London International Disputes Week flags off with record numbers

The international legal industry is slated to flock to London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre this week for the London International Disputes Week (LIDW), which has attracted a record number of registrations this year. .As per a press release, this year’s LIDW has attracted over 20,000 registrations for events during the week with over 1,000 delegates attending from overseas. In total, over 100 different countries will be represented, more than double the number from the previous year..The Main Conference, which has attracted over 600 delegates, will include keynotes from the head of the judiciary in the United Kingdom, the Lady Chief Justice, Rt Hon. Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, and Meg Kinnear, Secretary-General of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).Emphasising ‘uniting’ as a central theme, LIDW '24 has seen a growth in its international and in-house attendance, as well as higher participation from private practice lawyers. This year’s agenda has drawn a wider range of speakers and opportunities for attendees.Inclusivity remains an important theme at LIDW '24 with initiatives such as the Young and Young at Heart (YAHYAH) programme, which increases access to the week for participants from younger age groups. Meanwhile, LIDW '24’s member-hosted events this year will involve over 150 sessions across the week.This year there has been a focus on ensuring that inclusivity is firmly on the agenda, with events such as Disability Inclusion and Arbitration: First-Hand Experiences and Practical Advice for Implementing the ICC’s Disability Inclusion Guidelines 2023, hosted by CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP and Brick Court Chambers..Commenting on the event this year, Co-Chair of LIDW, Michael Fletcher, said:"As we begin LIDW24, we look forward to welcoming practitioners from around the globe to discuss how they can navigate the challenges and opportunities that they face. As shown by the volume and diversity of the attendees travelling to London, this year’s event marks a further evolution and reflects London’s pivotal leadership role in international dispute resolution. We are proud to play host this year to so many global arbitration and dispute resolution institutions and lawyers, whose involvement will allow delegates to explore some of the excellent work happening to help clients resolve disputes in different jurisdictions and regions around the world.”.New additions to this year’s conference also include two networking hubs to enhance delegate interactions, and a legal tech hub where established and start-up legal tech organisations will be able to showcase their products to delegates.LIDW's Main Conference will address key issues pertinent to dispute professionals. The agenda will cover topics such as:Risk and reputation in a values-driven world;How to think about Artificial Intelligence in law;Exploring the global landscape for enforcement of judgments and awards;Disputes funding: predictions for the future..For more information and updates, visit https://2024.lidw.co.uk/ , as well as LIDW’s social channels on Twitter (@LIDW_) and LinkedIn (@London International Disputes Week)..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.