The Socio-Legal Studies Association had its annual conference in Manchester last week. The event included the launch of a new Legal Empirical Research Support Network (LERSnet) which aims to build contacts and offer training for socio-legal researchers. Law & Policy had the first of its thirtieth birthday celebrations at a plenary coffee break. A huge cake featuring a replica journal made of icing sugar was enjoyed by all. I attended a session organized by the Law Commission in which they sought feedback on research they are conducting into the extension of tort liability of public authorities prior to the completion of a consultation paper. Discussion centred on the plurality of legal and quasi-legal mechanisms through which public authorities might be held accountable. There was strong support for the idea that the role of ombudsman schemes should be considered alongside tortious liability. There was also discussion of the role of insurers both in promoting and impeding accountability through liability. Next year’s conference will be held in Leicester and will be organised by De Montfort University, 7-9 April 2009.