International demand for UK legal services surging

• Record legal services exports approaching £11bn, up by 60% over 5 years
• English law underpins trillions of pounds of international commerce
• London remains ahead of its competitors

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 continues to dominate. It 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.

"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," said Mark Evans, president of the Law Society.

"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."