SILK PROFILE

Duncan Matthews KC

Global 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 5 practice areas

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

International Arbitration - The English Bar - Global Market Leaders

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Duncan Matthews KC is viewed by the market as a heavyweight courtroom advocate. He provides robust international arbitration representation in disputes across a broad spectrum of industries. He regularly handles energy, technology and shipping disputes, among others. He is well versed in matters under UNCITRAL and LMAA rules and has acted in ad hoc arbitrations. He also has expertise in anti-suit injunctions in support of arbitration proceedings.

Energy & Natural Resources - UK

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Duncan Matthews KC is a highly experienced practitioner in the energy sector, with a focus on international disputes across the full range of upstream, midstream and downstream oil work. His practice covers large-scale, high-profile litigation and arbitration, and he regularly tackles cases with civil fraud aspects, as well as highly technical considerations. He has specific expertise in relation to disputes concerning onshore and offshore oil and gas drilling, as well as the carriage of goods and commodities in the energy sector.

Shipping & Commodities - UK

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Duncan Matthews KC has an established reputation as a leading silk at the shipping and commodities Bar. His busy practice incorporates a swathe of issues including dry bulk and tanker charter party disputes, the arrest of ships, contracts of affreightment, cargo claims and civil fraud.

International Arbitration - The Bar - Asia-Pacific Region

Spotlight
Spotlight

Individual Editorial
Duncan Matthews KC of Twenty Essex has an excellent reputation in the Asia-Pacific region for his work in disputes arising from oil and gas projects and in the commodities space.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • A genuine leader in the field, both as counsel and arbitrator.

    International Arbitration - The English BarChambers Global Guide
  • One of the best in London.

    International Arbitration - The English BarChambers Global Guide
  • Duncan is top of the market in terms of ability to grab and lead the most complex disputes and to deliver outstanding results for his client.

    Energy & Natural ResourcesChambers Global Guide
  • Duncan is very much in the top five. We consistently turn to him on really difficult cases. He is an absolute go-to.

    Shipping & CommoditiesChambers Global Guide
  • He is a superb arbitrator because he is on top of all of the factual detail.

    Dispute Resolution: CommercialChambers Global Guide
  • Duncan's advocacy is impressive. He argues so persuasively and articulately, and is willing to make arguments that others might shy away from.

    Dispute Resolution: CommercialChambers Global Guide

Ranked Barristers at Twenty Essex (114)

Asia-Pacific Region

Europe-wide

Global Market Leaders

What success is built on

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

Explore thought leadership