There’s A Traitor in our midst as TV star Hugo Lodge strengthens Costs Law Conference line-up

CARTER Burnett is delighted to announce that The Traitors star and highly-respected barrister Hugo Lodge will be a keynote speaker at our Costs Law Conference later this year.

Called to the Bar in 1998, Hugo has built a distinguished career specialising in anti-money laundering, financial regulation and complex criminal allegations. His practice sees him regularly instructed by UK law enforcement agencies and regulators, as well as individuals and organisations facing serious regulatory scrutiny. He has extensive experience advising businesses, directors, senior managers and officers in high-stakes cases.

Hugo is also recognised for his advocacy in serious and complex crime, both in England and Wales and across common law jurisdictions in the Caribbean, where he is often instructed as sole or leading counsel. Alongside his professional work, he remains committed to pro bono causes and is a long-standing supporter of Amnesty International.

Fresh from his one-man show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Hugo will bring a unique perspective to our Conference, which is taking place at the Common Room in Newcastle on October 15.

His session will explore decision-making under pressure, strategic thinking in complex environments and the importance of clarity when navigating technical areas of law.

Of course, Hugo is also widely known for his appearance on Season 4 of The Traitors, where he featured as one of the original Traitors. His time on the show captured public attention, and delegates can look forward to hearing behind-the-scenes insights alongside reflections on how the experience translates into real-world legal strategy.

Delighted to have secured such a high-profile figure, Managing Director Lee Carter said: “Hugo is a highly-respected barrister with a distinguished career, and we are thrilled to have secured his presence. His experience in complex and technical areas of law will provide invaluable insight for our delegates.

“He is also well known for his appearance on The Traitors, and it will be fascinating to hear about his experience on the show, including some behind-the-scenes perspectives, and how those lessons can be applied in practice.”

Line-up will provide invaluable insights

The Costs Law Conference will see Hugo joined on the line-up by award-winning expert witness and brain injury specialist Maggie Sargent, one of the most respected figures in UK medico-legal practice.

Since founding Maggie Sargent & Associates in 1986, she has dedicated four decades to shaping how expert witness evidence is prepared, presented and trusted in courts and negotiations.

Maggie will be sharing insights into writing CPR Part 35 compliant reports on the cost of care for people with brain injuries and complex clinical needs.

The final line-up will also include Managing Director Jon-Paul Burnett and our in-house Costs guru Sean Linley, who will discuss the latest issues affecting Cost Budgeting and Fixed Recoverable Costs.

Secure your tickets now

Tickets for this year’s Conference are priced £75 + VAT, which includes welcome drinks on arrival and a free bar afterwards.

All surplus funds will be donated to the Child Brain Injury Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with a brain injury, who support families on the road to recovery.

Please use this link to order tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carter-burnett-costs-conference-tickets-1987899052579

2026 Costs Conference Overview

Guest speakers:

  • Maggie Sargent - Expert witness & Brain Injury specialist

  • Hugo Lodge – Barrister & The Traitors stars

Where: Common Room, Neville House, Newcastle, NE1 1SE

When: Thursday, 15th October 2026

Start: Arrival drinks from 2pm – speakers finish around 5pm

5pm to 9pm: Discussion and post-Conference drinks

Next
Next

Strategic senior appointment enhances South of England expansion plans