Lecture, Barnard's Inn Hall, Monday, 15 Jun 2026 - 18:00

There must be a better way: thoughts on the future of Family Law

Barrister's wig sitting on old desk

This is the Annual Gray's Inn Reading 2026.

The lecture will be delivered within three months of Sir Andrew McFarlane’s retirement after 21 years on the Family Bench. Whilst the phrase ‘un-plugged’ may not be appropriate, it is anticipated that the lecturer will no longer feel restrained by judicial caution when commenting upon the future development of Family Justice. In addition to a focus on the future of adoption law and the need for significant reform in relation to the financial rights of cohabitants, the lecturer will use a perspective gained from 8 years as the judicial Head of Family Justice to offer suggestions for reform of the system itself.

The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane

The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane

Andrew McFarlane was called to the Bar in 1977 and practiced in chambers in Birmingham until 1993 when he moved to specialist family law chambers...

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