While substantial data regarding diversity in the leadership of high-value commercial disputes is not immediately available, anecdotal evidence and general indices point to a significant lack in this sphere compared to other sectors within the legal profession. This issue highlights an essential area for progress in the broader business context. Above The Law scrutinised this subject in their recent coverage.
Arguably, client businesses who engage law firms for representation in substantial legal disputes, whether those be through litigation or arbitration, are well positioned and have an obligation to champion diversity within the legal profession. Their choice of counsel standalone can drive change in the makeup of leadership in commercial disputes.
To get a window into the strategies and mindset of general counsel regarding this issue, Burford Capital, a global finance firm, has commissioned an independent study. This study was conducted via in-depth interviews with 66 high-ranking in-house lawyers with primary responsibility for litigation in companies based in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.
This analysis brings to the fore a number of crucial findings. They underline the scope and nature of the diversity gap, as well as proving tangible solutions that general counsel could incorporate in their strategies to enhance diversity in the leadership handling their commercial disputes.
Further insights can be obtained from the complete report, which serves as an excellent resource for diving deeper into the diversity challenge and its solutions within commercial dispute leadership.