Former Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger among trio of keynotes revealed for LIDW26 International Arbitration Day

The trio of keynote speakers announced today for International Arbitration Day each bring “exceptional distinction and experience”, spanning judicial leadership, advocacy at the highest international level, and deep engagement with international arbitration as it evolves as part of the dispute resolution landscape locally and globally, says Philippa Charles, Co-Lead of LIDW International Arbitration Day.

"We are delighted to announce Lord Neuberger, Toby Landau KC, and Karyl Nairn KC as our keynote speakers for International Arbitration Day at LIDW26,” says Phillipa, who is an arbitrator at Twenty Essex. “Their collective insights will set a compelling tone for the day, offering delegates insight from acknowledged leaders who are shaping the present and future of international arbitration.”

LIDW26, which runs across 1-5 June 2026, begins with International Arbitration Day, which is free to attend and hosted across three hub venues: 3 Verulam Buildings, Debevoise & Plimpton, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Delegates can select from a range of events and move between hubs during the day (registration is now open).

Reflecting this year’s overall theme for LIDW26, “Tradition, trust and transformation in international dispute resolution”, International Arbitration Day will explore key trends shaping international arbitration, while highlighting London’s continued position as a leading global centre for international dispute resolution. It is a cornerstone of LIDW26, says Loukas Mistelis, LIDW Co-Chair and Partner at Clyde & Co LLP.

“The speakers will address some of the most pressing developments shaping international arbitration today, while underscoring its importance as a consistent thread running throughout the programme alongside litigation and mediation,” adds Loukas. “From the impact of AI and geopolitical tensions to an evolving risk landscape, International Arbitration Day will offer a timely, forward-looking forum.”

Now an arbitrator at One Essex Court, Lord Neuberger has held several senior judicial positions throughout his career, including serving as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom from 2012 to 2017.

Since retiring from the Supreme Court, he has practiced as an arbitrator and legal expert, while also serving as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal since 2010, and a judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court since 2018. Lord Neuberger has been appointed arbitrator in a significant number of arbitrations across a broad range of business and commerce under the LCIA, ICC, SIAC, ICSID and UNCITRAL rules, and he is also frequently appointed to provide expert testimony on English law in foreign proceedings.

Fellow keynote speakers Toby Landau KC and Karyl Nairn KC are also both highly experienced arbitrators. Toby is a barrister and arbitrator who practises in London in Singapore, the Vice President of the SIAC Court of Arbitration, and has argued hundreds of major international commercial, investor-State and inter-state arbitrations in the highest courts globally. He has also been instrumental in drafting major arbitration legislation, including the English Arbitration Act 1996.

Karyl is an independent arbitrator who was previously Global Co-Head of Skadden's International Litigation and Arbitration Group, specialising in complex international commercial and investment treaty arbitration across finance, energy, mining, and other sectors. A Deputy High Court Judge in England and Wales, Karyl has also served as a member and Vice President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration from 1999 to 2015, and as Vice President of the LCIA Court from 2019 to 2024.

This year’s International Arbitration Day will feature concurrent sessions across the three London hubs, addressing critical developments in international arbitration, including Geopolitical Shifts in Investment Treaty Arbitration; Enforcement and Recognition Across Borders; Technology, AI and The Future of Practice; Specialised Sector Expertise; and Arbitrator Insights and Procedural Excellence.

Following International Arbitration Day on 1 June, LIDW26 will continue with the Main Conference on Tuesday, 2 June, with Sean West, renowned strategist and premier global authority on AI and geopolitical risk, already announced as a keynote speaker.

LIDW26 will also feature the LegalTech Showcase, more than 300 member‑hosted events, and a range of social and networking events taking place across London.

Registration for LIDW26 is now open, with tickets for the Main Conference currently on sale.