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 the world’s cross-border business and financial transactionsA talent pool of 364,000 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 2,400 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. Providing professional services to the world Providing professional services to the world Resolving international disputes The UK is the leading global centre for international dispute resolution. English law governed around £250bn of global mergers and acquisitions and 40% of global corporate arbitrations. 200+ foreign law firms from around 40 jurisdictions have offices in the UK All of the world's top 50 law firms have offices in London, employing more than 8,500 lawyers mainly from the UK 93 parties from 93 countries used the Commercial Courts in 2023-24, the highest ever recorded Growth in legal services Revenue generated by legal activities in the UK has trended strongly upward, rising to £52bn in 2024, an 11% 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 £30.9bn in 2023 – up by £10.4bn from 2020. Growth in exports The UK supplies legal expertise to the world - in 2024 legal services generated a trade surplus of £8.9bn Growth in exports Growth in revenues Revenue from the UK top 100 legal firms grew by more than 85% between 2014 and 2024 Growth in revenues Contribution to the UK economy Legal services contributed £38bn to the UK economy in 2024 Contribution to the UK economy International reach and services The popularity of English law for use in international business means global demand for UK qualified solicitors is high and many choose to work overseas. Further, many barristers’ chambers, especially those specialising in various forms of commercial law, are establishing a permanent presence in locations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, New York, Doha and Geneva to focus on dispute resolution and arbitration. The UK remains a world-leading centre of legal excellence and a destination of choice for international legal services and the resolution of legal disputes. The CityUK, "UK legal services 2025: Legal excellence, internationally renowned" Read the report at TheCityUK Future proofing the UK’s legal capabilities A new flagship 18 courtroom legal centre will provide world-class expertise in tackling cybercrime, fraud and economic crime 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 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