Unlocking Disputes, which aims to boost London’s legal services sector, is the work of the Bar Council, Law Society and financial and professional services promoter TheCityUK. It has garnered support and sponsorship from many law firms and law-related businesses as well as government officials.
The prestigious roll-call of legal professionals attending its launch, at the end of October, included the Lord Chief Justice, the Lord Mayor of London and Justice ministers Lord McNally and Jonathan Djanogly. The event saw the publication of a bespoke brochure, video and website – at www.unlockingdisputes.com – showcasing the UK’s legal services.

Michael Todd QC, the Chairman-elect of the Bar Council, said: “London is a world-class centre for all forms of dispute resolution, whether litigation, arbitration or mediation.  “London’s legal and professional services sector has been a huge success story in a severe financial downturn. It is a significant contributor to the UK economy, and its role in resolving disputes all over the world enhances the UK’s reputation.”

Lord McNally said: “London’s concentration of legal and financial expertise is unrivalled anywhere.

“The brand new Rolls Building in London means Britain has even more to offer: the world’s most modern and hi-tech courts complex built specifically to resolve financial, business and property disputes.”  The new Rolls Building, which opened in October, is the largest specialist centre for the resolution of financial, business and property litigation in the world. It comprises 31 courtrooms, three of which are ‘super-courts’ for complex multi-party cases.