International Arbitration - The English Bar

Essex Court Chambers has long enjoyed a reputation as the go-to set for international arbitration. Its barristers are consistently recognised for their truly international practices, receiving instructions from the Middle East, Europe and Africa and acting in some of the most significant and high-value disputes. Members offer unrivalled expertise across an impressive breadth of sectors, and have particular prowess in energy and insurance and reinsurance disputes. The barristers at Essex Court Chambers are regularly called upon to handle proceedings and cases involving foreign law under all major institutional rules. Over the past year the barristers have been in a number of high-profile matters, including a ground-breaking and novel appeal related to the auction of NFTs. Solicitors interviewed say: "Essex Court benefits from a wide range of true subject matter experts from senior silks through to juniors," and describe it as "undoubtedly the leading commercial set in London, with an unparalleled national and international reputation."

"Ollie Butcher, team leader, and Ben Perry, deputy senior clerk, were both excellent and very commercial."

"The clerks at Essex Court are amazingly responsive, and their team approach is very effective, ensuring that there is coverage for all matters at all times."

"Joe Ferrigno, senior clerk, is the best clerk at the Bar. He has a magic touch around managing relationships and making things work."

Anton Dudnikov
Anton Dudnikov is regularly instructed as sole counsel on various disputes by enviable clients such as state governments and high-profile individuals. Born in Russia, he draws on his ability to speak Russian and his experience of Russian culture to deal with arbitral disputes arising from the CIS. He also often works on prominent and high-value cases arising in the Middle East and Central Asia. "His drafting and advocacy turned what was an incredibly difficult situation for our client into a strategically strong position." "Anton's very good. He's very hard-working. He's a bright guy."

David Joseph KC
David Joseph KC comes highly recommended for his broad commercial international arbitration practice, which covers a wide array of industries including the energy, telecommunications, construction, insurance, shipping and aerospace sectors. He regularly acts as counsel in high-stakes arbitration enforcement cases. He has extensive experience in BIT arbitrations. "He knows how to work the tribunal so is a good advocate in arbitrations as well as someone I'm happy to put in front of clients to give honest, easily understood and straightforward advice." "He provides key insights into matters and is very astute at cutting through them to find the simplest of solutions to the most complex of disputes."

Joe Smouha KC
Joe Smouha KC is widely considered to be one of the strongest practitioners at the International Arbitration Bar due to his extensive experience in handling notable commercial disputes under a number of prominent arbitral institutions including the ICC and LCIA. He also takes appointments as a commercial arbitrator. His advocacy experience includes court appearances in the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. "Joe's wealth of experience shines through in his judgement and tactical calls." "For someone who is in demand as he is, he is incredibly responsive and easy to deal with."

Graham Dunning KC
Graham Dunning KC has longstanding experience of appearing before courts and arbitration panels domestically and abroad. He often represents states and state entities in investment treaty claims, and exhibits strong expertise acting in large oil and gas disputes. He has been involved in arbitrations under the rules of the ICC, the LCIA and UNCITRAL, and those brought under the Energy Charter Treaty. "Graham is excellent and decisive."

Ricky Diwan KC
Ricky Diwan KC is highly regarded for his international arbitration practice, which concentrates on commercial and investment issues. He has significant experience of arguing cases under a variety of laws and regulations and representing clients before national and international arbitral tribunals. He is noted for having helped to draft the Mauritian International Arbitration Act 2008. "Ricky's knowledge of the relevant case law and his analysis of incredibly complex and tricky issues around arbitration has been unbelievable to witness." "He is one of the strongest international arbitration practitioners." "He is really excellent, a hardcore specialist."

James Collins KC
James Collins KC is noted for an international arbitration practice focusing on representing clients, including high-profile and foreign corporations, before domestic and international tribunals. He is particularly strong on insurance, financial transaction and international trade disputes. He has appeared in court in the British Virgin Islands as well as London. "James is an excellent advocate and a pleasure to work with."

James Willan KC
James Willan KC provides robust representation when handling international arbitrations governed by LCIA and SIAC rules. He is also well versed in oil rig disputes under SCMA and LMAA rules. He is also experienced in arbitration-related Commercial Court proceedings for interim relief including freezing orders. "He is an excellent barrister."

Paul Key KC
Paul Key KC specialises in international arbitrations arising in a variety of sectors including oil and gas, shipping, foreign investments and mining. He has an impressive track record of representing large corporate clients in high-profile cases, as well as high net worth individuals and government organisations. He has acted in challenges to arbitration awards. "He is just great. He is not one of the KCs who sits in an ivory tower; he rolls his sleeves up and digs into the case." "He is very good and very clever."

Philippa Hopkins KC
Philippa Hopkins KC is well versed in acting in a broad range of domestic and international arbitrations, demonstrating expertise across a number of industry sectors, including construction, banking and pharmaceuticals. She regularly accepts appointments as arbitrator and offers advocacy under the auspices of the LCIA, ICC and LMAA. "Philippa is a pleasure to work with."

Ben Juratowitch KC
Ben Juratowitch KC is known as an accomplished practitioner in the international commercial arbitration space. He is experienced in representing parties in high-level, complex cases in jurisdictions including those in Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. "I think the world of his skills as an advocate, specifically in cross-examination and written advocacy." "He is an incredible advocate - very calm, very good under pressure. Ben is very patient with judges and is good at asking questions in the tribunal."

David Scorey KC
David Scorey KC is a respected practitioner with notable experience as a commercial litigator. He is well versed in handling proceedings under ICC rules. He provides counsel on matters stemming from a broad spectrum of sectors including insurance and oil and gas. "He is a very user-friendly advocate who is keen to engage on the strategic details regarding the conduct of the dispute." "He is very bright, produces brilliant work and is extremely easy to work with."

Emily Wood KC
Emily Wood KC concentrates her practice on high-value, complex international commercial arbitration and has particular expertise in handling challenges to arbitral awards. She has substantial experience of arbitrations conducted under ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL and ICSID rules. In addition to her work as counsel she also takes sole arbitrator appointments. "She is the superstar of the future. She is really on the ball and very clever." "She is extremely calm under pressure, holding her own and demonstrating an almost psychic ability to read the tribunal."

Iain Quirk KC
Iain Quirk KC is renowned for providing robust representation in international arbitrations under the remit of the ICC, and has acted in a number of Section 68 applications. His international arbitration experience covers a wide array of industries, and he regularly handles matters concerning the oil and gas and construction sectors. He has particular interest in arbitration-related court applications such as injunctions and award challenges. "You get the full package with Ian; he is very generous with his time and you get amazing value for money." "He's really calm and an effective advocate." "He is very responsive, very easy to work with and just very good."

Lucas Bastin KC
Lucas Bastin KC handles a wide range of matters in this field, including international commercial arbitration, investment treaty arbitration, and work before English (and foreign domestic) courts in aid of enforcement of arbitration awards. "Lucas's expertise, judgement and commercial input are second to none." "He is absolutely at the top of his game. If you have him on your team, you have stacked the odds in your favour." "He is one of the most exciting junior KCs at the moment in the field."

Matthieu Gregoire
Matthieu Gregoire has notable experience handling LCIA and ICC arbitrations. He is astute at advising government bodies, as well as companies and individuals operating in the energy and mining sectors, among others. He is well versed in both commercial and investment treaty disputes. "To me, he is definitely one of the rising stars of the Bar." "He is extremely likeable; he brings a bit of French flair to the cases. The clients hold him in the highest regard."

Naomi Hart
Naomi Hart has broad experience in a range of commercial arbitration disputes, including those relating to the energy and aerospace sectors. She has the demonstrable ability to work on high-value, high-profile mandates, and has operated in several regions, including Central and Eastern Europe and Africa. "Naomi is very intelligent, very sharp, very efficient and gets on with things." "She is super user-friendly and a pleasure to work with."

Paul Choon Kiat Wee
Paul Wee acts for governments, major corporations and financial institutions in complex, sometimes high-value arbitrations, particularly in the telecoms, energy and infrastructure sectors. He is also an expert in investment treaty arbitrations and related enforcement proceedings. "Paul is exceedingly bright and he has absolutely excellent drafting skills - he can distil complex legal and technical points into very crisp, clear and compelling arguments."

Richard Millett KC
Richard Millett KC is highly regarded for his handling of high-value international arbitrations for financial clients, significant individuals and international corporations. He handles institutional and ad hoc arbitrations and frequently appears in offshore jurisdictions. He is experienced in energy disputes and investment arbitrations. "He is immensely clever and brilliant in terms of his strategy and ability to distil difficult concepts." "He is well liked, with a good turn of phrase, and he is very user-friendly."

Stephen Houseman KC
Stephen Houseman KC is noted for his broad commercial practice spanning subjects including finance, natural resources and pharmaceuticals. He is also recognised for his expertise in handling anti-suit injunction and anti-arbitration injunction matters. "He has a great legal mind focused on legal analysis and the broader picture." "He has the intellectual edge you need." "Intellectually, he is very strong and equally strategic and commercial, while also being user-friendly."

Steven Berry KC
Steven Berry KC provides solid representation in international arbitration disputes concerning commodities, shipping, and insurance and reinsurance. He is experienced in appearing before tribunals governed by the rules of the LMAA, SIAC, the LCIA and the ICC. "He is incredibly strong."

Angeline Welsh KC
Angeline Welsh KC possesses a wide international arbitration practice covering a range of commercial claims, including those concerning investment treaties and the banking, technology and construction sectors. She is especially sought after for her expertise in handling disputes arising in emerging markets and in court proceedings related to arbitrations, such as enforcement of arbitral awards and anti-suit injunctions. "Angeline understands both the technical and legal nuances of a case and arguments, and executes her role in a hearing superbly." "Angeline is an obviously talented individual." "Angeline Welsh has a remarkably agile mind and an ability to very quickly assimilate unusual legal concepts from other legal systems, with an understanding of what works and what does not."

Siddharth Dhar KC
Siddharth Dhar KC has established himself as a go-to name for energy sector and investment treaty arbitrations. He has acted in billion-dollar arbitral disputes under the auspices of various institutions including the ICC, ICSID and the LCIA. He counts several sovereign states among his clients. "Siddharth Dhar is simply excellent and punches well above his weight." "Siddharth is very good on heavyweight intellectual and commercial arbitration matters."