employment law in Northern Ireland is constantly evolving, and even small changes can affect how you manage people and make decisions. 

The challenge is knowing what matters and what action to take.

The Annual Review brings together the key developments from the past year and explains them clearly, with a focus on real workplace impact, delivered by trusted experts, including Jason Elliott BL and other leading voices.

You will leave with a better understanding of what has changed and the confidence to respond appropriately in your role.

 

Who this event is for

  • HR professionals at all levels
  • Business owners and senior leaders
  • In-house legal teams
  • Anyone responsible for managing people or advising on employment issues

 

Hear from Mark McAllister, Chief Executive, Labour Relations Agency
 

I find that professionals have built it into their calendar every year, and sometimes forgo other courses and conferences to go to the Annual Review because it is a one-stop shop for HR practitioners, employment lawyers, trade union officials, consultants, and CIPD members.

It has now become so well established that it is a go-to event, and the Labour Relations Agency has always been very happy to be present at it because we deal with so many inquiries every year with regard to issues surrounding employment law and employment relationships. So, it's very important for us to be able to connect with the audience that attends Legal Island's Annual Review every year.

From a practitioner's perspective, it is the event to go to.

 

Secure your place today

Join Northern Ireland’s leading employment law conference and make sure you are fully prepared for the year ahead. This event sells out each year, with limited in-person places and early bird rates available.

 

Previous attendees include...
Programme

First sessions announced!

Take a look at the first of our confirmed sessions for this year's Annual Review of Employment Law. More to be confirmed soon.
Time
Session
NI Employment Law 2026: The Year in Review

A review of the key changes, standout issues and emerging trends shaping employment law in Northern Ireland in the last year. 

Avril Alexander, Knowledge Manager, Labour Relations Agency 
Avril Alexander
Avril Alexander Employment Relations Manager, Labour Relations Agency
What’s Next for NI Employment Law

A forward look at the developments set to shape Northern Ireland employment law in 2027. 

Speaker to be confirmed.
Top NI Employment Cases of 2026: What Matters for HR

Expect clear explanations, practical implications and the key lessons every employer should take into the year ahead. 

Jason Elliott BL, Barrister and Deputy Head of School of Law, Ulster University. 
Jason elliott new
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Associate Head of School of Law, Ulster University
AI-Generated Employment Complaints: Resolve or Fight?

How Grievances Invented by Technology (GITs) are changing workplace disputes, and how employers should respond. 

Gareth Walls, Partner A&L Goodbody LLP and Scott Alexander, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus 
Scott2024
Scott Alexander Mediator and more, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
Gareth walls 2022
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group, A&L Goodbody
Gender Pay Gap Reporting & Pay Transparency: Why Waiting Isn’t a Strategy

Gender pay gap reporting is coming to Northern Ireland, and alongside it, the growing influence of the EU Pay Transparency Directive. The direction of travel is clear, even if the timetable is not. This session looks at what lies ahead and why forward-thinking HR teams are acting now. 

David Lorimer, Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP 
David Lorimer
David Lorimer Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
Bullying & Harassment: You Make the Call

Step into the decision-maker's role in this interactive, case‑led session. 

 Seamus McGranaghan, Director, O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors 
Seamus mcgranaghan 2021
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Grit Under Pressure

This session will look at how to strengthen the mindset needed to lead through challenge and uncertainty when the stakes are high. 

Paula Milligan, Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners 
Paula Milligan Dynamic Partners
Paula Milligan Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners
Testimonials

Feedback that speaks volumes...

Here's what previous attendees of the Annual Review of Employment Law had to say:
"Content was exactly what I needed in this very moment. Lunch was great for networking. Organisation was impeccable. Nice touch to offer fruit – didn’t get any but appreciated it. Also loved that this was a zero waste event. Well done."
Katrina Deas General Manager, Tara Centre
"It was extremely well organised and the presentations were pitched perfectly. I found it a very useful overview of the developments in employment law over the last 12 months, with informed insight into what to expect in the next 12."
Suzanne McKeown Legal Officer, Equality Commission for NI
"An established, well-run and informative event, with plenty of event staff available. Sessions ran on and kept to time, with an excellent range of topics and speakers. I really liked that the digital materials and speakers’ slides/notes were immediately available."
Adele Davidson Diversity Inclusion & Staff Wellbeing Manager, Queen's University Belfast
"Once again an excellently put together event. Kudos to the LI team for making it all run so smoothly. [Lots of] relevant topics and engaging presenters."
Robert Magee HR Manager, Oxfam Ireland
"Another excellent Annual Review of Employment Law. Wouldn’t miss it, look forward to it every year! I recommend Legal Island to all of my HR colleagues."
Jacqui Dornan Group HR Manager, Hinch Distillery
"Very well run event, and very interesting topics. I feel like I learned a lot."
Jennifer Connolly Solicitor, SDM Solicitors
"This event is a great "one-stop shop" for the "HR family" to get together and access experts who have knowledge, experience and vision that they present in a way that is meaningful and beneficial."
Ashley Stewart Director, Liberty HR
"I enjoyed the in-person element, the chance to come together with other HR professionals, and I enjoy listening to the expertise of the speakers."
Rosalyn Jones HR Manager, Victims and Survivors Service
Presenters
Explore the presenters on the day
Avril Alexander Employment Relations Manager, Labour Relations Agency
Avril Alexander Employment Relations Manager, Labour Relations Agency
Avril Alexander

Avril Alexander has worked for the Labour Relations Agency for over 38 years.  Avril has held several operational roles in the Agency, including the Workplace Information Service, working as a Conciliation Officer dealing with individual employment disputes and as an Employment Relations Manager where she was a team lead for the conciliation services.  Avril has recently moved into the role of Knowledge Manager.  She is a member of the CIPD and is a qualified and experienced mediator and collective conciliator dealing with trade disputes.
Scott Alexander Mediator and more, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
Scott Alexander Mediator and more, Scott Alexander Mediation Plus
Scott2024
LinkedIn

With a career in employment relations and employment law dating back to 1986, Scott has accumulated a wealth of experience in workplace dispute resolution and prevention. In recent years, he has chosen to focus on what he regards as the most effective form of alternative dispute resolution - mediation. Believing strongly in its potential to rebuild broken relationships, Scott views mediation at its best as a transformational, rather than a merely transactional, process.


Scott also offers complementary services that draw on the same interpersonal skill set, including mentoring, coaching, training and facilitation. His overarching goal is to contribute to making the world of work a more supportive and empowering environment for all - boosting confidence, encouraging positive feedback, and helping individuals and organisations thrive.
 
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Associate Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Jason Elliott BL Barrister & Associate Head of School of Law, Ulster University
Jason elliott new
LinkedIn

Jason Elliott was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2013 and is the Associate Head of School of Law at Ulster University.  As a practising barrister, he has developed a largely civil practice representing individuals, companies and public bodies in litigation. This covers a wide range of areas including personal injuries, wills and employment law. In terms of employment law, he has represented both applicants and respondents in the Industrial Tribunal.   At Ulster University, Jason lectures extensively on the civil areas of practise such as Equity and Trusts and delivers employment law lectures for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
David Lorimer Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
David Lorimer Partner, Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP
David Lorimer

David co-leads Lewis Silkin’s Pay Transparency Directive practice, as part of which he supports clients to understand and take tangible steps to prepare for the PTD’s obligations - from helping to work through the complexities of 'categorisation', through modelling (and testing reasons for) gaps, to supporting on preparing for transparency measures. Much of his work involves helping clients to navigate regulatory or reputational challenges, including international matters related to data protection, pay equity, TUPE, DE&I and more, supporting clients across a wide range of industry sectors.
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Seamus McGranaghan Director – Commercial, Education, Employment & Licensing, O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors
Seamus mcgranaghan 2021
LinkedIn

Seamus McGranaghan qualified as a Solicitor in O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors in 2003 and is an experienced Commercial Lawyer dealing with employment, commercial and education cases.

He has experience in the Industrial Tribunal representing both Claimants and Respondents and has provided seminars in relation to particular areas of employment law. Seamus is the only member of the Education and Law Association in Northern Ireland. He specialises in advising schools and colleges on policy matters, employment issues and student welfare. He is also responsible for the Education Law Quarterly Review.

In addition to having contributed at Legal Island’s Education Updates since 2010, Seamus in association with Legal Island provides a live “Employment Law @ 11” webinar on the first Friday of each month, dealing with all aspects of Employment law affecting Northern Irish employers. 
Paula Milligan Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners
Paula Milligan Senior Partner, Dynamic Partners
Paula Milligan Dynamic Partners

Paula is a Leadership expert, Coach and Facilitator. The complex and ever-changing dynamics in the world of work requires a dynamic response. Paula is the natural “Trust” builder within the Dynamic Partners team and is known for soothing tensions between the tribes. Paula creates strategies for solving fundamental organisational problems by finding solutions through a collective understanding of individuals’ strengths and allowing for the right conversations to be had.
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group, A&L Goodbody
Gareth Walls Partner & Head of Employment and Incentives Group, A&L Goodbody
Gareth walls 2022

Gareth Walls is a Partner and Head of the A&L Goodbody's Employment group in Belfast. Gareth represents a number of local, national and international brands in business support, strategic workforce planning and high-profile tribunal matters. He also has significant experience advising stakeholders on complex redundancy, re-structuring and TUPE issues. Gareth is an accomplished commercial litigator with particular emphasis on procurement challenges and injunctive relief in the Employment context, as well as being a sought-after speaker on Employment issues in Northern Ireland.
Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing...

Keeping up with fast-changing employment law can mean hours of research, costly briefings, or expensive external advice. That’s why so many HR professionals choose our Annual Review: one focused day of expert-led insights, covering everything that matters, at a fraction of the cost.

Booking is simple. Select how you would like to attend, follow the checkout process, and choose to pay by card or request an invoice at the payment page.

Discount available for group bookings of 5+. Please contact louise@legal-island.com
In Person
Early bird offer
£515.00 + VAT Standard Rate: £565.00 + VAT Early bird ends 10th September 2026 at 5:00pm
Early bird offer ends in:
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Virtual
Early bird offer
£415.00 + VAT Standard Rate: £465.00 + VAT Early bird ends 10th September 2026 at 5:00pm
Early bird offer ends in:
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More Charity & Small Business pricing
In Person Standard Rate: £465.00 + VAT Early Bird: £415.00 + VAT (Ends 10th September 2026 at 5:00pm)
More Charity & Small Business pricing
Online Standard Rate: £365.00 + VAT Early Bird: £315.00 + VAT (Ends 10th September 2026 at 5:00pm)