We are pleased to inform you that The Year Ahead – our publication looking at key developments in global litigation and arbitration for the coming year – is now available to read and download at: https://bakermckenzie.turtl.co/story/the-year-ahead-2020

The report considers the wider global trends driving disputes, including predictions for the global economy, trade wars, sanctions and political developments. It highlights the digital revolution and the sustainability movement.

Ten “big themes” for disputes are set out:

  • The globalization of dispute resolution
  • Efforts to improve cross-border enforcement
  • Growing use of mediation
  • Litigation funding entering the mainstream
  • Growth of criminal and regulatory enforcement
  • Political risk to investments
  • New analytics tools for disputes lawyers
  • New efficiency tools for lawyers
  • Emerging use of AI in national court systems
  • Automated dispute resolution

Additionally, the report looks at six specific industries, examining the factors likely to drive commercial disputes in these sectors in the year to come:

  • Consumer goods & retail
  • Energy, mining and infrastructure
  • Financial institutions
  • Healthcare
  • Industrials, manufacturing and transportation
  • Technology, media and telecoms

Finally, a regional focus section highlights future developments in 26 jurisdictions.

Author

Ben is the Lead Knowledge Lawyer (PSL) for Baker McKenzie's Global Disputes and Compliance Group, with responsibility for knowledge management and training for approximately 1,400 litigation, arbitration and compliance lawyers across 74 offices. He manages a team of knowledge lawyers focused on enhancing technical standards and improving efficiency. Prior to his time at Baker McKenzie, Ben spent a decade in private practice. He has broad experience of high-value commercial litigation, along with regulatory and internal investigations. Ben is qualified in England and Wales, where he holds higher rights of audience. He is a CEDR-accredited mediator and an officer of the International Bar Association's litigation committee.