The new International Data Insights report published by the Law Society of England and Wales reveals the global strength of English law and London’s leading position as an international legal centre.
The UK legal sector's exports have grown by more than 60% in the last five years to £10.97bn, with the EU and the US accounting for nearly two-thirds of that export revenue.
English law governs £250tn of global derivatives transactions, half of international seaborne trade and about 40% of international business and financial transactions.
London remains an international legal heavyweight.
- The London Commercial Court delivered almost twice as many judgments as its closest competitor, Dubai, and more than twice as many as New York.
- The London Maritime Arbitrators Association's caseload grew by 16% in 2025, climbing to its highest level in more than a decade.
- The International Chamber of Commerce Court of Arbitration chose English law in 13% of its new cases, ahead of New York, Brazil, Switzerland and others.
- Most of the caseload (96%) handled by the London Court of International Arbitration involved at least one non-UK party, pointing to London's international appeal.
President of the Law Society Mark Evans said: "The UK’s legal services are a major global success story. Exports are nearing £11bn and English law is used in trillions of pounds of international commerce. London remains a leading legal destination. The legal industry is an engine of growth that, with the right steps from the UK Government, can unleash its full horsepower. It is an export powerhouse contributing billions to the UK economy and employing more than half a million people. But international leadership cannot be taken for granted. Other jurisdictions are investing fast and furiously in their court and legal infrastructure. The Law Society is urging the UK Government to continue investing in the legal profession and justice system to unlock growth in every postcode."
Chair of the Bar Council Kirsty Brimelow KC said: "The data supports the importance of law and barristers to the UK economy. They make a substantial contribution. If the argument for access to justice for citizens is not compelling enough to HM Treasury, the financial case is irrefutable. International success must be matched by sustained investment in our publicly funded courts and justice system. They are the shop window on the global stage. A properly funded justice system supports economic growth in other parts of the justice system, including in international arbitration, and protects the rights of everyone who depends upon it. The Bar continues to work alongside Government to advance legal services globally. However, we look to the Government to invest properly in the publicly funded Bar and look at its value in the context of legal services as a whole.
“The Bar’s expertise and advocacy, alongside the independence and efficiency of our judiciary, are central to the international standing of English law. During our recent work in Japan, Korea and India we received clear collegiate support and collaboration, built on the trust in and respect for English and Welsh law and barristers. Legal services are expanding, and England and Wales must remain at the forefront. English Law and courts do not stop at borders. They provide certainty and stability, knowing that contracts will be honoured, disputes resolved fairly and decisions made justly and independently. It is a reputation built over generations and one that must be actively protected as well as promoted."