Shipping & Commodities

Adept across wet and dry shipping matters, members of Essex Court Chambers are regularly sought out by shipbuilders, ship owners, shipyards and insurers for their expert knowledge. Its tenants have acted in high-profile court cases, including BP Oil v Glencore Energy. A source comments they have "first-class appreciation of the law and jurisdictional issues, and know what matters to the client."

"The clerks are very approachable and friendly."

"The set has an excellent clerking team."

"The clerks are prompt, efficient and kind."

Joe Ferrigno is the senior clerk.

Steven Berry KC
Steven Berry KC is a renowned barrister with a leading dry shipping practice. He is recognised for his significant expertise in charter party, marine insurance and bill of lading disputes. "Steven is one of the very best and a joy to work with." "Steven is an excellent barrister. He makes you feel at ease whether you're a counsel, solicitor or client." "He is highly recommended for his commercial advice and advocacy skills."

Christopher Smith KC
Christopher Smith KC is a commercial silk with a reputable wet and dry shipping practice. He has expertise in shipbuilding, collisions, towage, charter party and bill of lading disputes. His knowledge also extends to safe port and berth matters. "Christopher is extremely hard-working, user-friendly and a very good barrister." "He is a great tactician and an incredibly useful sounding board to bounce ideas off before committing to a course of action." "He has a unique sense of commitment and dedication to the client and the case."

David Walsh
David Walsh acts on a range of dry shipping cases and is recommended for his advocacy in court and arbitrations. His practice includes charter parties, demurrage disputes and marine insurance matters. "He produces really excellent, considered and well-written pleading." "David is a thorough, safe pair of hands." "David is an impressive and very strong barrister."

Philippa Hopkins KC
Philippa Hopkins KC is an impressive barrister with a wide commercial dispute resolution practice that has a particular focus on shipping matters. She regularly acts as an advocate in court as well as in arbitration forums. Her practice includes marine insurance, dry shipping, shipbuilding and commodities cases. "She is brilliantly intelligent and very prominent in the Bar." "Philippa has an absolutely stellar, high-quality practice." "Philippa helps clients get to where they need to be in a case."

Claire Blanchard KC
Claire Blanchard KC is a highly regarded practitioner with experience in a range of shipping and international trade matters. She acts as an advocate and also accepts appointments as an arbitrator. "Claire is a very strong barrister."

Graham Dunning KC
Graham Dunning KC is a well-regarded silk known for his distinguished advocacy. He has extensive experience across a broad spectrum of shipping and commodities matters including charter party and bill of lading disputes. He is often called upon to act as an advocate or an arbitrator in maritime arbitrations. "Graham is one of the best in the space."

Nigel Eaton KC
Nigel Eaton KC is a knowledgeable and technically capable silk with a broad-based shipping and commodities practice. He tackles charter party, contract of affreightment and shipbuilding actions, as well as disputes relating to the full range of hard and soft commodities. His workload includes both litigated cases and arbitrations. "Nigel thinks about every possible angle. He is so clear, to the point and very good at making points in the most concise way." "Nigel is an extremely impressive KC." "Nigel has a strong approach and I really rate him."

Adam Board
Adam Board is a senior junior working across the full shipping and commodities spectrum. He is frequently instructed as a sole lead and has experience acting at all levels of court including the Commercial Court and Supreme Court. "He always produces a high-quality product." "Adam is level-headed and gives a very sensible opinion on matters." "Adam is calm, reassuring and the person you want in a panic."

Jeffrey Gruder KC
Jeffrey Gruder KC is a well-known barrister with a broad commercial law practice. He has been involved in numerous high-profile shipping disputes, including both international and London-based arbitrations. "Jeffrey always provides clear advice, you can go to him for an opinion and get a concrete answer." "He is a very strong silk who does strong, specialist work in shipping."

Jeremy Brier KC
Jeremy Brier KC is a noteworthy barrister with considerable ability across wet and dry shipping matters including shipbuilding and marine insurance disputes. He has experience of jurisdiction and fraud issues, and is sought out by top solicitors. "Jeremy is very easy to work with, a great team player and a strong leader."