Centre for Comparative Law

In a world characterized by complexity and interdependence, it is indispensable to understand differences and similarities of jurisdictions. Comparative methods are a key element to gain a profound understanding of the legal systems around the world and to advance their development. Perspectives and experiences of different jurisdictions enrich the legal debate and help identifying areas prone for harmonisation and convergence of laws.

The Centre for Comparative Law (CCL) at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law undertakes research, conducts studies, organises conferences, and promotes scholarship. It covers a broad range of areas, from civil to commercial law, conflict of laws and dispute resolution. The Centre cooperates with various universities, distinguished scholars and research institutions in the UK and around the world.

The Centre is a hub for knowledge-building and debate. Its experts come from various professional backgrounds and different legal systems and have long experience in research and studies. With their profound expertise and far-reaching network, the Centre offers a holistic and cross-border approach to the law.

February 2021: The Centre for Comparative Law is delighted to have appointed two new Honorary Senior Fellows: Professor Andrew Dickinson and Professor Adrian Briggs to support the work of the Centre.

Read the 2021 Highlights of the Centre for Comparative Law

Below are the current areas of research of the Centre

Arbitration

Comparative and international law perspectives in the international arbitration field, facilitating the high-level debate of practitioners, academics and policy-makers from around the world.

Collective Redress

Comprehensive research and discussion output on collective redress across Europe, emphasising cross-national comparisons, underlining issues of commonality and difference.

Comparative Law

Research into legal systems around the world using comparative methods to highlight similarities and differences which can provide development opportunities.

European Law

Extensive programme of activities on European law topics, including advancing the Rule of Law, protection of human rights, perspectives on Brexit, and trade agreements.

International Litigation

Analysis of the frameworks for international litigation, cross-border jurisdiction and enforcement and potential conflicts including legal consequences of Brexit.

News From the Centre for Comparative Law

Newsletter Summer 2022

Highlights of 2021

Fellows of the Center

Professor Gerhard Dannemann, Humboldt University Berlin
Professor Petra Butler, Victoria University of Wellington
Professor Vincent Smith, ESCP Europe

Advisory board

The activity of the Centre is guided by the Private International Law advisory Panel, comprising the following prominent academics, practitioners and government officials:

Michael Bogdan, Professor, University of Lund
Alegría Borrás, Professor emeritus, University of Barcelona
Janeen Carruthers, Professor, University of Glasgow
The Rt Hon the Lord Collins of Mapesbury, former Justice of the Supreme Court, London
Andrew Dickinson, Professor, University of Oxford
Andreas Furrer, Professor, University of Luzern, and Partner, MME, Zurich
Jonathan Harris, Professor, King's College and Serle Court, London
Adam Johnson, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills, London
Alexander Layton KC, Barrister, Twenty Essex, London
The Rt Hon the Lord Mance, former Justice of the Supreme Court, London
Ulrich Magnus, Professor emeritus, University of Hamburg
Horatia Muir-Watt, Professor, Sciences Po, Paris
Marta Pertegás, Professor, University of Maastricht
Pippa Rogerson, Reader, University of Cambridge
Linda Silberman, Martin Lipton Professor of Law, New York University School of Law
Luboš Tichý, Professor, Charles University of Prague
Jacob van de Velden, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek