Global position of English law: International Data Insights 2024
English law and the quality of dispute resolution in England and Wales underpins international trade and investment in the UK, the second largest legal market in the world.
Our research examines the performance of the UK’s main dispute resolution centres in comparison to international courts and arbitration centres in other jurisdictions – including New York, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong – and assesses the economic value of English law.
Key findings from our research include:
- the London Commercial Court remains the leading international centre for the resolution of complex commercial litigation
- more maritime disputes are referred to London than anywhere else in the world
- English law is frequently chosen by parties as the governing law in international arbitration
- the value of UK legal services exports to other countries continues to rise, reflecting a growing demand internationally for expertise in English law
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How to use this research
Our report is an objective, evidence-based assessment of the international standing of our jurisdiction and the global use of English 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.
Share our research with prospective clients to highlight the benefits of using English law to achieve their goals.
Commercial dispute resolution
England and Wales remains a global legal centre for commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular dominance in the maritime sector.
Litigation
The London Commercial Court (LCC) remains the leading international court for the resolution of complex commercial disputes, delivering more (written) judgments annually than other major commercial courts, including:
- New York Commercial Division
- Dubai International Financial Centre’s Civil and Commercial Division
- Qatar International Court
The LCC also has an excellent track record of handling cases quickly and efficiently.
Nearly half of contested trials (46%) in the London Commercial Court were completed in just four working days between October 2022 and September 2023, consistent with findings from our 2023 research.
Arbitration
More maritime disputes are referred to London than anywhere else in the world, the vast majority of which are governed by English law.
In 2023, the London Maritime Arbitrators Association’s members and affiliated arbitrators received an estimated 1,845 new cases.
Our research also reveals that parties often choose English law above other laws as the governing law in international arbitration, including in cases administered by:
- the International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration
- the London Court of International Arbitration
Economic value of English law
English law governs trillions of pounds each year in international commercial transactions and contracts across a wide range of different areas, including:
- over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives trade
- metals trade
- mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
- insurance contracts
This highlights that English law is often chosen by clients involved in commercial transactions above other governing laws and demonstrates the role English law plays in facilitating international business and investment in the UK.
Growing international demand
The value of the UK’s legal services exports continues to rise on a yearly basis, with total exports increasing from £6.07bn in 2018 to £7.25bn in 2022.
This sharp rise in exports demonstrates the growing level of demand internationally for expertise in English law.