Important Facts of the News
- UK legal exports to Canada were valued at £191 million in 2024.
- Canada is the 10th largest market for UK legal services.
- The UK legal sector contributes £37 billion annually to the economy.
- 384,000 people are employed in the UK legal industry.
- 40% of global corporate deals are based on English law.
- Bilateral legal services trade between the UK and Canada averaged £195 million over the past three years.
- Over 5,000 delegates from 100+ countries attend the International Bar Association conference.
- 23 UK legal professionals are part of the Toronto delegation.
UK Legal Sector Strengthens Presence in Canada
A group of top British law firms are heading to Canada this week as part of a strategic effort to reinforce the UK’s standing in the international legal market. The trip is led by Courts and Legal Services Minister Sarah Sackman KC MP, who is representing the country at the International Bar Association’s (IBA) annual conference in Toronto.
The initiative highlights just how pivotal the Canadian market has become for British legal businesses. Recent data indicates that UK legal exports to Canada reached £191 million in 2024, positioning it as the 10th most significant destination for British legal services worldwide.
English Law at the Core of Global Deals
English law has long played a leading role in international business, with around 40% of cross-border corporate transactions governed by it. This continued confidence in English law is a key asset for the UK’s legal economy, which generates £37 billion annually and supports over 384,000 skilled jobs.
Minister Sackman emphasized the value of this collaboration, noting that legal services shared between the UK and Canada have averaged £195 million in export earnings for the UK over the past three years. She also highlighted that this partnership is a driving force for economic growth, aligning with the Government’s broader Plan for Change to attract global investment.
UK Delegation Features Legal Sector Leaders
The Minister’s delegation includes 23 handpicked experts from leading law firms, all participating under the banner of the GREAT Legal Services campaign. This initiative is designed to showcase the prowess of Europe’s largest legal hub and maintain the UK’s status as the preferred legal jurisdiction for businesses across the globe.
With more than 5,000 legal professionals from over 100 countries expected to attend the IBA conference, the event provides unmatched exposure to promote the strength and reliability of UK legal services.
The Toronto visit marks another milestone in enhancing the UK’s global influence and reinforcing its lead in shaping international law and commerce.