The UK is the second largest legal services market in the world (second only to the United States), with London being the location of choice for many disputing parties, both in a litigation and arbitration context. It is particularly popular amongst foreign parties, with a report by The CityUK (whose Legal Services and Dispute Resolution Group was previously chaired by the head of McNair International, Khawar Qureshi KC) in December 2021 finding that parties from over 75 countries had used the English Commercial Courts in 2020/2021.
The primary factors in the success of the English Commercial Courts include the integrity, strength and commercial expertise of its Judges, the quality of English commercial law (which has influenced the development of law and legal systems in many jurisdictions around the world), as well as the regular review of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Commercial Court’s procedural rules and practical guidance. The Commercial Court also reacted promptly and effectively to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, ensuring that matters progressed expeditiously and fairly despite the challenges presented by the global crisis.
London is also one of the most popular seats in international arbitration, with much of the success arising from the excellent facilities and infrastructure (including the renowned LCIA, ICDR and LMAA) as well as the strong pro-arbitration support of the Arbitration Act 1996 and the English judiciary.
Our barristers (regulated by the Bar Standards Board) regularly appear before the English courts on behalf of States, State entities, multinational corporations in a wide range of matters, including proceedings relating to international arbitrations, public international law, judicial review and general commercial litigation.
We are also frequently instructed in London-seated arbitrations, including those involving the energy and extractive industry sector, shipping and general commercial matters, as well as related litigation proceedings before the English courts.
