The UK raises the bar in global justice
The UK raises the bar in global justice
English law and London courts continue to lead the world in delivering justice, the Law Society of England and Wales revealed in a new report published today.
English law governs around 40% of all international business and financial transactions and dominates international arbitration.
It is chosen for the majority of cases in London and ranks second in major world arbitration centres like Singapore, Stockholm and Hong Kong.
As the leading international centre for resolving commercial disputes, the London Commercial Court handles over half of the cases in under a week, drawing parties from more countries than ever before.
UK legal services exports continue to rise reaching £9 billion in 2024, contributing to the economy and reflecting growing international demand in the expertise of English and Welsh lawyers.
“The UK is a leading international legal centre recognised and respected the world over because of our laws and top legal professionals,” Law Society of England and Wales president Richard Atkinson said.
“However, the government needs to invest more in the country’s court infrastructure and people to ensure we maintain our global standing. The Law Society is working hard to help our legal professionals access markets worldwide, collaborating closely with relevant authorities and international bodies.
“Our report provides great insight into the widespread use of English law, London’s world-leading commercial dispute courts and our strong legal exports that power the country’s global influence, fuel the UK economy and create more jobs.”
Key stats
London Commercial Court (LCC)
- The number of litigants appearing before the LCC continued to increase, with six out of ten coming from abroad, representing a record of 93 nationalities
- The LCC remains ahead of the Civil and Commercial Division of the Dubai International Financial Centre and the New York Commercial Division
- More than half (54%) of contested trials before the LCC were completed in four working days between October 2023 and September 2024
Strength of English law in international arbitration
- In 2024, 78% of arbitration cases in the LCIA related to contracts governed by English law
- Similarly, 27.4% of cases administered by the Singapore International Arbitration Centre were based on English law, making it the second most popular choice after Singapore law
- English law also comes second in the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and in the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
- In the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration, English law contracts amounted to 15% of all new cases, making it the most commonly used law – twice as used as Swiss law, the next most popular law
The value of legal services exports
- UK legal services exports increased from £6.48bn in 2020 to £9.02bn in 2024
- Over the same period, the UK’s trade balance for legal services increased from £4.84bn to £7.4bn
Notes to editors
Explore the full report: Global position of English law in 2025 – International Data Insights Report
About the Law Society
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales.
It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
About the Law Society
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales.
It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.