FAQs for Speakers and Potential Speakers
What is the colloquium?
The colloquium is a conference in which undergraduate and postgraduate law students present short papers on a wide variety of topics.
Where and when does the colloquium take place?
The 2013 Colloquium will take place in Trinity College, Dublin on Saturday 16th February 2013
How much does it cost to attend?
Attendance is free.
What is the format of the event?
Speakers are organised into small panels, according to the theme of their papers. Each speaker on a panel gives a presentation of no more than fifteen minutes and this is followed by questions and general discussion.
Who may speak at the colloquium?
Undergraduate and postgraduate students of law, or a course in which law is a substantial component, are eligible to speak at the colloquium, if their abstract has been selected by the committee (see below). Those in vocational legal training are also eligible. Participants should have been registered at an educational institution in Ireland or elsewhere in the calendar year 2012.
I want to speak at the colloquium. What do I need to do?
Persons interested in speaking at the colloquium and who satisfy the criteria for entry (see above) may submit an abstract on any area of law for anonymous consideration by the committee. The abstract must be submitted via the Abstract Submission section of this site. Abstracts must be submitted by Thursday, 6th December at 5pm. Speakers will be selected solely on the basis of this abstract. While students may submit more than one abstract, individual speakers may only deliver one paper at the event.
What is an abstract?
The abstract is essentially a summary of the paper which the speaker intends to give, and should outline the author’s approach to the issues. Abstracts from prospective speakers should be between 400 and 500 words long and must be completely anonymous. While there are no hard and fast rules as to format, a good abstract will excite interest and should demonstrate a sound knowledge of the subject, a clear structure and original and well-constructed analysis. Sample abstracts can be viewed here: 1 | 2 | 3
Do speakers need to submit their entire paper?
Speakers will not be asked for the full text of their paper at any stage. The committee is not in a position to provide feedback on submissions received. The decision of the committee is final.
Is there a theme?
The colloquium does not have a theme in the strict sense but our ethos is one of “rethinking law.” Papers will challenge existing law and/or our perceptions of law. Papers which summarise the current law without critically engaging with it are less likely to be selected for presentation at the colloquium. Papers suggesting reforms and new approaches are especially welcome.
Can I use PowerPoint in giving my paper?
Once the committee is informed in advance, an effort will be made to accommodate requests for PowerPoint.
Can speakers circulate copies of their paper at the colloquium?
Speakers may distribute the text of their paper or a summary thereof on the day of the colloquium. However, this is not required or expected. The committee cannot assist in any expenditure incurred.
Is it possible to submit material which has been published or submitted for publication elsewhere?
Papers which have formed the basis of previously-published material may be submitted for consideration by the colloquium committee, provided this does not contravene any agreements made with the publisher.
May papers be jointly-presented?
Co-authored submissions are only accepted for papers with a maximum of two speakers: both must speak at the colloquium though there is no requirement that speaking time is divided equally.
Can the committee assist me with expenses?
Unfortunately, the committee is not in a position to reimburse costs such as travel and accommodation. However, attendance at the colloquium is free of charge and refreshments will be provided. It is thus hoped that expenses for speakers and attendees will be minimised.
The above FAQs are derived from the Colloquium Regulations, which are available here.