Department profile
HFW

Commodities: Physicals

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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HFW

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Commodities: Physicals - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
HFW has a widely lauded physicals practice, also offering capability in derivatives and energy trading, among other areas. The firm routinely handles complex and high-profile commodities disputes and contractual matters for international clients on a global scale. HFW is notable for its handling of matters before GAFTA, FOSFA and other trade bodies. The team possesses significant expertise across the full spectrum of commodities, including metals, grain, sugar, oil and biofuels. Its clients include oil and gas companies, traders and banks.
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Work Highlights

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  • HFW acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in connection with the collapse of Hin Leong Trading and associated companies.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW has a deep understanding of market practices and the regulatory requirements of European counterparties transacting in derivatives.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • All partners and lawyers working for HFW have extensive legal experience but still continue to be business-oriented.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • The HFW team provides in-depth knowledge of the laws, a client-oriented approach and high-level legal support.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • HFW guide you as their client through the stormy weathers of litigation, arbitration or settlement. You always feel very safe in their hands.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • HFW provides top-level transactional and dispute advisory in one easy-to-use package for physical commodities legal work.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Brian Perrott
    Brian Perrott

    Brian Perrott

    Brian Perrott is regarded as an expert in commodities disputes and has considerable experience of cross-jurisdictional matters. He regularly acts for clients on arbitrations and contractual disputes in the High Court.

    • Brian can always provide a legal and commercial steer on an issue. He delivers highly pragmatic advice quickly.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Brian consistently over-delivers in terms of time and value-add to any problem set before him.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Brian has a strong sense of business and he always bears the commercial interests of his clients in mind when recommending a way to proceed.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
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  • Damian Honey
    Damian Honey

    Damian Honey

    Damian Honey specialises in physical commodities matters. He has particular expertise in metals, energy and bulk commodities. He is sought after for his expertise in physical commodities disputes and offers additional experience in sale and purchase matters.

    • Damian is very diligent and hard-working and very capable of running complex disputes.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
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  • Judith Prior
    Judith Prior

    Judith Prior

    Judith Prior has substantial experience in soft commodities, with particular expertise in sugar. She advises clients on a range of disputes and regulatory matters, with significant experience of arbitration tribunals.

    • She is extremely professional, with up-to-date legal and commercial knowledge in her field.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • One of the key reasons we chose HFW was the involvement of Judith Prior, whose commercial vision and client-centric approach made a significant impression from the outset.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
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  • Alistair Feeney
    Alistair Feeney

    Alistair Feeney

    Alistair Feeney specialises in commodity trading disputes concerning the oil and gas sector. He has a wealth of experience advising on cross-border matters and counts energy traders, oil and gas companies and banks among his clients.

    • Alistair is excellent for physical commodities work, particularly high-stakes transactions and disputes involving seaborne energy commodities.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
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  • Adam Topping
    Adam Topping

    Adam Topping

    Adam Topping acts for trading houses, asset managers, banks and energy producers on transactional and regulatory matters.

    • Adam is extremely responsive and diligent.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Adam Topping is extremely smart and consistent in his advice. He does not only point out risks, but also provides practical advice, which is very helpful.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Adam is an excellent lawyer with a deep understanding of European physical and financial trading markets.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Adam is a smart lawyer and problem solver. He is always willing to provide prompt guidance and assistance.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Adam has good commercial acumen.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
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  • Sarah Taylor
    Sarah Taylor

    Sarah Taylor

    Sarah Taylor has considerable knowledge of international trade and shipping of physical commodities. She advises on a range of disputes spanning arbitrations and litigation. Her practice also includes contract drafting and financing matters.

    • Sarah is very attentive to deal with and has a natural flair for breaking down complex scenarios into simple facts.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at HFW (6)

UK-wide

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