Now in its fourth year, LIDW23 will take place from 15 to 19 May and, through its series of keynote lectures, panel discussions and networking opportunities, will explore how disputes professionals are adapting to a changing world. The opening day of LIDW will be marked with an evening reception at the Royal Courts of Justice in aid of the National Pro Bono Centre. 

Lord Neuberger’s career is one which reflects the international nature of London’s legal community. Having held positions as Master of the Rolls and President of the Supreme Court from 2012‒2017, Lord Neuberger now serves as a non-permanent judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, a judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court, and the chair of the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom. 

LIDW's core conference promises to capture the central issues which matter most to disputes professionals, both those who work in private practice and in-house. The agenda will cover topics such as:

• The evolving role of the in-house disputes lawyer: what are the priorities, and what does it mean for private practice?
• Looking to the future: how will the metaverse and AI change practice?
• Navigating the maze: cross-border data and disclosure challenges.
• As the world changes: the role of the judiciary, in their words (in partnership with the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts)

Luke Tucker-Harrison, co-chair of LIDW said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of LIDW23. The core conference this year features unique insight from international judges in addition to looking forward to a world in which technology plays an increased part in the resolution of disputes.”

For the first time LIDW23 hosts an international arbitration day recognising the importance of London for international arbitration. “The LIDW23 theme, Adapting to a Changing World, reflects the rapidly changing world in which the disputes profession now operates and is intended to challenge us all to look beyond the horizon at how we shall have to assist in resolving the disputes of the future,” Tucker-Harrison added.

“I am pleased to be opening LIDW23,” said Lord Neuberger. “One needs only to look back to when I last spoke at LIDW, in 2021, to see how quickly the disputes landscape is evolving. In order to get ahead of these changes, the insights gleaned from a diverse range of leading disputes professionals at LIDW should be of great value to industry leaders.”

Africa Legal is delighted to be a media partner to LIDW23. “We encourage our community to participate in this valuable discussion and raise the profile and importance of African disputes in an international context," commented Scott Cowan, Africa Legal CEO.

Over the five days, the core conference, member-hosted events and dedicated international day will address how London can maintain its reputation as an international centre for dispute resolution, whether through its courts or by arbitration, mediation, expert determination or negotiation.

According to data published by Portland Communications, parties from 75 countries used the English Commercial Courts in 2021/22. Furthermore, English common law forms the basis of the legal systems for some 27% of the world’s 320 jurisdictions.

To receive updates on the conference agenda, follow LIDW’s LinkedIn and Twitter channels. Tickets can be purchased at here.

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