LIDW 2023: Adapting to a changing world

London International Disputes Week (LIDW) has today announced its theme for 2023, which will see the conference explore how the disputes community is, and should be, adapting to a changing world. The announcement of the updated theme is among several key changes aimed at boosting the number of international delegates and increasing the opportunities for member firms to host discussions on specialist topics.

LIDW has also confirmed that its core conference will move to the prestigious 8 Northumberland Avenue. The location will host the core conference and reception taking place on 16th May.

Co-chair of LIDW Richard Bamforth said: “I am delighted to be announcing the theme to the conference as well as the changes we’ve made to reshape things to extend our international reach in 2023. 

“We feel that our refreshed outlook, is important – it ensures we carefully consider the role of London in the international dispute resolution landscape through the lens of not just lawyers in London and the UK, but our peers overseas and, ultimately, our multi-jurisdictional clients.”

Speaking on the importance and value of English law and disputes work to London, Richard went on to say:

“The global disputes market is growing year on year. This is reflected in the increasing revenue of the leading global litigation practices – which have so far returned a collective 7.5% increase, in the last year alone.

“London remains the pre-eminent centre for dispute resolution, not least because of its use of English law, that underpins hundreds of trillions of dollars of annual business activity, both domestically and globally. London is in a strong position to lead the charge on the global growth.”

The conference will have an increased focus on how London is adopting an international outlook and adapting to the changing needs of international clients so that it can remain a leading centre for dispute resolution.

The popular “international day”, which debuted last year, will once again open LIDW. Events will be staggered to ensure access across multiple time zones, providing increased value to international delegates as well as LIDW’s established domestic audience who will be able to attend events focused more closely on the markets in which they operate.

Co-chair, and leading on the development of the international strategy for the conference, Luke Harrison said:

“We are excited to be developing a programme which will attract our professional colleagues from abroad, and allow members and delegates to plan their own programme based on specialist interests and practice areas. The disputes profession is having to adapt to the changing world around us. This year’s theme will encourage members to host events that reflect on the evolving needs of our international clients and how, through innovation, we can better serve them.”

A full agenda is being finalised. LIDW has confirmed that the conference will be taking place in the week of 15^th May 2023. Those wishing to attend can ensure they keep up to date by following LIDW on LinkedIn here.