LSLA elects Nikki Edwards as new President

PRESS RELEASE

27 March 2024

LSLA elects Nikki Edwards as new President

The London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA) has appointed Nikki Edwards, Partner in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team at Howard Kennedy, as its new president.  She succeeds Nicholas Heaton at Hogan Lovells and will serve a term of two years.

Nikki becomes LSLA president at a time of significant change due to geopolitical events, economic uncertainty, and two general elections due to take place in the UK and US this year. These issues, combined with the prevalence of business distress, Artificial Intelligence, crypto assets, collective claims and ESG, are expected to directly impact the nature and volume of the litigation undertaken in London.

In addition, procedural developments related to ADR, pre action conduct and litigation funding reforms are likely to impact disputes in the Capital. Under Nikki’s lead, the LSLA will continue to be involved with such procedural changes, and work closely with the Judiciary, Bar and other stakeholders to ensure that litigation in London continues to be innovative and fit for purpose. 

A big focus for the LSLA this year will be inspiring inclusion. As a female lawyer from a working class background, Nikki will lead the LSLA as it focuses on this theme and emphasises the importance of inclusion, recognition and opportunity for all, regardless of race, disability, sexual orientation, identity, age, socioeconomic background, or any other identifying characteristic. Diversity, equity, inclusion and wellness need to be a key priority for the profession and it is important for the LSLA to continue discussing and being a positive influence on these matters.

Under Nikki’s lead, the LSLA will continue to tackle these issues, provide guidance to practitioners, and work with stakeholders to ensure London maintains its position at the forefront of global litigation.

John McElroy, Partner at Hausfeld, is the new Vice-President of the LSLA. He will be supporting Nikki on all of the association’s activities.

Commenting on her new role, Nikki Edwards said:

“I am delighted to be taking over as President of the LSLA, and look forward to leading the organisation as it continues to provide a strong voice on the issues impacting London’s litigation market.

The LSLA’s annual litigation trends survey showed that despite Brexit, 94% of respondents haven’t seen a material flight of work from London in the last year. But while London remains open for business, it cannot rest on its laurels – it needs to be match fit for the issues affecting the sector in order to maintain its litigation crown.

There are many changes ahead which will modernise important aspects of disputes procedure. The Arbitration Bill that is currently making its way through UK parliament will benefit businesses around the world looking to resolve disputes, and in turn further cement London’s position as disputes capital of the world. Meanwhile, the changes to the litigation funding sector will also have an effect on the volume and process of litigation in London. The LSLA plays a crucial role in influencing the London litigation sector as it influences and responds to these changes. 

I would like to thank my predecessor Nicholas Heaton for leading the LSLA as president over the last two years. He did an excellent job, providing the LSLA with the direction it needed to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic, and tackle the broad spectrum of issues affecting the London litigation sector. He has made a positive impact on the organisation and I am looking forward to carrying this forward.”

For media enquiries, please contact Liz Carter, Kysen PR on 07956719772 or email: elizabeth.carter@kysen.com  

Note to Editors:  

The LSLA was formed in 1952 and currently represents the interests of a wide range of civil litigators in London. It has over 3,400 members throughout London among all the major litigation practices, ranging from the sole practitioner to major international firms. 

Members of the LSLA Committee sit on The Law Society Civil Litigation Committee, the Commercial Court Users Committee, the Chancery Court users Committee and Collective Redress Lawyers Association, to name but a few.