Global position of English and Welsh law

Our research evaluates the position of London’s courts and arbitration centres compared to dispute resolution facilities in other jurisdictions, including New York, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Key findings from our 2022/3 research include:

• London is the most attractive centre for commercial litigation and international arbitration, particularly in the maritime sector
• English law governs trillions of pounds in over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives transactions and metals trading
• UK legal services exports increased by almost half a billion to £6.648 billion in 2021 (ONS data)

(An OTC derivative is a financial contract between two parties with minimal intermediation or regulation.)

Download the full report (PDF 701 KB)

How to use this report

Our report is an objective, neutral and evidence-based assessment of the global position of English and Welsh law.

It’s also a practical tool that you can use to inform your clients on the widespread use of English law and London’s commercial dispute resolution centres.

It shows how English law facilitates business and investment as the industry standard for international transactions across various sectors, including maritime and insurance

Share our report with prospective clients to highlight the benefits of using English and Welsh law to achieve their goals.

Download our infographic summary (PNG 690 KB) or share it online

Commercial dispute resolution

London is a global legal centre for international commercial disputes, with particular dominance in the maritime sector.

English law is chosen by commercial clients above other governing laws, with many choosing the London Commercial Courts (LCC) and/or the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) over competing courts and arbitration centres in other jurisdictions.

Almost half of contested trials in the London Commercial Court were completed in just four working days between October 2021 and September 2022.