Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Commodities: Physicals

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

Share profile

Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Commodities: Physicals - UK-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood has a strong physicals practice with expertise across hard and soft commodities, including metals, minerals, coal and oil. The firm represents large international clients across the industry on a range of issues and has additional prowess in sanctions and fraud. It maintains close relationships with major trading houses. The firm's other clients include international banks, mining, power, oil and agribusiness companies.

View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team has willingness to work long hours, throws lots of resources at a problem and finds the right experts to work with on a case.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • Everyone I have dealt with has had an impressive knowledge of the law and the industry, and has been professional and well organised.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • The Stephenson Harwood team is very hands-on, experienced and knowledgeable.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • The department includes practitioners with very high levels of skills, experience and, even more importantly, an ability to listen to and understand client needs.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

  • Stephenson Harwood delivers outstanding performance: quick responses, deep knowledge of the market and great legal authority.

    Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jonathan Spearing
    Jonathan Spearing

    Jonathan Spearing

    Jonathan Spearing is noted for his expertise in contentious commodities matters, with experience advising clients on arbitration, contractual disputes and fraud-related matters. His practice also spans a range of transactional matters including supply and distribution agreements.

    • Jonathan keeps a close rein on important matters.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • He is a superb all-rounder with great commercial awareness and a very client-friendly style.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Jonathan Spearing is like a legal Swiss Army knife in his ability to handle contentious and non-contentious matters with equal skill, and with a fully commercial outlook.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
    View profile
  • Peter Bennett
    Peter Bennett

    Peter Bennett

    Peter Bennett has a wealth of experience in litigating and arbitrating commodities disputes. He also advises clients on commercial contracts and trade agreements.

    • Peter has profound experience and skill, especially in strategy and tactics.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Peter is a very safe pair of hands. He is easy to chat to and very responsive.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Peter is a highly experienced commodities litigator who gives everything to get the best results for clients.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
    View profile
  • Haris Zografakis
    Haris Zografakis

    Haris Zografakis

    Haris Zografakis has considerable experience in dispute resolution and regularly acts for clients in arbitrations. He regularly advises on contractual disputes and has significant cross-border expertise.

    • Haris has a deep and broad understanding of the law and the industry, as well as real energy and enthusiasm for his work.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
    View profile
  • Emma Skakle
    Emma Skakle

    Emma Skakle

    Emma Skakle is an impressive up-and-coming partner who acts in High Court litigation and arbitration proceedings heard in a variety of forums. She holds particular experience in matters relating to soft commodities and biofuels.

    • Emma Skakle is calm and on top of things. She is very bright and across the detail, and has good judgement for when points need further treatment.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Ms Skakle is an excellent choice. She is very efficient, strong in communication and always very well informed.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Emma Skakle is smart, expert, precise, focused and has a high EQ. I could not ask for better.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK

    • Emma is an excellent lawyer with good commercial sense and strong skills with regard to both litigation and commodity contract advice.

      Commodities: Physicals respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (4)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership