Commercial Courts Report 2021

Commercial Courts Report 2021

Portland’s annual Commercial Courts Report analyses judgments from the London Commercial Courts to identify notable trends – including who uses the courts, from where, and why.

Complemented by expert opinion produced for this year’s report, we also examine what Brexit may mean for the London courts; how the city measures up in an increasingly competitive international environment; and how COVID-19 is reshaping the English judicial system.

The 2021 report, the ninth to be produced by Portland, is available here.

This year’s report reviewed the 292 cases heard in the London Commercial Courts between April 2020 and March 2021. Our analysis found:

  1. A record year: The London courts had a record year, quickly recovering from 2020’s dip in activity and re-establishing a six-year long trend of growth.
  2. Brexit and international court competition: The proportion of EU27 litigants continues to decline following Brexit, but has been offset by other foreign litigants, most notably the United States and Russia.
  3. COVID-19 and the courts: Portland’s polling reveals the UK public favour the continued use of remote hearings, as the courts adjust to the increased use of technology in dispute resolution.

The Commercial Courts Report is compiled by Portland’s Litigation and Disputes practice.

The practice provides specialist advice and strategic communications support to top-tier law firms around the world. We work to reinforce the legal strategy of lawyers undertaking complex or high-profile litigation. We can help ensure that every aspect of your client’s concerns are managed, and every potential advantage explored.

The team is ranked in Band One in the Chambers and Partners Litigation Support Guide.

Please contact us for additional Commercial Courts data and analysis, or to learn more about how we can help.

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