England and Wales is one of the world’s leading venues for commercial disputes — with its own rules, and, since Brexit, its own jurisdiction regime.
How a claim starts
Litigation runs under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), beginning with a claim form (Part 7) and particulars of claim, after a pre-action protocol.
Which court
Lower-value claims go to the County Court; substantial commercial cases go to the High Court’s Business and Property Courts, which include the Commercial Court.
Costs follow the event
A defining feature is that costs follow the event — the losing party usually pays a large share of the winner’s legal costs, far more than the fixed tariffs common in continental Europe. Disclosure of documents is also broader than in many civil-law systems.
Jurisdiction after Brexit
The EU rules (Brussels Ia) no longer apply; jurisdiction over an overseas company now turns on the common-law rules, applicable Hague Conventions, and any jurisdiction clause.
For foreign claimants
Costs exposure and jurisdiction are the first things to assess. A verified UK colleague (solicitor) can confirm jurisdiction and issue the claim.
Post-Brexit rules are still developing — confirm with admitted UK counsel.