Disputes Outlook 2025

Trends, insights and actions for 2025 and beyond

Disputes are an inevitable part of doing business. In an era of continuous change, social, economic, environmental, technological, and political developments are driving new disputes risks. Spotting future risks can help you prepare for a more effective resolution.

Our 2025 Disputes Outlook brings you a high-level summary of the live issues and emerging trends in disputes across your operations, giving you a clear picture of how your organisation could be affected, and the practical actions you can take to mitigate against these risks.

Download the summaries below for the areas most relevant to you. Our leading team of litigation and regulatory lawyers and legal project managers can help you anticipate problems, identify evolving issues before they become serious challenges, and take action to minimise disruption to your business.

Once you are aware, you can prepare. Please get in touch to discuss any of the issues raised in the 2025 Disputes Outlook.

Date published

09 January 2025

AI and tech

Increase in AI-related disputes as AI is embedded in organisations.
Clarification expected on copyright infringement by generative AI software.
AI will play an increasing role in tech-enabled legal project management.
Increase in IT disputes due to continued investment in upgrading existing systems.

ESG

Increasing ESG regulations and reporting requirements necessitate new processes to minimise risk.
Rising challenges from regulators (ASA, CMA, FCA) and campaign groups on alleged greenwashing.
ESG considerations must be integrated into operations, decision-making, and dispute resolution to align with green objectives.

Regulatory and legislative changes

The new Employment Rights Bill will significantly affect future employment disputes.
An expected increase in compliance checks by HMRC will lead to more tax disputes.
The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will modernise the UK's product and metrology regulatory regimes.
Significant reform is anticipated of the financial services regulatory redress framework.
Developments expected in the regulatory and legislative approaches to cryptoassets.

Economic climate

Economic uncertainty will inevitably lead to an increase in disputes and organisations should be vigilant.
Financial pressure on construction contractors will cause more corporate insolvencies.
Debt claims and warranty disputes will increase.
Financial crime, particularly APP fraud, will remain a significant drain on the economy.
More insolvencies involving financial intermediaries expected.

Use of technology in disputes management

Legal project management will be increasingly used in complex disputes to ensure claims are delivered on time, on budget and within agreed parameters.

Class actions

Significant growth expected to continue in 2025 and beyond, particularly in data protection/privacy, competition, and various aspects of the financial services arena, such as motor finance commissions and PPI.