As we leave behind the first eight months of 2025, the business world’s dispute risk map is shifting faster than ever before. Geopolitical tensions, the accelerating pace of technological transformation, regulatory fluctuations, and evolving societal expectations—each is reshaping the risk profile companies face.
Baker McKenzie’s Global Disputes Forecast 2025 gave us valuable insights at the start of the year. What I see in the field today confirms most of those forecasts—while in some areas, developments have unfolded even faster than predicted.
Cybersecurity: From a Technical Issue to a Strategic Crisis
Cybersecurity and data privacy are no longer just technical matters for the IT department to solve; they are board-level strategic priorities. The expanding threat surface—from ransomware to supply chain attacks—is prompting regulators to tighten oversight. More importantly, investors now expect tangible assurances in this area.
Artificial Intelligence: Walking the Fine Line Between Innovation and Legal Risk
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword. When used correctly, it delivers efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. But data privacy, intellectual property rights, and ethical considerations are rapidly increasing the legal risks of AI projects. In many companies, I still see a lack of clear policies, crisis management plans, and contractual safeguards for AI use.
ESG: Beyond Regulation, the Foundation of Reputation
ESG-related disputes remain firmly on the agenda, as predicted. Waste management, carbon taxation, and greenwashing allegations are in focus. This is not just about regulatory compliance—investor trust, consumer perception, and brand value are now directly tied to ESG performance. Without measurable and transparent ESG policies, managing reputational risk in this space is nearly impossible.
Employment Law and Tax: Overlooked Silent Risks
In employment law, the anticipated global ban on non-compete clauses has not materialized at scale, but pay transparency regulations and discrimination lawsuits are on the rise. In tax disputes, transfer pricing and global mobility issues remain critical areas for corporate monitoring.
Post-M&A Disputes: Where Growth Meets Risk
While mergers and acquisitions offer strategic growth opportunities, post-deal disputes—particularly over valuations and tax indemnities—have risen markedly in 2025. What makes the difference here is thorough legal and financial due diligence before the transaction, coupled with clear dispute resolution mechanisms embedded in contracts.
Dispute Management Is No Longer Something That Starts in a Crisis
The clearest lesson from the field is this: dispute management is not a reflex triggered when litigation begins—it is a proactive discipline embedded at the core of corporate strategy.
In the remainder of 2025, geopolitical shifts and regulatory waves will inevitably stir this risk map again. But organizations with rapid reflexes, multidisciplinary approaches, and preventive policy frameworks will not only stay afloat—they will be able to turn turbulence into opportunity.
