Key Disputes Trends: 2025 Snapshot
01
Cybersecurity and data privacy disputes remain the top concern, with 45% of respondents citing these as a risk for the coming year. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, coupled with stricter regulatory requirements, are driving this trend.
02
AI disputes are identified as a significant risk by 44% of respondents. The use of AI is becoming more common, but also introduces new risks such as data privacy, ethical concerns, and potential malfunctions.
03
Almost a third (32%) of respondents see employment disputes as a major risk. Economic pressures, evolving labor laws, and the rise of remote work are contributing factors.
04
A quarter of respondents are concerned about commercial and contract disputes. The complexity of modern business transactions and the global nature of supply chains are contributors.
05
A quarter of respondents also highlight tax disputes as a risk. This stems from increasing complexity of tax regulations and the global mobility of employees.
Global Disputes Forecast 2025
The landscape for disputes in 2025 looks as complex as it has ever been.
Our global survey of 600 senior lawyers reveals that businesses are wrestling with numerous external forces that increase the chance of disputes. Technology issues top that list: cybersecurity and data privacy are the chief concerns, driven by the proliferation of data breaches and a regulatory outlook that is evolving quickly. Digital transformation — including the rapid integration of AI into business processes — raises further concerns.
Organizations also tell us that they struggle to stay abreast of a complex web of overlapping global regulations, including new environmental measures seeking to stem the tide of climate change. Meanwhile, challenges abound — regulatory, cultural and geopolitical — with doing business in particular markets, forcing some to rethink fundamental business strategy.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, against this backdrop, spending on dispute management shows no sign of slowing: 85% of respondents told us they expect their disputes spend to increase or stay the same in 2025.
Our eighth annual disputes forecast provides a deep dive into predicted trends, with sector perspectives and actionable insights that allow you to prepare for the year ahead.
Cybersecurity/Data privacy
45%
44%
Artificial intelligence
32%
Employment
25%
Commercial/Contract
25%
Tax
24%
IP/Brand/Patent
Trade
21%
Environmental, Social & Governance
21%
18%
Consumer/Product quality
14%
Restructuring & Insolvency
11%
Corporate/Securities/Post-M&A
11%
Antitrust
9%
Public law
What type of disputes present the greatest risk to your organization in 2025? (Ranked top three)
Key resources
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