The UK's offer The UK is the world's second largest legal centre in terms of revenueOver 200 foreign law firms have chosen the UK for overseas officesEnglish law is used in 40% of all global corporate arbitrationsA talent pool of 365,000 people in the sector across the UK Leading legal expertise The popularity of English and Welsh law drives the UK’s position as a provider of the world's legal services. Some 27% of the world’s 320 legal jurisdictions are governed by systems based on English common law - by far the most popular choice for cross-border contracts. The UK legal services sector, second in size only to the US, is recognised globally for its quality of advice. Over 2,100 members of the Bar of England and Wales receive instructions from clients abroad. Supported by excellence in legal training and education, the UK is renowned as the leading global centre for dispute resolution. Research Providing professional services to the world The UK professional services sector continues to be a key contributor to the wider UK economy. Find out more about the UK’s professional sector, and its role in delivering leading professional services expertise across the world. Download 'Providing professional services to the world' Resolving international disputes The UK is the leading global centre for international dispute resolution. In 2019, English law governed around £250bn of global mergers and acquisitions and 40% of global corporate arbitrations. 200+ foreign law firms from over 40 jurisdictions have offices in the UK All of the top 50 law firms by revenue have an office in London 1/3 of all Western European legal services fee revenue is generated in the UK Lawtech Innovation in the UK’s legal sector is creating new roles, skills, and uses for the technology. Our Global City campaign highlights the strengths of this ecosystem and how collaboration between technology and the legal sector is leading to greater competitiveness. Read more Growth in legal services Revenue generated by legal activities in the UK has trended strongly upward in the past decade to £41.4bn in 2021, a 12.5% year on year increase. The UK’s legal sector also makes a significant contribution to the UK’s public finances. Combined with the UK’s accounting sector, both areas had an estimated joint total tax contribution of £20.5bn in 2020 – up by 5.4% from 2018. Growth in exports The UK supplies legal expertise to the world - trade surplus of legal services grew by more than 75% in the last decade Growth in exports Growth in revenues Legal services revenue in the UK grew by 36% increase between 2012 and 2021 Growth in revenues Europe's legal centre The largest centre in Europe, the UK accounts for a third of Western European legal services fee revenues Europe's legal centre International reach and services The largest international law firms in London have between 45% and 65% of their lawyers based outside the UK, and many other London-based firms have between 10% and 20% of lawyers overseas. The CityUK, “Legal excellence, internationally renowned: UK legal services 2021” Read the report at TheCityUK Future proofing the UK’s legal capabilities A new flagship 18 courtroom legal centre providing world-class expertise in tackling cybercrime, fraud and economic crime will be completed in 2025 in the Square Mile. It is being developed jointly by the City of London Corporation, HM Courts and Tribunal Services. Partner story Ignition Law Ignition Law Partner Story Burness Paul LLP Burness Paul LLP Partner story Legatics Legatics Partner story King & Wood Mallesons King & Wood Mallesons See more case studies Everything you need The UK offers you everything you need to grow your business. We have a global outlook, which means we understand your business needs. The depth and breadth of our offer mean unparalleled opportunities for you to grow. Innovation is what we do - creating an inspirational ecosystem where you can thrive. Choose the UK Innovation Open and global Business environment Opportunity Talent Industries A UK-wide offer Need more information? The City of London Corporation London and Partners Invest in Great TheCityUK The Law Society The Bar Council The Investment Association AFME UK Finance