Justice secretary Kenneth Clarke was preparing to update City lawyers on the government’s blueprint for promoting UK legal services abroad as the Gazette went to press.

He was expected to reiterate the government’s opposition to European contract law harmonisation and reassure foreign markets that alternative business structures will ensure the UK’s legal sector is flexible, competitive and offers opportunities for expansion.

He was also due to highlight specific attractions of the UK for doing business, confirming that the £300m Rolls Building (pictured) on London’s Fetter Lane will open officially in February 2012. It is hoped the building will make the UK the principal destination for resolving high-value global legal disputes.

The event, at Clifford Chance, was organised by TheCityUK, an independent body promoting UK-wide financial and related professional services.

Speaking ahead of Clarke’s speech at a TheCityUK breakfast, justice minister Lord McNally said he is keen to hear from people who work in the legal services sector about how they think the government can help.

He said: ‘The legal services sector provides 2% of the country’s total GDP, and in this vital time of economic recovery the government wants to do all it can to provide an environment in which these businesses can flourish.’

Chris Cummings, chief executive of TheCityUK, said: ‘The UK has a long track record as a global centre of excellence as part of the cluster effect of having a vibrant financial and professional services sector. This is a critical driver to UK growth and it is crucial that this strength is recognised and cultivated.’

For a report on Clarke’s speech, see: lawgazette.co.uk/news.