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

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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

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

London promotion underscores firm’s investment in white collar and investigations

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Private client team strengthened by partner appointment

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In NLJ this week, Ian Smith, emeritus professor at UEA, explores major developments in employment law from the Supreme Court and appellate courts
Writing in NLJ this week, Kamran Rehman and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper examine Operafund Eco-Invest SICAV plc v Spain, where the Commercial Court held that ICSID and Energy Charter Treaty awards cannot be assigned
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