Knowledge Series: BW Legal World's Conference on London Litigation Landscape

There is no reason why India cannot become an Arbitration Hub- Mohammed Zaman on India’s chances of becoming an arbitration hub.

Central London is occupied mainly by people from abroad and foreign parties constitute the single biggest constituents in High Court proceedings. That’s not all, Indian parties constitute the second biggest constituent out of the foreign parties that appear in high-value cases in English High Courts.

With easy flow of capital and settling in London becoming relatively easier for foreign nationals, how has the litigation landscape changed over the years in a truly global cosmopolitan city of London?

BW Legal World hosted a conference on London litigation landscape with leading legal experts as part of its knowledge series on February 13, 2021. The insightful Q & A session with Mohammed Zaman - Barrister, Queen's Counsel at No5 Barristers' Chambers. The session was moderated by Mr Sudhir Mishra, Founder & Managing Partner, Trust Legal. The other legal experts that joined the conversation were Srinivas Kotni, Founder & Managing Partner at Lexport; Gautam Bhatikar, Partner, Phoenix Legal; and Vaibhav Gaggar, Managing Partner at Gaggar & Partners, Solicitors & Advocates.

The conversation mainly revolved around litigation strategies, legal pitfalls, dispute resolution, impact of BREXIT for anyone doing business in EU and UK and pricing for legal services in London.

The discussion saw many interesting takes from the panellists, including one from Mohammed Zaman on BREXIT, where he said, “If there was a bigger self-inflicted wound that we could have forced upon us, I can't think of it.”

Zaman unequivocally mentioned that BREXIT was inconceivable to those who thought that it wouldn't happen. There is still uncertainty in the air and three years down the line the true impact is yet to be decoded. He said, “if any lawyer tells you that he knows the answer, has either not done the research or he's a great optimist. Or maybe both.” He clarified that UK at this moment in time is negotiating its relationships with the EU and with non-EU parties. However, notwithstanding the nuances of the current regulations, Zaman threw light on the systems in place from the pre-EU era. Zaman said there was no reason to worry for anyone as there exists a whole body of provisions for enforcing judgments within the EU; the structures are in place and it is simply a question of continuing them.

Other interesting questions that were part of the knowledge series were: Is London a haven for those wanted for various misdemeanours and felonies in India? In case of family disputes, or in case of the demise of the owner of a property; how do the English courts exercise jurisdiction and also extraterritorial jurisdiction if the real estate assets are outside the country?

The essence of the discussion was in the unreserved conversations that flew around the virtual table replete with wit and humour, making it a must-watch.  

Watch the entire coverage here: https://bit.ly/2NsJcUY