London International Disputes Week 2025 (LIDW25) takes place Monday 2 to Friday 6 June. Throughout the week, Stewarts will co-host a series of events with trusted partner firms, chambers and LIDW member organisations. Themes to be discussed include use of AI, developments in securities litigation, the state of arbitration in various jurisdictions and litigation funding for corporates.
Sophie Lalor-Harbord, a partner in our Commercial Litigation team, is a member of LIDW’s strategy group and Chair of LIDW’s In-House Committee. She comments: “Each year, LIDW showcases London’s status as a world-leading hub for litigation and arbitration. As the UK’s largest disputes-only law firm, with a broad international practice, Stewarts is proud to once again work to bring together the global legal community for LIDW and demonstrate our talent and expertise.”
Read on for more information and registration links to individual LIDW event sessions hosted by Stewarts.
LIDW 2025 events and registration details
Using AI for clients’ and counsel’s benefit in international disputes: insights from counsel, AI developers and the SCC Arbitration Institute
Wednesday 4 June, 09.00 – 10.30
Stewarts speaker: Louis Peacock-Young, Senior Associate, International Arbitration
(with 36 Stone and SCC Arbitration Institute)
The rapid pace of technological change, particularly with the growing availability and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and services, is increasingly impacting international arbitrations and other international disputes.
During this seminar, the panel will explore the multifaceted opportunities and challenges presented by the use of the AI for international disputes.
The evolution of securities litigation: past, present and future
Wednesday 4 June, 09.00 – 10.30
Stewarts speakers: Lorraine Lanceley, Partner, Securities Litigation and Elaina Bailes, Partner, Commercial Litigation
(with Freshfields)
This panel event will hear from both claimant and defendant side lawyers, as well as other key stakeholders and/or commentators in this area, to provide an in-depth look at the evolution of the UK securities litigation regime as it stands, given the pace with which the law is developing.
This includes a discussion of recent key judgments in Wirral v Indivior and Wirral v Reckitt, the evolving role of securities litigation as a corporate governance tool and its impact on investor protection and potential ramifications, and what the future holds for securities litigation in the UK and beyond.
Navigating complexity: arbitration, litigation and investigations in the UK-India Corridor
Wednesday 4 June, 11:00 – 12:30
Stewarts speaker: Sherina Petit, Head of International Arbitration and India Practice
(with Penningtons Manches Cooper)
An experienced panel of lawyers from the UK and India share their insights on India-UK disputes including trends in fraud/white collar crime enforcement and remedies India and the UK; arbitration and enforcement of arbitral awards (including effectiveness of anti-suit injunctions); and increasing use of AI and proposed reforms to legislation on arbitrations in the two jurisdictions.
The role of the London courts in investment treaty disputes involving Latin America
Wednesday 4 June, 11:00 – 12:30
Stewarts speaker: Alejandro Garcia, Partner, International Arbitration
(with Twenty Essex)
This panel will examine the role played by the London courts in investment treaty disputes, with a particular focus on cases involving Latin American parties. Drawing on their experience across academia, advocacy, litigation support and third-party funding, the panellists will offer practical insights into set-aside proceedings, enforcement strategies, and the supportive function of the English judiciary in investment treaty arbitration.
The session will highlight emerging trends from recent cases, with particular attention to sovereign immunity defences and the growing involvement of third-party funders. Attendees can expect key takeaways to help them navigate complex investment treaty issues before the London courts.
A New Disputes Playbook – Arbitration and ADR Reform in India and the UK
Wednesday 4 June, 14:00 – 15:30
Stewarts speaker: Sherina Petit, Head of International Arbitration and India Practice
(with J. Sagar Associates)
This session will explore the recent and proposed reforms in India and the UK relating to arbitration, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), providing an insider’s perspective on how both jurisdictions are shaping the future of dispute resolution.
Shareholder actions – recent developments in the law
Wednesday 4 June, 16.00 – 17.30
Stewarts speaker: Sophie Lalor-Harbord, Partner, Commercial Litigation
(with Reed Smith and Erskine Chambers)
In light of a number of interesting decisions in England and internationally (including Tianrui (International) Holding Company Ltd v China Shanshui Cement Group Ltd, THG Plc v Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Ltd and ClientEarth v Shell Plc) the panel will present a case study to discuss how minority shareholders might hold companies and their directors to account, with practical tips on resolving such disputes.
Selecting and advising on funding and insurance
Thursday 5 June, 11:00 – 12:30
Stewarts speaker: Julian Chamberlayne, Risk and Funding Partner
(with Taylor Wessing)
This panel session will cover issues relating to how corporate clients interact with litigation funding and insurance. We will cover how they determine whether to explore these options, who could and should advise on funder and insurer selection (including due diligence and negotiating terms) and the impact of comprehensive funding advice.
Comment faire comity? Perceptions and realities in arbitration in Africa
Thursday 5 June, 16:00 – 17:30
Stewarts speaker: Daniel Wilmot, Partner, International Arbitration
(with 36 Stone and SOAS Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Centre)
This event will explore some of the ongoing challenges generated by the perception vs reality gap involving arbitrations connected with the African continent. It will explore the concept of ‘comity’ writ large, ie how courtesy and deference play roles in establishing arbitral legitimacy.
A new era of the LCIA
Thursday 5 June, 18:00 – 19:30
Stewarts moderator: Sherina Petit, Head of International Arbitration and India Practice
(with The London Court of International Arbitration)
In a discussion moderated by Sherina Petit (member of the LCIA Board), join the leadership of the LCIA to hear about the inner workings of the institution as they share their insights and plans for the future. With a mutual history of working in Singapore, Kevin Nash, Director General of LCIA and Jamie Harrison, Deputy Director General of LCIA will discuss what drew them to their current positions at the LCIA and how their different careers paths are complementary in working together.
There will be an opportunity for refreshments and socialising following the session.
India-focussed panel discussion
Friday 6 June, 11.00 – 12.00
(With Quadrant Chambers)
Stewarts speaker: Sherina Petit, Head of International Arbitration and India Practice
An India-focused panel discussion featuring Justice Nath, Future Chief Justice.
Also taking place on LIDW week…
Indian Council of Arbitration’s 3rd Edition International Conference on “Arbitrating Indo-UK Commercial Disputes”: Synergizing India – UK Arbitration Practices
Thursday 5 June, 10:15 – 11:15
(Hosted by the Indian Council of Arbitration)
Stewarts speaker: Sherina Petit, Head of International Arbitration and India Practice
Sherina Petit will be speaking on the panel for ‘Hybrid Dispute Resolution Models in Indo-UK Commercial Conflicts’, moderated by Ms Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India & Former Additional Solicitor General of India.
If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.
