International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance

Simon Rainey KC is highly regarded for his expertise in handling high-profile arbitrations in connection with complex oil and gas, commodities and trade issues. He appears before a variety of arbitral institutions including the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, and acts in arbitrations seated in Hong Kong, London, Nigeria and Singapore. He is also frequently appointed as an arbitrator.

"Simon is extremely user-friendly and well liked by clients, which makes my job really easy."

"Simon is simply the best. He's clear, concise, commercial, a devastating advocate and always a pleasure to work with."

"Quite simply, Simon is the leading barrister at the commercial Bar."

"Simon is an exceptional specialist with a brilliant team approach. He's at the top of his game."

"Simon is highly intelligent and a safe pair of hands for big-ticket disputes."

Gemma Morgan undertakes commercial arbitration matters as a key component of her practice. She routinely represents clients in complex arbitrations and challenges to arbitral awards, including those brought under Sections 68 and 69 of the Arbitration Act. She demonstrates notable strength in handling issues related to the energy and shipping sectors. She has also developed a niche practice in providing counsel on disputes involving superyachts.

"Gemma is excellent on her feet - she's very clear."

"Gemma is a reliable go-to in the international arbitration space."

"Gemma Morgan is my go-to barrister on any serious and complicated matter. She is superb."

Ben Gardner is adept at representing clients in arbitrations under HKIAC and ICC rules. His practice sees him routinely serving in The Hague and Paris. He has a strong track record of handling disputes concerning banking, energy and shipping.

"Ben Gardner is an impressive barrister. He is very sound in his analysis and compelling in his submissions."

"Ben is an excellent junior and future leading KC."

"Ben Gardner is an amazing legal mind, with the work product to match."

"Ben really gets involved in the detail and he's very calm and unflappable."

Gaurav Sharma has an impressive arbitration and investment treaty disputes practice with a significant focus on the energy sector. He has appeared in high-value arbitrations under ICSID and ICC rules. He draws strength from his linguistic capabilities, speaking fluent French and German. Sharma is a qualified French avocat and regularly accepts appointments as arbitrator.

"Gaurav is extremely user-friendly and operates seamlessly together with instructing solicitors as part of one unified team."

"Gaurav Sharma is a go-to energy specialist for complex litigation or arbitration. He is building an extremely strong reputation in the market."

"Gaurav understands the energy industry extremely well. He gets the commercial dynamics within the industry and understands the players. He's one of our go-to juniors for these matters and disputes."

Lionel Persey KC is instructed by clients for his expertise in handlingthe gamut of international arbitrations, with increasing visibility across Asia. His areas of expertise include jurisdictional disputes and conflicts of law, and he is experienced across multiple sectors including the shipping and energy fields. In addition to appearing as an advocate, he sits as an arbitrator.

Luke Parsons KC acts in arbitrations across a number of markets and frequently handles high-value insurance and shipping matters. He regularly acts on behalf of sovereign states in arbitrations under ICC and LCIA rules. He is frequently instructed bytop-tierinternational law firms.

"Luke is able to shrewdly cut through the complexities and noise to focus the tribunal on the core issues."

"Luke is a top-notch advocate."

"Luke is a real master of his craft. I've never seen anyone as good at cross-examination as he is."

Guy Blackwood KC is held in high regard for his ability to represent clients in arbitrations concerning insurance and reinsurance matters. He is particularly astute at handling ICC and ICSID arbitrations. His clients operate in a range of sectors, such as mining, although he is also routinely called upon by sovereign states.

"Andrew is a very able member of the Bar. He's succinct in his advocacy without missing the point."

"Guy is super responsive, very client-friendly and commercial in his approach. He's extremely quick yet thorough."

"Andrew Guy Blackwood is the go-to silk for insurance and reinsurance counsel. He's also super user-friendly and a joy to work with, which makes such a difference."

Koye Akoni offers clients a broad range of commercial expertise. For international arbitrations and international trade disputes, Akoni is considered a go-to junior. He has appeared in the ICC, the LCIA, the LMAA and SIAC while also having supported in arbitrations involving GAFTA and FOSFA systems. His areas of expertise include energy disputes, investment treaty claims and arbitration-related court proceedings, such as enforcement actions and challenges to awards.

"Koye's written and oral advocacy is exceptional. He delivers his arguments effectively before even the most experienced tribunals."

"Koye is really bright and really gets to grips with complex legal issues. He's very commercial, pragmatic and capable."

"Koye is a barrister on whom we can lean. He's extremely sharp, very good on advisory pieces and offers an excellent vision of how a case can play out."

Robert-Jan Temmink KC is a highly respected international lawyer specialising in commercial and chancery disputes and international arbitration. He has acted on a host of significant mandates brought under several of the major rule sets, including those of the LCIA, ICC and LMAA. His clients include both sovereign states, international investors and local private companies. His broader sector expertise includes aviation, insurance, shipping and commodities, energy natural resources and infrastructure projects. In addition to his busy counsel practice, he also sits as an arbitrator.

"Robert is an absolute Rolls-Royce of a silk, made for the modern era. He is someone you'd happily throw in front of clients because he understands their wants and needs. They totally trust him."

"Robert is really persuasive and knows when to ask questions and when to say nothing. His advocacy skills are unparalleled."

"Robert-Jan Temmink is an amazing oral advocate and incredibly hands-on. I really enjoy working with him, as do clients."

Tom Nixon is recognised as a rising star in the field of international arbitration. He operates across a broad spectrum of commercial law, with notable experience handling shipping, telecoms, aviation, energy and commodities disputes. He has acted as sole counsel in several arbitrations, occasionally against silks.

"Tom Nixon is a star junior."

"Tom is phenomenally bright, even by the standards of the English Bar. His written work is really high-quality; it's convincing, methodical and persuasive."