“International Space Law Needs a Reboot,” The Times

London’s reputation as a leading dispute resolution center means it is extremely well placed to become a forum for disputes that result from the growing commercialization of space, whether in the English courts or in international arbitration, Partner Charlie Lightfoot and Associate Ronan O’Reilly wrote in The Times on May 19.

London has its own technology and construction branch of the High Court, which would make a fitting forum for disputes about space activities that may involve technical and complex technologies, they wrote. And, since international arbitration is likely to be the preferred forum to resolve these types of disputes, London should develop industry-specific arbitration rules to deal with space disputes or establish an arbitral institution devoted to disputes in the space sector.

The article is titled “International Space Law Needs a Reboot” and is available to subscribers of The Times.

Mr. Lightfoot heads Jenner & Block’s International Arbitration Practice and is the Managing Partner of the firm’s London office. He has extensive experience handling high value complex claims in both international arbitration and commercial litigation proceedings.

Mr. O’Reilly is an associate in Jenner & Block’s London office.

Related Capabilities

Related Locations

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

“International Space Law Needs a Reboot,” The Times

London’s reputation as a leading dispute resolution center means it is extremely well placed to become a forum for disputes that result from the growing commercialization of space, whether in the English courts or in international arbitration, Partner Charlie Lightfoot and Associate Ronan O’Reilly wrote in The Times on May 19.

London has its own technology and construction branch of the High Court, which would make a fitting forum for disputes about space activities that may involve technical and complex technologies, they wrote. And, since international arbitration is likely to be the preferred forum to resolve these types of disputes, London should develop industry-specific arbitration rules to deal with space disputes or establish an arbitral institution devoted to disputes in the space sector.

The article is titled “International Space Law Needs a Reboot” and is available to subscribers of The Times.

Mr. Lightfoot heads Jenner & Block’s International Arbitration Practice and is the Managing Partner of the firm’s London office. He has extensive experience handling high value complex claims in both international arbitration and commercial litigation proceedings.

Mr. O’Reilly is an associate in Jenner & Block’s London office.

Related Capabilities

Related Locations

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

News and Insights

Event

Associate Steven Arango to Speak at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair

On September 18, Associate Steven Arango will speak on a panel at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair (VLCF), the only legal career fair in the United States dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.

September 18, 2026

Publications

In American Banker, Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon Weighs in on OCC's Handling of Fintech Bank Charter Applications

Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon spoke with American Banker about how the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is approaching bank charter applications from fintechs, amid a growing wave of companies seeking charters from federal regulators.

August 18, 2026

Event

Partner David Greenwald to Speak at PLI Program on Privilege and AI

On August 17, David Greenwald will speak at "Fitting New “Tech” Into the Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Protection," a virtual program hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI).

August 17, 2026