header-logo header-logo

NLJ this week: Courts in command—UK dispute resolution leads through crisis

224727
John McElroy of Fieldfisher reports on a London International Disputes Week panel where senior judges showcased how the Business and Property Courts are adapting to global instability, in this week’s NLJ

Mr Justice Foxton, Mr Justice Green and Mr Justice Waksman highlighted reforms in disclosure, hybrid hearings, and AI-assisted litigation. The courts’ agility, transparency and international appeal were praised, with cases like Aercap v AIG ($4.5bn) and cross-border insolvencies cited as proof of their global relevance.

McElroy notes that while AI tools are improving efficiency, judges urged caution to ensure access remains equitable. The panel also proposed reforms: faster trials for simpler cases, stronger settlement incentives, and specialist disclosure judges.

With a tech-enabled infrastructure and a reform-minded judiciary, McElroy argues the UK courts are not just weathering global risks—they’re setting the standard for modern dispute resolution.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
back-to-top-scroll