Norton Rose Fulbright’s 2025 Annual Litigation Trends Survey uncovers that respondents feel equipped to address a greater volume of litigation in the year ahead. The share that say they are “very prepared” increased by 14 percentage points over the last year, to 43% from 29%, returning to 2023 report levels. 

This confidence reflects a number of preparation factors, from proactive planning and robust risk management to strong legal teams and sophisticated technology. Some respondents point to extensive scenario planning and implementing regulatory compliance frameworks as among the most important elements of preparedness, while others cite having adequate insurance coverage for several categories of legal risks.

Those who feel less than fully prepared, on the other hand, point to limited or flat legal budgets as the primary impediment. With budgetary restraints top of mind, 45% of respondents say that keeping litigation spend down or flat year-over-year is a high priority for their legal departments.

Key findings

Cybersecurity and data privacy

Cybersecurity and data privacy

Cybersecurity and data privacy issues continue to be a challenge for organizations amid escalating cyberattacks.

Canada

Regulation and investigations

Regulation and investigations

Regulatory activity increased significantly over the past year, with 70% of respondents involved in at least one regulatory proceeding in 2024.

Canada

Environmental, social and governance

Environmental, social and governance

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives face continued scrutiny from consumers, investors and regulators alike, deepening the risk of litigation.

Canada

Intellectual property

Intellectual property

A quarter of respondents say their intellectual property dispute exposure grew over the last year, with 26% expecting to be more exposed in 2025.

Canada

Class actions

Class actions

Nearly a quarter (24%) of all respondents experienced class action litigation in the last year, remaining essentially flat versus the year prior.

Canada

Contact

François-David Paré
François-David Paré
Partner, Canadian National Chair, Litigation and Disputes
Email
francois-david.pare@nortonrosefulbright.com
T: +1 514 847 4948

Practice areas:

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