Shipping & Commodities

36 Stone is commended for its members' expertise across significant commodities and shipping disputes. International trade is a particular area of competence for many counsel, who frequently act in overseas jurisdictions. Tenants have recently handled significant cases, such as the collision between 'VL Nichioh' and 'Shandong Zheng Tong'. One source remarks that the set is "brilliant, and effective at managing time and expectations." Another says they have a "good ability to grasp facts quickly and give commercial advice."

"The clerks are very responsive."

"The clerks respond in a timely manner."

Reiss Nott is 36 Stone's senior clerk and is ably assisted by first clerk Billy Brett, and by Sam Medlock and Lily Bussey.

Elizabeth Blackburn KC
Elizabeth Blackburn KC is an experienced and highly regarded silk with specialist expertise in wet shipping disputes. Her diverse practice includes marine insurance, pollution, collision and salvage actions as well as shipbuilding and international maritime law. She is also regularly appointed as an arbitrator. "Elizabeth is an excellent KC to work with." "She is a dream to work with and is very conscientious."

Vasanti Selvaratnam KC
Vasanti Selvaratnam KC is an experienced barrister with considerable ability in wet and dry shipping matters as well as commodities disputes. She is capable of taking on knotty legal issues such as the force majeure principle and interim relief applications. She regularly acts as an arbitrator. "Vasanti is one of the best silks in the space. She is very concise and an excellent arbitrator." "Vasanti is a fantastic KC."

Mark Jones
Mark Jones is a prominent junior with a strong international trade, commodities and shipping practice regularly handling charter party disputes, collisions and general average. He has further expertise in complex shipbuilding and ship sale and purchase disputes. He also advises on marine insurance and piracy and hijacking cases. A skilled litigator, he also frequently appears in arbitration proceedings.

Ravi Aswani
Ravi Aswani is an excellent practitioner with a wide-ranging shipping, commodities and international trade practice. He has notable experience acting as an advocate, arbitrator and mediator. He has undertaken an interesting selection of cases over the years, relating to such matters as shipbuilding and repair, collisions, damaged cargoes and violated charter party agreements. "Ravi is extremely thoughtful and calm with deep expertise in maritime." "He is easy to work with, very reliable, clear and to the point."

Charles Debattista
Charles Debattista is highly respected for acting as both advocate and arbitrator in shipping matters such as charter party, letters of credit and ship management disputes. He is particularly well known for his large advisory practice. "Charles has a deep knowledge on shipping and commercial law."

Rachel Toney
Rachel Toney is a highly commended junior with ability across wet and dry shipping matters including collisions, indemnity claims and charter party actions. She offers niche expertise in shipping-related employment and personal injury claims. Toney has a flourishing shipbuilding and superyacht disputes practice. She also routinely acts as a mediator and arbitrator. "She is very accessible and her availability is excellent." "Rachel has an excellent reputation."