Energy & Natural Resources

7 King's Bench Walk is an esteemed group of barristers with significant experience in energy and natural resources disputes. The set handles environmental, shipping, insurance and contractual claims, to name a few. Members offer deep expertise in the field of oil and gas exploration and production. The set is also known for its success in complex international arbitrations, with barristers regularly appearing in the LCIA. A highlight matter for the set this year was acting for Verum Plus on Commercial Court claims to recover damages from a long-standing oil and gas JV partner. One source highlights: "It is a very talented set all round and is always able to handle the most complex and sophisticated matters with skill, tact and charm."

"The clerks are second to none. They're really helpful and really responsive with strong turn-arounds."

"The clerks are excellent; always available and willing to discuss issues."

"The clerks provide a very good service."

Greg Leydon is the set's senior clerk, and Eddie Johns and Gary Rose are joint deputy senior clerks.

David Allen KC
David Allen KC is well known as a robust advocate, with a strong capacity for analysing in-depth technical detail. He specialises in a range of oil and gas cases relating to pipelines, drilling operations and offshore structures, and handles large international disputes between oil companies, marine engineering firms and other industry bodies. Allen has frequently appeared in arbitrations at the LCIA and LMAA on behalf of energy industry clients. "David Allen is an outstanding advocate. He's able to focus on the big issues and convince a tribunal of his client's case." "David's powerful insight into the oil and gas industry is truly exceptional."

Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson is a respected commercial litigator who has had involvement in a range of leading energy cases. He has acted for a number of prominent energy entities including major oil companies. "He's very impressive. You have to watch yourself on the other side because he's smart." "Jason Robinson is incredibly hard-working, efficient and proactive. He exceeds expectations."

Jonathan Gaisman KC
Jonathan Gaisman KC is an outstanding commercial all-rounder who can adroitly turn his hand to energy cases, particularly those requiring in-depth contractual expertise. Gaisman handles cases concerning insurance and commercial issues pertaining to infrastructure and the extraction of reserves. His broad practice focuses on contested litigation but also encompasses advisory work and appearances as an arbitrator.

Sandra Healy
Sandra Healy is a strong commercial junior who handles a broad array of energy issues including upstream and downstream work. Her experience includes geopolitically sensitive international arbitration cases concerning oil and gas exploration and development rights. She has noted strength in cases which involve shipping, insurance and offshore issues. "Sandra has amazing attention to detail and excellent presentation skills."

Alistair Schaff KC
Alistair Schaff KC has a considerable reputation as an intellectual heavyweight for a range of commercial disputes. His strong practice covers commercial and insurance litigation and arbitration. Issues handled range from difficulties with construction projects to major environmental disasters, and both traditional and non-traditional energy project matters are well represented in his caseload. His experience is evidenced by his regular appearances as an arbitrator at the ICC, LCIA and LMAA. "Alistair Schaff is very good at the law. He's analytical and accurate."

Richard Southern KC
Richard Southern KC possesses a wealth of experience in the energy sector, frequently appearing in corporate disputes on behalf of major oil and gas clients. He has great expertise in crude oil and iron ore cases and regularly appears as both an advocate and an arbitrator. "Richard is very authoritative on his feet in court. He's very calm, and his advice is pragmatic and precise."