3 Verulam Buildings is ‘first-class’ and has become ‘the go-to set for international arbitration in London’ for many. With strong recruits in recent years, most notably Zachary Douglas KC and Can Yeginsu, the set ‘has an excellent reputation for arbitration arising from its strength-in-depth of top practitioners’ at all levels of seniority. In synergy with its public international law expertise, chambers built a significant portfolio of the most high-profile and politically sensitive commercial and investment treaty arbitrations across a range of sectors and arbitral rules. Recent highlights include a highly politically sensitive investment treaty arbitration brought by Qatar Pharma in which Christopher Harris KC, leading Mark Wassouf , acted for the government of Saudi Arabia. Douglas KC acted for the claimant in LLC Lugzor v Russian Federation, a dispute relating to the expropriation of Ukrainian investments in Crimea upon Russia’s illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014. Georges Chalfoun, led by Harris KC, is acting for Nova Group Investments B.V. v Romania, an ICSID claim arising out of the expropriation of Romanian insurer Astra Asigurări.
International arbitration: counsel in
London Bar
3 Verulam Buildings
Les références
‘Stuart Pullum is one of the best clerks I have encountered: polite, honest and straight forward, incredibly knowledgeable about the market and the advocates in his stable. He has no hesitation in telling you pros/cons to get the right person, and even learns a but about the case.’
‘Excellent and dynamic leadership with Stuart Pullum, Steven Penson, and Lucy Burrows.’
‘Very user-friendly, switched-on; committed to excellent service provision.’
Principaux dossiers
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court ‘has a strong practice and presence in international construction arbitration and related dispute resolution procedures’ with specialist expertise in large-scale commercial engineering and infrastructure disputes, with a strong Middle East focus besides China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Members stand out for their ability to handle complex technical claims before the full range of arbitral institutions and rules acting for an impressive client portfolio. Among the set’s ‘highly competent silks’ is Claire Packman KC who is advising on two high value ICC arbitrations: a professional negligence claim in relation to a large city centre development in the Middle East, and a contractual dispute relating to the supply of solar panels to solar power projects worldwide. Benjamin Pilling KC, Rachel Ansell KC, Sean Brannigan KC and Sanjay Patel KC‘give the set an exceedingly strong depth on construction matters.’
Les références
‘4PC’s clerking is modern, practical and efficient. Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are both very experienced, competent clerks who run a very good ship, and who are always available if needed.’
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable both on resourcing and fees.’
‘The clerks are excellent across the board. Bill Griffiths is a particular stand-out – he is incredibly responsive, really goes the extra mile to ensure good service.’
Principaux dossiers
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers boasts a well-respected ‘strong bench at various levels of counsel’, adept at resolving international arbitrations arising out of complex construction, energy, technology and infrastructure disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Instructions are frequently received in high-profile arbitrations in the Middle East, recent examples include Riaz Hussain KC, leading Marc Lixenberg, acting in a dispute regarding high rise commercial and residential towers in the UAE and experienced Camille Slow KCacting for a key Dubai developer. Slow also acted for the claimant in an interim application concerning the construction of a major road project in eastern Europe. Nicholas Collings is instructed on an ICC arbitration on behalf of the claimant design and build contractor for various claims relating to works to a highway in South America. The Panama Canal multi-billion-dollar dispute continues with Manus McMullan KC, Christopher Lewis KC and Peter Land.
Les références
‘The clerks – in particular David Barnes and Justin Wilson – are friendly and helpful. They are flexible and attentive to the needs of Hong Kong clients, especially when it comes to practical considerations such as time difference.’
‘Very effective clerks room – efficient and good to work with.’
‘The whole clerking room is fantastic.’
Principaux dossiers
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers continues to build a solid international arbitration practice, with a particular geographical focus in the Middle East and Asia. Andrew Rigney KC has an enviable track record of acting in international large scale, high-value arbitrations, most notably in the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors. Anna Laney KCis often instructed as sole counsel on several disputes in the GCC and is the senior junior behind Crispin Winser KC in a complex high-value dispute in Oman. Richard Sage established a strong international arbitration practice with recent work highlights involving the construction of power plants, hydroelectric stations and wind farms.
Les références
‘The clerks at Crown Office Chambers (and particularly Andy Flanagan) are very easy to deal with – they are quick to respond and will do their very best to assist when they can.’
‘Andy Flanagan and Rob Cowup are a joy to work with – commercial, sensible and responsive.’
‘One of the key strengths of Crown Office Chambers is the availability and commitment of their strong clerking team.’
Principaux dossiers
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers is ‘a market leading set with an excellent line up of senior and junior counsel‘ for international arbitration work. Members are instructed as counsel to lead on the most complex, high-profile arbitrations and often politically sensitive matters, from commercial to investment treaty claims, involving the full spectrum of arbitral rules, spanning a broad geographical area and sectors. Alison Macdonald KC is representing the claimant telecom operator in Axiata Investments v Nepal, an ICSID case in concerning a disputed 22.5bn NPR (£134m) tax bill. Governments draw on Ben Juratowitch KC’s expertise for sensitive arbitrations, including an Energy Charter Treaty dispute concerning the RAFO Onești refinery in Romania. Angeline Welsh KC and Siddharth Dhar KC and took silk in March 2023, boosting the set’s senior ranks further. With expertise in international commercial arbitration, Thomas Sebastian, who is also qualified in India, joined the set in July 2023 from Monckton Chambers.
Principaux dossiers
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is a ‘top quality chambers of commercial arbitration’ housing ‘excellent talent at all levels with exceptional experience.’ The set has ‘some of the best and broadest expertise in international trade, shipping and insurance’ that aligns with significant strength in international commercial and public international law, translating into the ability to provide teams for global cases with instructing parties based across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the US, African and Middle East. Members are routinely instructed on cases relating to the impact of major global events, including Covid, Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chambers is jointly led by renowned commercial silks Charles Kimmins KC and Philip Edey KC. Other notable members include Wendy Miles KC who is instructed in a set of globally significant cases spanning energy, environment, climate and finance, and Belinda McRae on the junior end with expertise spanning commercial arbitration, arbitration appeals and enforcement, and investment treaty arbitration.
Les références
‘This set is always super friendly. Arron Zitver is a star of the clerking world.’
‘Good reputation in shipping, good strength in depth, particularly at KC level.’
‘A strong and go-to set for a range of international arbitration and PIL work.’
Principaux dossiers
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk remains a ‘go-to set’ for international arbitration across a wide range of sectors spanning international business and commerce, aviation, shipping and logistics, and most notably insurance and reinsurance related arbitration across multiple jurisdictions. Ongoing arbitrations range from high-value pharmaceuticals arbitrations, contractual construction disputes, including the ongoing UNCITRAL arbitration where David Allen KC is instructed to act on behalf of a local insurance company in a dispute arising out of an alleged well-out-of-control incident. Jonathan Gaisman KC, James Brocklebank KC and Michael Ryan are instructed in a major dispute between two Russian oligarchs and their technology companies in connection with sanctions while David Edwards KC successfully defended a Bermudian insurer against a $200m insurance claim arising out of the settlement of an underlying product liability litigation. On the senior end, Noel Casey KC was appointed Silk in March 2023, boosting the set at the senior end.
Les références
‘The clerks are excellent and always responsive and helpful. Gary Rose leads from the front and is always on hand to assist as required.’
‘Simply the best – Gary Rose and Eddie Johns in particular are always available, so easy to deal with and actually add value to the process.’
‘The clerks are efficient, extremely helpful and always a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux dossiers
One Essex Court
‘A class outfit and a really strong chambers for all things energy and broader commercial work’, One Essex Court ‘has extraordinary strength in depth.’ Members regularly appear in many of the main arbitral centres, representing clients in arbitration proceedings across a broad spectrum of industries, including aviation, construction and infrastructure, energy and mining, finance and banking as well as transport and telecoms. Recent examples include Hulley Enterprises Limited, Yukos Universal Limited and Veteran Petroleum Limited v The Russian Federation in which Laurence Rabinowitz KC, leading Henry Hoskins, acted for the Russian Federation in proceedings brought by the claimants in the Commercial Court for the recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards made in an international arbitration pursuant to the Energy Charter Treaty. Notable practitioners include Sa’ad Hossain KC on the senior end – Henry Forbes Smith KC and Marcos Dracos KC joined the silk ranks in March 2023. Nehali Shah, Michelle Menashy and Rachel Oakeshott are strong and sought-after juniors.
Les références
‘They set the standard for clerking that other chambers try to match.’
‘Clerking at One Essex Court is highly efficient and effective. The clerks are quick to get to grips with the needs of a case, and propose appropriate counsel. Clerks are adept at managing counsel’s availability, and are highly responsive.’
‘Very strong set, with great offering at all levels.’
Principaux dossiers
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers ‘is a Rolls-Royce amongst London sets when it comes to commercial litigation and arbitration’ with a particularly ‘strong presence in Singapore and India.’ Members have extensive experience in the various institutional arbitration regimes and expertise spanning a wide array of sectors including, most notably, banking and financial services, aviation, construction, energy, infrastructure, insurance, mining and telecoms. Anneliese Day KC and Bankim Thanki KC are involved in heavyweight international disputes, as is Akhil Shah KC, who has a track record of work crossing over with his aviation practice.
Les références
‘The clerking team is exceptional.’
‘Very good clerking. Alex Taylor remains unquestionably the best clerk in the City of London. Alex is the gold standard.’
‘Alex Taylor is widely regarded a superstar of the clerking community in London. His greatest strength is his ability to develop strong personal relationships with lawyers who seek his assistance with engaging barristers from Fountain Court, which he consciously nurtures by always keeping the instructing lawyers’ (and clients’) expectations in mind.’
Principaux dossiers
Keating Chambers
‘Leading chambers for construction and energy disputes’, Keating Chambers houses barristers ‘at the top of their game with strong technical ability’ and offers comprehensive expertise across a wide range of sectors and across multiple rulesets. Thanks to an array of international members, most notably in the Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa, the set has an impressive international presence demonstrated by global instructions. Senior silk Veronique Buehrlen KC is currently instructed on several high-profile energy arbitrations, both in relation to renewables and oil and gas. At the junior end Rachael O’Hagan often acts as sole counsel going up against silks in high-value arbitrations with particular ability in the construction and infrastructure sectors. William Webb KC and Paul Buckingham KC bolstered the senior end of the set having joined the silk ranks in March 2023, the latter with particular expertise in complex technical disputes as a former engineer in the oil and gas industry.
Les références
‘Some excellent clerks. Very focused and able to respond quickly with a list of impressive candidates.’
‘Great clerks. Prompt, efficient and resourceful. A delight to work with.’
‘James Luxmoore is incredibly personable, helpful and effective.’
Principaux dossiers
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers’s international arbitration practice is defined by particular strength in the construction and commercial arenas, with disputes typically arising out of infrastructure, energy and natural resources projects, as well as international trade and commodities. The set’s client portfolio consists of major multinationals, government and state-owned entities, energy companies and financial service providers. Notable members include Adrian Hughes KC and David Brynmor Thomas KC who have a well-established international arbitration construction and engineering practice in all the major arbitral centres. While Hughes KC has a strong China and Hong Kong focus, Brynmor Thomas KC has a significant India practice, recently acting in a dispute arising from the supply of drilling services and materials in India arising from allegations of force majeure during Covid. Hughes KC is representing the main contractor in a major ICC arbitration from one of the world’s largest solar energy projects in the Middle East. On the junior end, Karishma Vora and Vivek Kapoor bring in specialist experience in international trade and construction arbitration, respectively.
Les références
‘The clerks are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Good clerking – Chris Jones is a future star.’
‘The set now offers full service practice and cover a wide range of legal expertise. They do a lot of international legal work, and the counsel team is very user friendly.’
Principaux dossiers
4 New Square Chambers
The barristers at 4 New Square Chambers focus primarily on the international construction sector, with an emphasis on large-scale projects with expertise in oil and gas, energy, as well as infrastructure disputes particularly in the Middle East. With ‘great strength in depth’ the set enjoys a good reputation in investment treaty disputes, commercial arbitrations and enforcement proceedings and challenges. Key members of the set in this area include Roger Stewart KC whose expertise lies in IT, insurance, commercial, construction and engineering arbitrations, Justin Fenwick KC whose recent arbitration work included matters concerning the business of sport, pipelines in the Middle East, housing developments in Hong Kong and shipping disputes in the Far East. Lionel Nichols joined in October 2022 from CANDEY .
Les références
‘Excellent clerking team. Highly responsive and endlessly accommodating.’
‘Excellent. Without a doubt one of the best clerked sets in London.’
‘The clerking team possesses a “get-it-done” attitude and are quick to respond.’
Principaux dossiers
Blackstone Chambers
Barristers at Blackstone Chambers are ‘extremely strong in the commercial litigation and arbitration area’ with considerable experience appearing in arbitrations for a range of arbitral bodies under ad-hoc rules across a host of jurisdictions, including India, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Singapore. Recent examples include an arbitration relating to Asian Football media rights in which Robert Anderson KC was instructed. David Lowe acted in an ICC arbitration in a claim for deceit, negligent misrepresentation and breach of warranty and damages of $30m with forensic accountancy and industry expert evidence and involving a jurisdiction challenge.
Les références
‘A really effective and trustworthy clerking team under the able leadership of Gary Oliver. Derek Sutton and Danny Compton are top notch.’
‘A really strong set with some real stars; they have a broad set of talents and real strength in depth.’
‘They are extremely strong in the commercial litigation and arbitration area, and have a very large (and growing) number of excellent silks.’
Principaux dossiers
Brick Court Chambers
Recognised for its diverse offering across a wide range of commercial disputes, barristers at Brick Court Chambers are highly adept at handling disputes before the full range of arbitral institutions acting for a client portfolio spanning the energy and natural resources, financial services and telecoms sectors. Recent highlights include an LCIA arbitration in which Vernon Flynn KC acts for Vallex FM and Base Metals following a $300m claim by a Russian bank in relation to the financing of and investment in a copper mine in Armenia. Stephen Midwinter KC is acting for a Kazakh gas energy and transportation company, in a dispute over the terms of a sale and purchase agreement. In a significant Arbitration Act challenge to an award of the Permanent Court for Arbitration that defined Kazakhstan’s international law obligations and reconciled divergent lines of arbitral authority about whether Kazakhstan had succeeded to a former USSR treaty, Edward Ho acted on behalf of the claimant.
Les références
‘Tony Burgess is my go to! He builds relationships and will make sure that you get the right counsel for the task at hand. Extremely accommodating and accessible.’
‘Very professional clerking.’
‘Excellent and responsive clerking.’
Principaux dossiers
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers is a ‘great set for international arbitration with many top tier counsel and arbitrators of all levels from junior to KC’ with expertise in ‘handling the cross-border aspects of maritime matters.’ Chambers’ practice continues to develop in breadth, with disputes across a number of commercial sectors including energy, mining, offshore, commodities, telecoms, licensing, infrastructure, banking and insurance. On the senior end, Yash Kulkarni KC’s recent arbitrations have been in the sectors of sale of foreign subsidiaries, energy in the Middle East, mining and steel. On the junior end, Claire Stockford joined in December 2022 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP where she gained considerable experience representing clients across a wide variety of commercial and investor-state disputes.
Les références
‘The clerks are professional, helpful and friendly. They have coped well with automation by still giving a personal service in all areas of their work.’
‘The clerks are very responsive and are always able to find solutions when faced with a problem. A very friendly, helpful and proactive bunch. A particular shout out must go to Rob Frankish and Mike Wright. The clerks are very pragmatic in dealing with fees and understand the difficulties.’
‘All first class’
Principaux dossiers
3 Verulam Buildings
Les références
‘Stuart Pullum is one of the best clerks I have encountered: polite, honest and straight forward, incredibly knowledgeable about the market and the advocates in his stable. He has no hesitation in telling you pros/cons to get the right person, and even learns a but about the case.’
‘Excellent and dynamic leadership with Stuart Pullum, Steven Penson, and Lucy Burrows.’
‘Very user-friendly, switched-on; committed to excellent service provision.’
Principaux dossiers
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court ‘has a strong practice and presence in international construction arbitration and related dispute resolution procedures’ with specialist expertise in large-scale commercial engineering and infrastructure disputes, with a strong Middle East focus besides China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Members stand out for their ability to handle complex technical claims before the full range of arbitral institutions and rules acting for an impressive client portfolio. Among the set’s ‘highly competent silks’ is Claire Packman KC who is advising on two high value ICC arbitrations: a professional negligence claim in relation to a large city centre development in the Middle East, and a contractual dispute relating to the supply of solar panels to solar power projects worldwide. Benjamin Pilling KC, Rachel Ansell KC, Sean Brannigan KC and Sanjay Patel KC‘give the set an exceedingly strong depth on construction matters.’
Les références
‘4PC’s clerking is modern, practical and efficient. Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are both very experienced, competent clerks who run a very good ship, and who are always available if needed.’
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable both on resourcing and fees.’
‘The clerks are excellent across the board. Bill Griffiths is a particular stand-out – he is incredibly responsive, really goes the extra mile to ensure good service.’
Principaux dossiers
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers boasts a well-respected ‘strong bench at various levels of counsel’, adept at resolving international arbitrations arising out of complex construction, energy, technology and infrastructure disputes across multiple jurisdictions. Instructions are frequently received in high-profile arbitrations in the Middle East, recent examples include Riaz Hussain KC, leading Marc Lixenberg, acting in a dispute regarding high rise commercial and residential towers in the UAE and experienced Camille Slow KCacting for a key Dubai developer. Slow also acted for the claimant in an interim application concerning the construction of a major road project in eastern Europe. Nicholas Collings is instructed on an ICC arbitration on behalf of the claimant design and build contractor for various claims relating to works to a highway in South America. The Panama Canal multi-billion-dollar dispute continues with Manus McMullan KC, Christopher Lewis KC and Peter Land.
Les références
‘The clerks – in particular David Barnes and Justin Wilson – are friendly and helpful. They are flexible and attentive to the needs of Hong Kong clients, especially when it comes to practical considerations such as time difference.’
‘Very effective clerks room – efficient and good to work with.’
‘The whole clerking room is fantastic.’
Principaux dossiers
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers continues to build a solid international arbitration practice, with a particular geographical focus in the Middle East and Asia. Andrew Rigney KC has an enviable track record of acting in international large scale, high-value arbitrations, most notably in the construction, infrastructure and energy sectors. Anna Laney KCis often instructed as sole counsel on several disputes in the GCC and is the senior junior behind Crispin Winser KC in a complex high-value dispute in Oman. Richard Sage established a strong international arbitration practice with recent work highlights involving the construction of power plants, hydroelectric stations and wind farms.
Les références
‘The clerks at Crown Office Chambers (and particularly Andy Flanagan) are very easy to deal with – they are quick to respond and will do their very best to assist when they can.’
‘Andy Flanagan and Rob Cowup are a joy to work with – commercial, sensible and responsive.’
‘One of the key strengths of Crown Office Chambers is the availability and commitment of their strong clerking team.’
Principaux dossiers
Essex Court Chambers
Essex Court Chambers is ‘a market leading set with an excellent line up of senior and junior counsel‘ for international arbitration work. Members are instructed as counsel to lead on the most complex, high-profile arbitrations and often politically sensitive matters, from commercial to investment treaty claims, involving the full spectrum of arbitral rules, spanning a broad geographical area and sectors. Alison Macdonald KC is representing the claimant telecom operator in Axiata Investments v Nepal, an ICSID case in concerning a disputed 22.5bn NPR (£134m) tax bill. Governments draw on Ben Juratowitch KC’s expertise for sensitive arbitrations, including an Energy Charter Treaty dispute concerning the RAFO Onești refinery in Romania. Angeline Welsh KC and Siddharth Dhar KC and took silk in March 2023, boosting the set’s senior ranks further. With expertise in international commercial arbitration, Thomas Sebastian, who is also qualified in India, joined the set in July 2023 from Monckton Chambers.
Principaux dossiers
Twenty Essex
Twenty Essex is a ‘top quality chambers of commercial arbitration’ housing ‘excellent talent at all levels with exceptional experience.’ The set has ‘some of the best and broadest expertise in international trade, shipping and insurance’ that aligns with significant strength in international commercial and public international law, translating into the ability to provide teams for global cases with instructing parties based across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the US, African and Middle East. Members are routinely instructed on cases relating to the impact of major global events, including Covid, Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chambers is jointly led by renowned commercial silks Charles Kimmins KC and Philip Edey KC. Other notable members include Wendy Miles KC who is instructed in a set of globally significant cases spanning energy, environment, climate and finance, and Belinda McRae on the junior end with expertise spanning commercial arbitration, arbitration appeals and enforcement, and investment treaty arbitration.
Les références
‘This set is always super friendly. Arron Zitver is a star of the clerking world.’
‘Good reputation in shipping, good strength in depth, particularly at KC level.’
‘A strong and go-to set for a range of international arbitration and PIL work.’
Principaux dossiers
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk remains a ‘go-to set’ for international arbitration across a wide range of sectors spanning international business and commerce, aviation, shipping and logistics, and most notably insurance and reinsurance related arbitration across multiple jurisdictions. Ongoing arbitrations range from high-value pharmaceuticals arbitrations, contractual construction disputes, including the ongoing UNCITRAL arbitration where David Allen KC is instructed to act on behalf of a local insurance company in a dispute arising out of an alleged well-out-of-control incident. Jonathan Gaisman KC, James Brocklebank KC and Michael Ryan are instructed in a major dispute between two Russian oligarchs and their technology companies in connection with sanctions while David Edwards KC successfully defended a Bermudian insurer against a $200m insurance claim arising out of the settlement of an underlying product liability litigation. On the senior end, Noel Casey KC was appointed Silk in March 2023, boosting the set at the senior end.
Les références
‘The clerks are excellent and always responsive and helpful. Gary Rose leads from the front and is always on hand to assist as required.’
‘Simply the best – Gary Rose and Eddie Johns in particular are always available, so easy to deal with and actually add value to the process.’
‘The clerks are efficient, extremely helpful and always a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux dossiers
One Essex Court
‘A class outfit and a really strong chambers for all things energy and broader commercial work’, One Essex Court ‘has extraordinary strength in depth.’ Members regularly appear in many of the main arbitral centres, representing clients in arbitration proceedings across a broad spectrum of industries, including aviation, construction and infrastructure, energy and mining, finance and banking as well as transport and telecoms. Recent examples include Hulley Enterprises Limited, Yukos Universal Limited and Veteran Petroleum Limited v The Russian Federation in which Laurence Rabinowitz KC, leading Henry Hoskins, acted for the Russian Federation in proceedings brought by the claimants in the Commercial Court for the recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards made in an international arbitration pursuant to the Energy Charter Treaty. Notable practitioners include Sa’ad Hossain KC on the senior end – Henry Forbes Smith KC and Marcos Dracos KC joined the silk ranks in March 2023. Nehali Shah, Michelle Menashy and Rachel Oakeshott are strong and sought-after juniors.
Les références
‘They set the standard for clerking that other chambers try to match.’
‘Clerking at One Essex Court is highly efficient and effective. The clerks are quick to get to grips with the needs of a case, and propose appropriate counsel. Clerks are adept at managing counsel’s availability, and are highly responsive.’
‘Very strong set, with great offering at all levels.’
Principaux dossiers
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers ‘is a Rolls-Royce amongst London sets when it comes to commercial litigation and arbitration’ with a particularly ‘strong presence in Singapore and India.’ Members have extensive experience in the various institutional arbitration regimes and expertise spanning a wide array of sectors including, most notably, banking and financial services, aviation, construction, energy, infrastructure, insurance, mining and telecoms. Anneliese Day KC and Bankim Thanki KC are involved in heavyweight international disputes, as is Akhil Shah KC, who has a track record of work crossing over with his aviation practice.
Les références
‘The clerking team is exceptional.’
‘Very good clerking. Alex Taylor remains unquestionably the best clerk in the City of London. Alex is the gold standard.’
‘Alex Taylor is widely regarded a superstar of the clerking community in London. His greatest strength is his ability to develop strong personal relationships with lawyers who seek his assistance with engaging barristers from Fountain Court, which he consciously nurtures by always keeping the instructing lawyers’ (and clients’) expectations in mind.’
Principaux dossiers
Keating Chambers
‘Leading chambers for construction and energy disputes’, Keating Chambers houses barristers ‘at the top of their game with strong technical ability’ and offers comprehensive expertise across a wide range of sectors and across multiple rulesets. Thanks to an array of international members, most notably in the Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa, the set has an impressive international presence demonstrated by global instructions. Senior silk Veronique Buehrlen KC is currently instructed on several high-profile energy arbitrations, both in relation to renewables and oil and gas. At the junior end Rachael O’Hagan often acts as sole counsel going up against silks in high-value arbitrations with particular ability in the construction and infrastructure sectors. William Webb KC and Paul Buckingham KC bolstered the senior end of the set having joined the silk ranks in March 2023, the latter with particular expertise in complex technical disputes as a former engineer in the oil and gas industry.
Les références
‘Some excellent clerks. Very focused and able to respond quickly with a list of impressive candidates.’
‘Great clerks. Prompt, efficient and resourceful. A delight to work with.’
‘James Luxmoore is incredibly personable, helpful and effective.’
Principaux dossiers
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers’s international arbitration practice is defined by particular strength in the construction and commercial arenas, with disputes typically arising out of infrastructure, energy and natural resources projects, as well as international trade and commodities. The set’s client portfolio consists of major multinationals, government and state-owned entities, energy companies and financial service providers. Notable members include Adrian Hughes KC and David Brynmor Thomas KC who have a well-established international arbitration construction and engineering practice in all the major arbitral centres. While Hughes KC has a strong China and Hong Kong focus, Brynmor Thomas KC has a significant India practice, recently acting in a dispute arising from the supply of drilling services and materials in India arising from allegations of force majeure during Covid. Hughes KC is representing the main contractor in a major ICC arbitration from one of the world’s largest solar energy projects in the Middle East. On the junior end, Karishma Vora and Vivek Kapoor bring in specialist experience in international trade and construction arbitration, respectively.
Les références
‘The clerks are a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Good clerking – Chris Jones is a future star.’
‘The set now offers full service practice and cover a wide range of legal expertise. They do a lot of international legal work, and the counsel team is very user friendly.’
Principaux dossiers
4 New Square Chambers
The barristers at 4 New Square Chambers focus primarily on the international construction sector, with an emphasis on large-scale projects with expertise in oil and gas, energy, as well as infrastructure disputes particularly in the Middle East. With ‘great strength in depth’ the set enjoys a good reputation in investment treaty disputes, commercial arbitrations and enforcement proceedings and challenges. Key members of the set in this area include Roger Stewart KC whose expertise lies in IT, insurance, commercial, construction and engineering arbitrations, Justin Fenwick KC whose recent arbitration work included matters concerning the business of sport, pipelines in the Middle East, housing developments in Hong Kong and shipping disputes in the Far East. Lionel Nichols joined in October 2022 from CANDEY .
Les références
‘Excellent clerking team. Highly responsive and endlessly accommodating.’
‘Excellent. Without a doubt one of the best clerked sets in London.’
‘The clerking team possesses a “get-it-done” attitude and are quick to respond.’
Principaux dossiers
Blackstone Chambers
Barristers at Blackstone Chambers are ‘extremely strong in the commercial litigation and arbitration area’ with considerable experience appearing in arbitrations for a range of arbitral bodies under ad-hoc rules across a host of jurisdictions, including India, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Singapore. Recent examples include an arbitration relating to Asian Football media rights in which Robert Anderson KC was instructed. David Lowe acted in an ICC arbitration in a claim for deceit, negligent misrepresentation and breach of warranty and damages of $30m with forensic accountancy and industry expert evidence and involving a jurisdiction challenge.
Les références
‘A really effective and trustworthy clerking team under the able leadership of Gary Oliver. Derek Sutton and Danny Compton are top notch.’
‘A really strong set with some real stars; they have a broad set of talents and real strength in depth.’
‘They are extremely strong in the commercial litigation and arbitration area, and have a very large (and growing) number of excellent silks.’
Principaux dossiers
Brick Court Chambers
Recognised for its diverse offering across a wide range of commercial disputes, barristers at Brick Court Chambers are highly adept at handling disputes before the full range of arbitral institutions acting for a client portfolio spanning the energy and natural resources, financial services and telecoms sectors. Recent highlights include an LCIA arbitration in which Vernon Flynn KC acts for Vallex FM and Base Metals following a $300m claim by a Russian bank in relation to the financing of and investment in a copper mine in Armenia. Stephen Midwinter KC is acting for a Kazakh gas energy and transportation company, in a dispute over the terms of a sale and purchase agreement. In a significant Arbitration Act challenge to an award of the Permanent Court for Arbitration that defined Kazakhstan’s international law obligations and reconciled divergent lines of arbitral authority about whether Kazakhstan had succeeded to a former USSR treaty, Edward Ho acted on behalf of the claimant.
Les références
‘Tony Burgess is my go to! He builds relationships and will make sure that you get the right counsel for the task at hand. Extremely accommodating and accessible.’
‘Very professional clerking.’
‘Excellent and responsive clerking.’
Principaux dossiers
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers is a ‘great set for international arbitration with many top tier counsel and arbitrators of all levels from junior to KC’ with expertise in ‘handling the cross-border aspects of maritime matters.’ Chambers’ practice continues to develop in breadth, with disputes across a number of commercial sectors including energy, mining, offshore, commodities, telecoms, licensing, infrastructure, banking and insurance. On the senior end, Yash Kulkarni KC’s recent arbitrations have been in the sectors of sale of foreign subsidiaries, energy in the Middle East, mining and steel. On the junior end, Claire Stockford joined in December 2022 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP where she gained considerable experience representing clients across a wide variety of commercial and investor-state disputes.
Les références
‘The clerks are professional, helpful and friendly. They have coped well with automation by still giving a personal service in all areas of their work.’
‘The clerks are very responsive and are always able to find solutions when faced with a problem. A very friendly, helpful and proactive bunch. A particular shout out must go to Rob Frankish and Mike Wright. The clerks are very pragmatic in dealing with fees and understand the difficulties.’
‘All first class’