The Centre for International Law (CIL) was honoured to host Ms Sally Langrish, Legal Adviser (Director, Legal) of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, for an engaging conversation on international dispute resolution on 11 September 2025. This event was co-moderated by Dr Tara Davenport and Ms Celine Lange.
Ms Langrish shared her perspectives on the evolving landscape of international dispute settlement, the role of diplomacy, and the challenges and opportunities facing states in view of the latest trends and developments. The audience also actively engaged in the conversation, posing interesting questions on relevant topics.
About the Seminar
Join us for an insightful conversation with Sally Langrish, Legal Adviser (Director General, Legal) of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as she shares her perspective on today’s evolving landscape of international dispute resolution. This timely discussion, co-moderated by Dr. Tara Davenport and Ms. Celine Lange, will explore the latest trends and developments shaping the field, including advisory opinions on climate change at international courts, ongoing negotiations on the reform of investor-state dispute settlement within the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, as well as rising emphasis on transparency and efficiency. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand insights on the challenges and opportunities facing states in the resolution of international disputes.
About the Speaker
Sally Langrish was appointed Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Legal Adviser (Director General, Legal) on 1 May 2022.
Ms Langrish first joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Legal Directorate in 1995, working on a range of international and European Union (EU) law issues. She has been posted overseas to the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU and the British Embassy Brussels. From 2015 to 2016 Ms Langrish served as joint Legal Director at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
In 2016 she became joint Legal Director to the newly formed Department of International Trade, establishing its legal team to forge the UK’s independent trade policy following the EU Referendum.
Before she joined the Civil Service, Ms Langrish qualified as a barrister and has a law degree from University College London.
Ms Langrish is a member of the FCDO’s Management Board and Executive Committee. She is board champion for Freedom of Religion and Belief.