Increase in UK Litigants Fighting Commercial Disputes in High Court

According to new research, the number of UK litigants fighting commercial disputes in London's High Court has increased during this past year.

New data from Portland Legal Disputes, which analysed 1,020 rulings between March 2008 and March 2015, has revealed an increase in the number of UK claimants, with 88 more litigants than in the previous 12 months. The data also highlighted the fact that foreign nationals accounted for 63 per cent of the 562 litigants in the 12 months ending in March 2015.

Additionally, the High Court is in the process of drawing up a new financial list, which will be provide new categorisation and allocation of a nominated judge to manage complex lawsuits from the start.

Lord Thomas, the Lord Chief Justice speaking earlier this month, said:

"The new financial list — embodying these virtues — will set an international benchmark.

"The new list will not only encourage international litigants to continue to use our courts, but the principles they embody and their jurisprudence, but in doing so they will help to raise standards. Setting the bar high here will help to raise the bar high across the world. And we all ultimately benefit from that."

Seen as a safe and neutral forum, the UK courts attract many litigants from all over the globe and the decision to introduce a new financial list has been welcome by lawyers.

If you're struggling to end a dispute and need help with a resolution, contact our litigation solicitors on 020 8297 4414 for advice.

Mandy Peters

Litigation Solicitors