Department profile
One Essex Court

Energy & Natural Resources

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


One Essex Court

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources - London (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

One Essex Court is a market-leading set for energy and natural resources work with an unparalleled membership of heavy-hitting advocates. The expertise of the barristers spans the full range of energy disputes, including those relating to oil and gas, renewable energy sources, water, nuclear and conventional power and mining. Members maintain an outstanding reputation for success in the Commercial Court and in arbitrations, and are frequently seconded to regulators such as Ofgem and Ofwat. Recent cases include an assessment of damages appeal which was successfully dismissed in British Gas Trading Ltd v (1) Shell UK Limited (2) Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited. An interviewee comments that the set "is truly the top of the field, while being accessible to solicitors and clients alike, collaborative and pragmatic." Another says: "They are renowned for taking on the biggest, most complex disputes and dominating them."

Darren Burrows is the senior clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Rob Smith, deputy senior clerk, and David Amdor, clerk team leader, are just excellent - they're approachable, flexible and invest time in relationships.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks at One Essex are always very professional, respond quickly and provide a seamless service, making running cases easy.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • The set are always excellent and the clerks really go the extra mile to assist.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Alexander Gunning
    Band 1Alexander Gunning

    Alexander Gunning

    Alexander Gunning KC is well regarded by peers and solicitors for his effective style of advocacy. He has been involved in a range of energy infrastructure cases, and has acted for contractors in disputes concerning the mining, drilling and transportation of natural resources. Gunning frequently represents clients from Central Asia and China.

    • Alexander is personable, commercial and always hugely well prepared. A real leader who is excellent in all respects.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Alex stands out for really showing judgement and insight out of the norm.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • There are not enough superlatives to describe Alexander - clients get a great deal of confidence in the way that he delivers advice.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Daniel Toledano
    Band 1Daniel Toledano

    Daniel Toledano

    Daniel Toledano KC is widely respected as an established and robust silk, and he exhibits a winning manner in the courtroom and with clients. He is known for his sharp analytical skills and strong sense of commitment, both of which he demonstrates when representing large industry bodies in a broad range of commercial disputes involving complex contractual and regulatory issues. Toledano has a particular aptitude for handling North Sea oil and gas disputes.

    • The level of excellence of Daniel's work and dedication to cases is highly impressive.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Daniel is a leading person - he is a good advocate, gets stuck in and leads the team well.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Dan is great with clients, calm and reassuring. He is always on top of the detail and able to communicate advice clearly and succinctly.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1John McCaughran
    Band 1John McCaughran

    John McCaughran

    John McCaughran KC is an outstanding advocate with a widely acknowledged and thoroughgoing sector specialism. He is an experienced litigator and arbitrator with great expertise both domestically and internationally and is admitted to the Bar in the BVI and Cayman Islands. His clear focus is the oil and gas industry, and he acts for a range of major energy and utilities players in the upstream and midstream markets. McCaughran has an in-depth knowledge of the workings of a number of institutions, including the LCIA, the SCC and UNCITRAL.

    • John is great - no pretensions and very engaged and engaging. It felt like he could do the job with his eyes closed.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • John has been around the block and knows his stuff in the energy sector.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • John is a fantastic advocate; his manner with a tribunal is calm and understated but he has them eating out of his hand. A pleasure to behold.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Laurence Rabinowitz
    Band 1Laurence Rabinowitz

    Laurence Rabinowitz

    Laurence Rabinowitz KC is a dominant presence in the commercial energy arena, with a reputation as a go-to resource for an array of litigation and arbitration matters worldwide. Solicitors turn to him for his ability to take on the cases with the highest stakes, and he deals with contractual disputes surrounding some of the biggest energy deals in the market. His areas of practice range from traditional oil and gas to alternative energy. He is equally comfortable handling both domestic and international disputes.

    • Laurence is truly exceptional - he is probably the best at the Bar for many people.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Laurence is a star of his generation; he is one of the brightest at the Bar and the complete package.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Laurence has a very specialist way of doing appeal work, and on the energy side he is one of the leading KCs.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Alain Choo Choy
    Band 2Alain Choo Choy

    Alain Choo Choy

    Alain Choo Choy KC is an eminent figure in the energy market who operates both domestically and internationally across a spectrum of commercial energy matters, with a particular focus on cases concerning the financing and ownership of large projects and resources. Key areas of expertise include mining and the upstream oil and gas industry. He frequently appears in both international arbitrations and court hearings, including those before the BVI Commercial Court and Supreme Court of Mauritius.

    • Alain is brilliant - a real team player and his work ethic is almost second to none.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Alain is really hands-on for a silk and does not solely rely on juniors. He's very pleasant to work with and has a good sense of what the court will think of an issue.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Alain is a very good advocate; he was on top of everything and hammered the other side.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Daniel Hubbard
    Band 2Daniel Hubbard

    Daniel Hubbard

    Daniel Hubbard attracts praise for his broad energy sector capabilities. Hubbard is particularly experienced in oil and gas exploration disputes, both in the commercial court and as part of international arbitration proceedings. Beyond upstream matters, he also impresses due to his handling of cases relating to gas sales, mining and electricity markets.

    • Daniel provides effective advocacy due to his light touch in how he presents cases to the judge, always engaging their attention.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Daniel does a very solid job, works hard and made himself available.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2David Wolfson
    Band 2David Wolfson

    David Wolfson

    David Wolfson KC is known for his analytical approach to a variety of cases in the energy sector, including those arising from the extraction and supply of gas. His commercial practice frequently sees him appearing in high-profile oil and gas disputes.

    • David is a superstar and someone that clients would entrust in a bet-the-company case.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • David gives very clear instructions on how he wants to approach a case and delivers it ruthlessly. He knows the material inside-out and it is like a demolition job.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • David has great courtroom presence, but one of the important things he excels at is winning the client's confidence.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Emma Jones
    Band 2Emma Jones

    Emma Jones

    Emma Jones acts across a broad range of commercial energy matters. She has particular expertise in cases relating to contractual matters, especially those with contracts for difference agreements. Jones focuses on acting for clients in court hearings and arbitrations in the oil and gas and alternative energy sectors.

    • Emma is really fantastic and a real driving force in cases.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Emma is intellectually top-drawer and she has a work ethic and attention to detail that is second to none.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Jeffery Onions
    Band 2Jeffery Onions

    Jeffery Onions

    Jeffery Onions KC is acclaimed for his undoubted intellect and fierce commitment to complex commercial cases, many of which have a regulatory or environmental angle. He exhibits deep energy sector expertise and acts for heavyweights in the oil and gas industry. His practice spans advisory and advocacy work, and sees him handling both arbitrations and High Court litigation.

    • Jeffery is a great advocate, commercially astute and user-friendly.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Michael Watkins
    Band 2Michael Watkins

    Michael Watkins

    Michael Watkins is routinely instructed on significant UKCS oil and gas disputes, often on the side of major operators. Watkins is equally at home appearing in the English commercial courts as he is in arbitration proceedings, alongside his busy advisory practice.

    • Michael is clever, diligent and an excellent communicator.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Michael outperforms his years at the Bar in his written work.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Sa'ad Hossain
    Band 2Sa'ad Hossain

    Sa'ad Hossain

    Sa'ad Hossain KC is a prominent commercial barrister frequently involved in energy issues, including disputes over the rights and responsibilities associated with natural resources and infrastructure. He frequently acts in cases in the oil and gas sector, with downstream utility supply a particular area of strength. His practice also involves advising clients on operating, transportation and capacity agreements, as well as drilling rig and FPSO operations.

    • Sa'ad is all over the detail and brilliantly organised.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Sa'ad is a cerebral guy - he's incredibly bright, measured and considered in how he approaches things.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Sa'ad is a brilliant advocate whilst also being commercial and user-friendly.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Laurence Emmett
    Band 3Laurence Emmett

    Laurence Emmett

    Laurence Emmett KC is a well-regarded silk who has an impressive repertoire of energy cases, especially in relation to the upstream and downstream oil industries. He earns praise for handling regulatory and commercial cases relating to both traditional and non-traditional sources of energy. His practice spans both domestic and international cases.

    • Laurence is a new style of silk - he is always accessible, thoughtful and always rolls up his sleeves.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Laurence is all over the technical details.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Laurence is a go-to guy for energy disputes.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Michael Fealy
    Band 3Michael Fealy

    Michael Fealy

    Michael Fealy KC is a popular choice among solicitors for his extensive experience in oil and gas disputes. He is adept at appearing in English courts and international arbitration settings. Among his clients, Fealy can count significant oil and gas majors.

    • Michael is client-focused; he thinks about the bigger picture while delivering excellent written and oral advocacy on the matters.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Michael is incredibly impressive. He gives firm and clear advice, doesn't sit on the fence and quickly gains the confidence of the clients.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • For liquid natural gas disputes, Michael is one of the very best in the market. He's easy to work with and, importantly for us, the client always respects and likes working with him.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Conall Patton
    Band 4Conall Patton

    Conall Patton

    Conall Patton KC is a highly regarded silk who is capable of dealing with both the commercial and regulatory aspects of energy work. He has experience in advising and representing clients both in court and in arbitration, and acts for high-ranking developers and facility operators, as well as commodity traders. Patton is equally capable of handling disputes relating to the oil and gas, renewable energy and mining sectors.

    • He is persistent, courteous and it is very impressive to see how he works out the angles he wants to try in cases.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Conall provides excellent advice on tricky points.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Conall is brilliant - I cannot speak highly enough of him. He's a fantastic leader, brilliant lawyer and advocate as well as a nice person.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Nicholas Sloboda
    Band 4Nicholas Sloboda

    Nicholas Sloboda

    Nicholas Sloboda KC is well regarded by solicitors for his oil and gas experience. His clients include energy companies and mining majors, and he acts in oil sale disputes, upstream cases and a range of arbitration matters. He regularly appears before the Commercial Court.

    • Nicholas is an excellent barrister. He is a proper team player, and fantastic on his feet and in written submissions.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Nicholas is extremely detail-oriented which is crucial for the development of the client's defence.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Orlando Gledhill
    Band 4Orlando Gledhill

    Orlando Gledhill

    Orlando Gledhill KC is a respected silk who handles significant cases across a wide range of areas, tackling matters concerning both traditional and non-traditional resources. Gledhill represents engineering contractors, facility operators and utility providers. He is held in high regard for his emissions trading practice.

    • Orlando has an incredible ability to digest immense amounts of information including complex and technical data, which he is able to bring down to earth in clear and simple language.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • What distinguishes him is that he is very good at seeing the bigger picture, he is always looking ahead in the chess match to see what moves he can make.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Thomas Sharpe
    Band 4Thomas Sharpe

    Thomas Sharpe

    Thomas Sharpe KC is an accomplished competition law practitioner with significant experience on the regulatory side of energy work. He represents a range of clients, including utility companies, investment funds and regulatory bodies, providing both advocacy and non-contentious regulatory advice. He is particularly well regarded for his work in the water industry. Sharpe acts for significant market players from across Europe, including German and French clients.

  • New SilksNehali Shah
    New SilksNehali Shah

    Nehali Shah

    Nehali Shah is a highly regarded barrister with a strong practice advising clients on all aspects of upstream and downstream oil and gas disputes. She regularly appears in commercial litigation and arbitrations, both domestically and internationally, and a number of her cases focus on the financing aspects of projects.

    • Nehali is very bright and an excellent advocate.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Nehali has excellent drafting, understands the client's case and crafts strategically creative arguments.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Nehali is intelligent, ferociously hard-working and a star in the making.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksNiranjan Venkatesan
    New SilksNiranjan Venkatesan

    Niranjan Venkatesan

    Niranjan Venkatesan is a highly sought-after commercial silk with a burgeoning focus on the oil and gas sector. Venkatesan has appeared for sector clients in the Commercial Court and arbitration proceedings. He is also adept at acting in high-profile judicial review matters.

    • Niranjan has great attention to detail and encyclopaedic knowledge; the team really like working with him.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Niranjan has an incredible legal mind like no one I have come across. His legal knowledge is vast and quality of drafting is second to none.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar
    • Niranjan's instant recall of anything is staggering and he is really interested in the subject matter.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at One Essex Court (19)

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