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Dispute resolution trends & insights 2026

Insight

Dispute resolution trends & insights 2026

Significant legal developments are expected in 2026, against a backdrop of continued economic turbulence, the ongoing influence of AI and increased public scrutiny.

London will remain a trusted dispute resolution centre given the dominance of the English language and quality of our judiciary and legal community. However, there is no room for complacency, 2026 will bring with it fresh challenges for clients and legal advisers alike.

We will see the impact of reforms under the Arbitration Act 2025, more AI-related disputes and an increased level of urgency in responding to disputes. The New Year will start with change, a pilot scheme to enable greater transparency through improved public access to court documents. This will inevitably impact clients and how litigation involving sensitive material is conducted.

To help you navigate what lies ahead, our experts have compiled a must-read, comprehensive report covering key litigation-related insights for 2026:

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, January 2026

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About the authors

Ben Longworth lawyer photo

Ben Longworth

Partner

Ben is an experienced commercial litigator who advises businesses, high net worth individuals and senior executives on resolving complex and high value commercial disputes.

Ben is an experienced commercial litigator who advises businesses, high net worth individuals and senior executives on resolving complex and high value commercial disputes.

Email Ben +44 (0)20 3375 7195
Blue Elliott Lawyer

Blue Elliott

Senior Counsel

Blue is an experienced commercial litigator who advises clients on complex and high-value commercial disputes, including High Court litigation and arbitration.

Blue is an experienced commercial litigator who advises clients on complex and high-value commercial disputes, including High Court litigation and arbitration.

Email Blue +44 (0)20 3375 7154
Hoi-Yee Roper lawyer

Hoi-Yee Roper

Senior Counsel

Hoi-Yee is Senior Counsel and the Knowledge Lawyer in the Dispute Resolution team. As an experienced litigator and author of legal guidance, Hoi-Yee works with the team to ensure they deliver the best possible service to clients. She keeps the team up to date with developments in the law, practice and technology, ensures the team has the resources required to undertake client work, and oversees dispute resolution training to the team and across the firm. In addition, Hoi-Yee regularly contributes to client briefings and legal journals.

Hoi-Yee is Senior Counsel and the Knowledge Lawyer in the Dispute Resolution team. As an experienced litigator and author of legal guidance, Hoi-Yee works with the team to ensure they deliver the best possible service to clients. She keeps the team up to date with developments in the law, practice and technology, ensures the team has the resources required to undertake client work, and oversees dispute resolution training to the team and across the firm. In addition, Hoi-Yee regularly contributes to client briefings and legal journals.

Email Hoi-Yee +44 (0)20 3375 7186
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