The theme of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts’ (SIFoCC) reception, hosted by the City of London and Commercial Litigators’ Forum (CLF), was “London and the Rule of Law; Commerce and the Economy; Transactions and Dispute Resolution”
SIFoCC represents the world’s commercial courts working together to promote best practice and further the rule of law. The event was held in recognition of the contribution to the rule of law made by the UK’s commercial and international legal sector. The evening also launched SIFoCC’s report on its fifth full meeting held in Doha, Qatar, in April 2024.
Attendees
Rocco was one of a select list of attendees that included judges from both the UK and overseas, politicians, partners from many of the top UK and international law firms, leading KCs and barristers, as well as those from litigation support companies (including Harbour Underwriting Ltd) that sponsor the vital work done by the CLF in support of the National Pro Bono Centre.
Speeches by the Attorney General and Lord Thomas
The audience was privileged to hear speeches from the Attorney General, The Rt Hon Richard Harmer KC, Lord Thomas and Sir Robin Knowles.
The Attorney General spoke about how crucial the rule of law is to economic prosperity and highlighted the importance of legal pro bono.
Lord Thomas and Sir Robin Knowles both discussed the vital work being done by SIFoCC. They also emphasised the need for investment in our civil justice system, not least to ensure access to justice so that people can participate properly in the system.
“England and Wales leads on law”
Sir Robin said that the international consensus was that England and Wales “leads on law and dispute resolution” but he also said: “Disputes are only a part of it because our law and its reputation involves us in all transactions, not just those that end up in a dispute.”
He then cited two areas where we must continue to lead: AI and climate change.
AI and climate change
On AI, Sir Robin said: “The law needs AI, but AI needs the law. It needs the law if it is to succeed and succeed well, and that’s the view of the AI sector leaders.” He continued: “We know that many countries strive to lead in AI, but we’re the ones with the advantage of pole position in the law. On law, we are listened to, and the law and the rule of law can unlock other parts of our future and secure a stronger place in those parts.”
On climate change, Sir Robin said that “climate change is revealing the need to work harder and look harder at what is required in terms of corporate legal responsibility and governance. Without that hard and further look, business will not know what is expected of it on those issues.”
Sir Robin summed up by saying: “We have a leadership position in all of this, but it means we have to look after the law and the rule of law. We have a special responsibility that comes with our primacy.” However, he warned, “That means we have to invest in it, and we don’t invest in it as we should”.
Thank you to the CLF and the Corporation of London for hosting this exceptionally interesting and worthwhile event.
