SILK PROFILE

David Lewis KC

UK Bar 2026

Twenty Essex

Ranked in 4 practice areas

Shipping & Commodities

London (Bar)

18 years ranked

International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance

London (Bar)

15 years ranked

Energy & Natural Resources

London (Bar)

7 years ranked

Commercial Dispute Resolution

London (Bar)

21 years ranked

About

Provided by Twenty Essex

UK Bar

Practice Areas

David is co-Head of Chambers at Twenty Essex. He is a specialist advocate who took silk in 2014 at the age of 36. His practice covers a broad range of general commercial and private international law disputes, with an emphasis on energy and natural resources (including renewables), shipping and commodities, marine insurance, civil fraud and the conflict of laws.

A substantial part of David’s practice is focused on international arbitration. He has acted as lead counsel in arbitration hearings in London, Singapore, Paris, Dubai and Hong Kong.

David regularly acts in complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes, either leading large teams or working alongside foreign counsel. He appears at all levels of the High Court and is called to the Bar of the BVI. He is also registered to appear in the Singapore International Commercial Court and the DIFC Courts.

Career

Read a full summary of David's career on the Twenty Essex website

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Shipping & Commodities - London (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

David Lewis KC operates a strong advocacy and advisory practice. He marshals his shipping and commodities knowledge in international arbitrations and court cases. Dry shipping and commodities are particular areas of focus.

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International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance - London (Bar)

Band 2

Individual Editorial

David Lewis KC is experienced in appearing before courts and arbitral tribunals including the ICC, SIAC and the LMAA. His arbitration practice continues to thrive and he receives notable instructions from clients in Singapore. He is an expert in complex shipping disputes, as well as those arising in the energy and banking sectors. He regularly accepts appointments as the sole counsel in an arbitration.

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Energy & Natural Resources - London (Bar)

Band 3

Individual Editorial

David Lewis KC is a well-reputed silk with significant experience as both an advocate and adviser in oil and gas disputes. He has expertise in relation to various joint venture agreements and production sharing contracts. His practice includes contractual disputes relating to the transportation of oil and LNG, as well as mining claims.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

A top-tier KC who is reliable, intelligent and helpful.
Shipping & CommoditiesUK Bar
He is a brilliant advocate, his preparation is exceptional and he is able to think quickly on his feet.
Shipping & CommoditiesUK Bar
One of the best minds in the business and a go-to for complex legal problems.
Shipping & CommoditiesUK Bar
David has a fantastic ability to cut through complex issues and give clear, commercial advice. He's obviously incredibly smart and understands the benefit of providing simple advice, in quick time.
International Arbitration: General Commercial & InsuranceUK Bar
He is a very calm and measured advocate.
International Arbitration: General Commercial & InsuranceUK Bar
He does not only possess the expertise you expect of a top-notch KC but is also very down-to-earth and extremely user-friendly. A real joy to work with.
International Arbitration: General Commercial & InsuranceUK Bar