JUNIOR PROFILE

Karen Maxwell

UK Bar 2026

Twenty Essex

Ranked in 2 practice areas

International Arbitration: Arbitrators

London (Bar)

2 years ranked

Shipping & Commodities

London (Bar)

8 years ranked

About

Provided by Twenty Essex

UK Bar

Practice Areas

Karen practises in commercial law and international trade, with a particular focus on arbitration and shipping. After being called to the Bar, Karen practised at Twenty Essex where she established a commercial law practice. She then spent time at Practical Law Company (PLC), establishing and leading Practical Law Arbitration, before returning to the Bar. Karen is regularly instructed to advise and appear in shipping, shipbuilding, and arbitration disputes.

Career

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

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

International Arbitration: Arbitrators - London (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Karen Maxwell is a mainstay at the LCIA and LMAA, having become a go-to arbitrator of choice for complex energy, shipping and commodities disputes. She is instructed on matters as chair, co-arbitration and sole counsel. Peers praise her collaborative approach.

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Shipping & Commodities - London (Bar)

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Karen Maxwell is an experienced barrister recognised for her competencies in shipping and shipbuilding arbitrations, where she is particularly noted for her expertise in procedural issues and challenges.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Karen Maxwell has been fantastic at responding to everything. She is very bright, a delight to work with, organised and efficient.
International Arbitration: ArbitratorsUK Bar
Karen Maxwell engages in highly complicated and challenging issues in a calm manner, and this drives things forward in a great way.
Shipping & CommoditiesUK Bar
Karen is an outstanding senior junior and is always calm and responsive.
Shipping & CommoditiesUK Bar