Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice, UK, will give the opening address at the Main Conference of the London International Disputes Week 2025 on June 3. .Sackman was appointed Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services on December 2, 2024. Since being elected as the Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in July 2024, she has also served as Solicitor General, one of the UK government's senior legal officers, before being appointed to her current role.Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, she was a barrister, first at Francis Taylor Building and later at Matrix Chambers, focusing on public, election, planning, environment and rating law. .Speaking ahead of the conference, Sackman said: “I'm proud to speak at London International Disputes Week, to highlight the UK’s world-class legal expertise on the global stage. Our legal sector is a huge part of our economy, and our firms are at the cutting edge, taking advantage of new technologies so the UK can maintain its pole position in the legal world. As markets rapidly change, innovative dispute resolution not only settles disagreements but drives economic growth and transforms industries, which are vital in our fast-evolving world.” .The Main Conference at LIDW will run from June 2-6, and boasts a series of sessions covering the most pressing topics in litigation, arbitration and disputes, joined by senior leaders across the industry. .Jonathan Cary, LIDW Co-Chair, Partner, RPC said: “We are excited to announce that Sarah Sackman KC MP will deliver the opening address to the Main Conference at London International Disputes Week on 3 June. The theme for LIDW25 is ‘Innovation in Dispute Resolution: Navigating Global Risks’, and we look forward to exploring how world events shape dispute resolution. Bringing her experience as a practising barrister, former Solicitor General, and now as the Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, we look forward to the Minister’s insights and reflections on international dispute resolution and the UK’s place at its heart.” .This year’s LIDW takes place in the context of the recent announcement of the Judiciary’s Strategy for International Engagement 2025-29. The strategy highlights the importance of judicial dialogue, capacity building and cross-border cooperation - values reflected throughout LIDW’s programme. As an event dedicated to encouraging international collaboration across the three sectors of dispute resolution, litigation, arbitration and mediation, LIDW 2025 brings together practitioners and thought leaders from around the world to share knowledge, debate key issues and further strengthen London’s position as a leading global hub for all forms of dispute resolution in line with the Strategy’s vision..The Minister Sackman’s address at the LIDW Main Conference will kick off a day of thoughtful and engaging discussions on the most pressing topics in litigation, arbitration and disputes, including the impact of the current geopolitical and economic landscape.The Main Conference also features a keynote address from former ICJ President Judge Joan Donoghue. Alongside several high-profile panel sessions, the day also includes a Fireside Chat with James Besley, Co-Head of Legal at Google DeepMind, a ‘View from Business’ given by Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) UK, and a celebration of 200 years of the Law Society of England and Wales with its President Richard Atkinson..LIDW 25 will open on June 2, with a day dedicated to International Arbitration, reflecting arbitration’s role as an integral pillar of dispute resolution and London’s status as a global arbitration centre.Alongside the Main Conference and International Arbitration Day, the week will feature a series of member-hosted events relevant to regions worldwide. These sessions will be hosted by LIDW’s member firms, covering a variety of themes including commercial litigation, intellectual property, global issues, investor state disputes, and ESG..Throughout the week, LIDW will host a variety of social events as well, from the LIDW25 Opening Reception at Southwark Cathedral to an unforgettable Gala Dinner in Raffles at the OWO, featuring a 3-course dinner and live entertainment throughout the evening. The events will provide an exclusive opportunity to connect with fellow attendees throughout the week.With around 650 delegates expected from jurisdictions around the world, the Main Conference will offer unparalleled networking opportunities and a closing drinks reception. Get your tickets for LIDW 2025 here and follow LIDW’s LinkedIn channel for further weekly updates, or follow the hashtag #LIDW25..You can register for the Main Conference here.
