London International Disputes Week (LIDW) will return in 2026 with its flagship Main Conference taking place on Tuesday 2 June at the QEII Centre in Westminster. Bringing together leading figures from around the world, across litigation, arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution, this year’s event will explore the theme: “Tradition, trust and transformation in international dispute resolution.” Tickets for the Main Conference are now on sale, and LIDW is pleased to confirm that we have been able to maintain the same price as last year.
LIDW is pleased to announce Sean West as a keynote speaker for the 2026 Main Conference. Sean is Co-Founder of The Unruly Corporation, an AI-powered global business agent helping businesses navigate an increasingly unpredictable world. Sean is also Co-Founder of Hence Technologies, whose AI-driven enterprise legal management platform is trusted by Fortune 500 companies. A published author, he examines the forces reshaping global governance in his book UNRULY: Fighting Back when Politics, AI and Law Upend the Rules of Business. Sean previously served as Deputy CEO of geopolitical risk firm Eurasia Group.
Sophie Lalor-Harbord, LIDW Main Conference Committee Co-Lead and Partner at Stewarts LLP said:
“We are delighted to announce Sean West as our first keynote speaker for LIDW26. Sean is an expert on how the legal industry must evolve in response to ever-changing technology, geopolitical tensions and global risks. LIDW provides a vital forum for to discuss these transformations and how they shape our approach to international disputes.”
This announcement follows LIDW’s launch event tonight (17 March) at the Law Society, where the LIDW Co-Chairs hosted representatives from across the industry, as well as the LIDW Board, Strategy Group, and sponsors, to unveil the 2026 website and preview key programme highlights.
Loukas Mistelis, LIDW Co-Chair and Partner at Clyde & Co LLP said:
“The launch event at the Law Society was a fitting way to come together, reflect on how far LIDW has come, and look ahead to LIDW26. We look forward to welcoming practitioners across the global dispute resolution community as we examine how the industry is transforming, grounded in the enduring strength of English common law and dispute resolution institutions.”
As the centrepiece of LIDW26, the Main Conference will feature senior members of the judiciary, arbitrators, business leaders, in-house and private practice lawyers, barristers, and legal technology specialists. Programme highlights include:
• The Intersection of Law and Politics – the Rule of Law under Pressure – how do we maintain the Rule of Law and constitutional norms in a world of increasing challenge from political actors?
• The Rise of Mass Claims: Balancing Investor Confidence with Access to Justice – an exploration of how mass claims are reshaping risk assessments for businesses and investors. Do they enhance access to justice and consumer redress, or are they beginning to chill innovation?
• AI, Authenticity and the Future of Evidence: Trust in a Synthetic World – how can the disputes community can preserve confidence in evidence while embracing the opportunities of transformational AI?
• Access to Justice Internationally – Tradition and Transformation – comparative perspectives on key regions including Africa, Asia Pac and the UK.
• The Great Costs Debate – a debate between an arbitrator and a litigator on which forum delivers more for less, and how both can make dispute resolution more cost-effective for clients
• Law at the Frontiers – a discussion of the trends, challenges and opportunities of law and dispute resolution in ‘frontier’ areas such as space and deepwater.
LIDW26 will once again dedicate an entire opening day to arbitration, with its flagship International Arbitration Day on Monday, 1 June 2026. The day will feature keynote addresses and topical panel discussions hosted by three ‘hub’ organisations: 3 Verulam Buildings (the first chambers to be a hub for IAD, hosting guests at the historic Inner Temple), Debevoise & Plimpton, and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher. The day will once again reflect London’s position as a global centre for international arbitration.