London’s Commercial Courts have recorded their most internationally diverse year to date, with litigants from 93 nationalities appearing in judgments between April 2024 and March 2025, according to Portland’s 13th annual Commercial Courts Report.

The report reveals a 12% year-on-year increase in total litigants, reaching 1,368, with 45.5% originating from outside the UK and EU – a record high. This growth is attributed to a rise in complex, multi-party litigation, even as the number of judgments has remained steady.

Two trends defined this year’s report: the return of Russian litigants and the continued rise of parties from the UAE. Russian litigants surged to 60 in 2025 from from 27 in 2024 – the highest since Portland began tracking the data in 2018. 

Last year’s report focused on a sharp decline in Russian litigants, with sanctions and law firm hesitancy as key drivers for the fall in representation.

Significantly, 80% of Russian parties now possess legal representation, rising from just 30% the previous year. This transformation is attributed to a growing understanding of UK sanctions rules and an increased legal fee cap under the UK’s general licence.

Meanwhile, the number of litigants from the UAE rose to 68, marking a 113% increase over two years, which makes the UAE the second most represented nationality after the UK. Last year’s report noted record participation from Swiss and UAE litigants, and this trend has continued into 2025, with the UAE now firmly in second place.

Intra-Gulf disputes, particularly UAE v UAE cases, are increasingly being heard in London, reflecting the capital’s appeal as a neutral venue for high-stakes regional disputes.

The US has retained third place in the nationality rankings for the fourth year, justifying US investment in premier City litigation talent.

At the same time, litigants from outside the UK and EU27 rose to a record high of 45.5%, showcasing London’s resilience as a place for complex multi-party litigation, such as the mammoth Russian Aviation Commercial Court insurance coverage trial, which was heard by Mr Justice Butcher for much of last year. The trial ended this spring, with judgment expected before the summer.

Simon Pugh, head of Portland’s disputes practice, said: “The international pull of the London Commercial Courts confirms that, amidst global uncertainty in the rule of law, London has cemented its reputation as a trusted centre for commercial dispute resolution.”

Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC, said: “We’re delighted the UK has maintained its place as one of the largest legal sectors in the world and remains a global hub for litigation and legal services.

“International businesses continue to be attracted to the country, particularly London, because of the existing, predictable legal frameworks, the culture of respect for the rule of law and our highly regarded and independent judges, with their world-renowned expertise.”

Alex Gunning KC, chair of the Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR), said: “[The] report underscores the continuing status of London’s Commercial Court as the world’s leading centre for resolving international commercial disputes.

“With record-breaking diversity in nationalities and a steady influx of high-stakes cases, the report provides direct evidence of the global appeal of English law and jurisdiction.”

Luke Harrison, co-founder of City disputes boutique Keidan Harrison, agreed, saying: “It is not surprising to see an increase in Russian litigants and those from the UAE. It correlates with the nature of the instructions and enquiries we and other boutiques receive.”

He added that thematically, such trends were also reflected in several of the events at London International Disputes Week this year, of which Global Legal Post is a media partner.

Harrison added: “Law firms are now much more comfortable acting for Russian parties, including some of the larger firms. The introduction of the general licence and a growth in the sophistication of OFSI (Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation) also means that sanctioned parties can more easily instruct lawyers.”

He also noted a significant increase in asset recovery mandates from UAE banks’ sale of non-performing debt portfolios and/or the pursuit of claims with support from funders.

Portland’s report was drawn from the Business and Property Courts data on BAILLI, the British and Irish Legal Information Institute website. It also analysed media reporting of Commercial Court cases, revealing strong coverage in trade titles and mainstream media, at home and abroad.

The report also highlights growing public concern over AI in legal practice. While AI is accepted for administrative and research tasks, nearly half of the British public expressed discomfort with its use in drafting legal arguments or judgments.

Only 13% of the public believed that AI should be used for decision-making support in the future, compared to 31% of lawyers, based on a sample of 2,000 people.