An upcoming conference hosted by the Bermuda Bar Association is an event not to be missed, organisers said.

One of England’s most highly regarded barristers, Lord David Pannick, KC, is to deliver a keynote speech at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Friday.

The advocate practises across a range of areas, with an emphasis on public law, human rights and constitutional law. Additionally, he specialises in appellate advocacy in most areas.

Over the past 30 years, Lord Pannick has been involved in a number of high profile public law cases in Britain.

Clients have included the Queen, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Manchester City Football Club.

Mr Johnson was an opponent in 2019 after the former prime minister tried to suspend Parliament in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock.

Lord Pannick acted for Gina Miller in the Supreme Court when the Court held, by 11-0, that the former PM had unlawfully ended Parliament and so it was recalled the next day.

A year earlier, Lord Pannick successfully represented OutBermuda in the Court of Appeal, which gave a judgment allowing same-sex marriages to take place again.

However, he was on the losing side in 2022 when judges at the island’s highest court of appeal found that legislation banning same-sex marriage was not unconstitutional.

Jeff Elkinson, a local lawyer, has assisted in organising the biennial conference.

He said: “If you look at the programme, it’s a fantastic array of people with knowledge that they’re willing to share.

“We will have the presence of one of England’s greatest advocates in Lord Pannick.

“Anyone who does not go is really going to miss out. We have 148 signed up already.”

Mr Elkinson added: “We will be able to share a breakfast together and have lunch, coffee and tea.

“It’s going to be quite a day, full of networking, learning and enjoyment.”

Keith Robinson, the president of the Bermuda Bar Association, will offer an introduction to attendees along with Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, before Deputy Governor Dave Morgan gives an address.

The keynote talk is titled “The fundamentals of legal excellence: What every lawyer aspires to”.

Lord Pannick will then take part in various panel discussions that will continue throughout the day. Sessions will be moderated by Dwayne Caines and Wayne Caines.

The event will conclude with a young lawyers’ round table session.