The Art of Advocacy | Cumberland School of Law

Cumberland School of Law's international CLE conference, The Art of Advocacy, enhances lawyers’ persuasive advocacy skills while incorporating global perspectives. This immersive international continuing legal education seminar features legal experts from across the globe.

The Art of Advocacy

Persuasive Advocacy. Global Perspectives.

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Cumberland School of Law’s international CLE conference, The Art of Advocacy, enhances lawyers’ persuasive advocacy skills while incorporating global perspectives.

This immersive international continuing legal education seminar features legal experts from across the globe. The 2026 event, held at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 28-30, 2026, will focus on advocacy in the age of A.I.

Why Attend?

Enhance and hone your persuasive advocacy skills in an international setting
Secure 12 CLE hours, including one ethics hour, from Alabama, New York, Mississippi and other jurisdictions. Attorneys admitted in mandatory CLE states who wish to use this course toward fulfilling the state’s mandatory CLE requirement should complete a Uniform Certificate of Attendance available at the registration table on the day of the seminar and self-report to their respective state bar association.
Take in Edinburgh’s history and culture such as the majestic St. Giles Cathedral, The Royal Mile that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s royal yacht, Britannia.
Launch your own excursion from Edinburgh to explore the U.K. or continental Europe and beyond.

Who Can Benefit?

Attorneys from the United States and across the globe will benefit from this event. In addition to expanding your global professional network, attendees can integrate international speakers’ perspectives into your practices, wherever you call home. By fostering international connections, professionals can expand their network, worldviews and become more prepared for the increasingly global legal market.

Your participation also benefits Cumberland School of Law students, as proceeds from the conference support international programming and future scholarships.

Speakers

Confirmation of speakers for the 2026 event is underway—they will be announced as they are confirmed. Just a few of our past speakers have included:

Judge, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
President, Supreme Court of Iceland
Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel for Europe, Ecobat
Barrister, Millennium Chambers, London

Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships at various levels are available if you want to bring more than one person from your office or firm.

More Sponsorship Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to attend?

The cost to attend is $995 until April 15, 2026 ($1,250 after), including a $500 non-refundable registration fee.

What do the proceeds from this event support?

Proceeds from the event support international programming for Cumberland School of Law students.

What does the fee include?

The fee includes CLE credits for 12 hours (including 1 hour of ethics), opening dinner with a bagpiper and private showing of the Scottish Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle, and breakfast and lunch at the Balmoral Hotel during the sessions.

Where should I stay while in Edinburgh?

Attendees will book their accommodations directly as they choose. You may book directly with the Balmoral Hotel, however they do not offer a block of rooms at a discount. Within a block or a few of the Balmoral Hotel are hotels such as RadissonBlu, The Scotsman Hotel, W Edinburgh (Marriott), Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, The Caledonian by Hilton (formerly the Waldorf-Astoria) and the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh. There are also Air BNB and other direct rentals available.

Should I fly into the Edinburgh airport?

There are many flight options. Attendees in the past have flown into London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Trains from London to Edinburgh are approximately 4 hours. Trains from Glasgow to Edinburgh are approximately 45 minutes. You can taxi or Uber/rideshare are available from the Edinburgh airport into the city of Edinburgh which take about 30 minutes. There are direct flights into Edinburgh from Boston, New York, Dulles, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando and Philadelphia.

Should I use a travel agent?

It depends on your plans before and after the conference. Some of our past attendees have used travel agents to plan their time around the event while others planned it themselves. If you are a tennis fan, you could head to London after the event to take in Wimbledon, or golf enthusiasts can head to St. Andrews and play the Old Course. You can also explore the Highlands and hike the West Highland Way. Not to mention, there are many flights to Ireland and mainland Europe if you want to explore there, too.

What are the new visa requirements?

All U.S. citizens are required to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before entering the U.K. The cost is 10 GBP.

Additionally, if you plan to travel to continental Europe, U.S. citizens are now required to register for a travel authorization prior to visiting. You can find the process and requirements online.