A new expert panel chaired by deputy prime minister David Lammy has met to discuss plans that will ensure the UK remains a leading global centre for legal services.
Legal and business experts who make up the newly formed English Law Promotion Panel gathered to identify key opportunities to grow the sector, currently worth £42.6 billion.
The panel has been formed as part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy to drive economic growth. It will focus on how to reinforce English law’s status as a leading choice for international business, future-proofing the UK legal services sector amid competition from other countries.
“The UK’s legal services sector is a hidden super-power of our economy, generating more than £42.6 billion a year and employing more than 364,000 people across the country,” Lammy said.
“The use of English law by international businesses is key to that success story and we want to stay ahead of the game. Today I am bringing together legal and business leaders to make sure the UK remains the jurisdiction of choice and continues to champion the rule of law around the world.”
English law has a long-standing position as one of the most popular choices for global businesses agreeing international contracts due to the quality of UK courts, legal professionals and laws, and the independence of the country’s judges. The law underpins a significant proportion of global trade and investment, governing £250 billion in global mergers and acquisitions, and 40% of global corporate arbitrations.
Mark Evans, president of the Law Society, is a member of the panel. He said:
“We welcome the government’s initiative to support the promotion of our jurisdiction and legal services internationally.
“The UK is a leading international legal centre recognised and respected the world over because of our laws and top legal professionals.
“UK legal exports continue to rise reaching £9.8 billion a year. English law governs around 40% of all global business and financial transactions dominating international arbitration. Our legal sector powers the country’s global influence and fuels the economy creating more jobs.”
The panel has been tasked with developing a strategy to promote English law internationally, which will be supported by new research commissioned to provide solid evidence and identify future opportunities.
“English law offers a trusted, stable foundation for people and businesses across the world,” said panel member John Foster, chief policy and campaigns officer from the Confederation of British Industries.
“That assurance allows UK firms to grow and operate confidently in global markets. With English law being a renowned strength of the UK’s global brand, bringing together this panel is a practical step for keeping a key pillar of the UK economy ahead of the curve.”
James Palmer CBE, chair of legal services for TheCityUK, said he was delighted to join the panel. He added:
“The UK legal sector is world leading but operates in an increasingly competitive global market. It is the shared responsibility of government, courts and the sector to support the continued development and promotion of English law to ensure it remains the law of choice for international commerce. We look forward to supporting this welcome goal.”
The members of the English Law Promotion Panel are:
| Mark Evans | President, Law Society of England and Wales |
| Kirsty Brimelow KC | Vice Chair, Bar Council of England and Wales |
| Dame Elizabeth Gloster DBE | Chair, LegalUK |
| Richard Bamforth | Founding Chair, London International Disputes Week |
| Jonathan Wood | Chair, London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation |
| Kevin Nash | Director General, London Court of International Arbitration |
| Lucy Greenwood | Trustee, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators |
| Clare Ambrose | London Maritime Arbitrators Association |
| Christina Blacklaws | Chair, LawtechUK Panel |
| Charles Clark | Chair, International Law Committee |
| Professor Richard Susskind CBE KC (Hon) | Academic and author on future legal services |
| Dr Linda Yueh | Academic and economist |
| John Foster | Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, Confederation of British Industry |
| Farzana Baduel | President-elect, Chartered Institute of Public Relations |
| Marcus Peffers | UK and Global Services Chair, M+C Saatchi |
| James Palmer CBE | Chair, Legal Services, CityUK |
| Dame Linda Dobbs DBE | Red Lion Consulting |
| Lord Sales | Justice of the UK Supreme Court |
| Sir Colin Birss | Chancellor of the High Court |
| Mrs Justice Joanna Smith | Chancery Division of the High Court |
