Energy & Natural Resources

39 Essex Chambers is a respected set offering a breadth of experience across energy mandates, including construction, engineering, environmental and planning disputes, as well as regulatory work and the representation of public bodies. Tenants are additionally qualified to handle international arbitration for energy sector clients and others. Cases undertaken by barristers at the set range from those arising in the oil industry to disputes relating to nuclear power stations. Demonstrating regulatory and nuclear expertise, members advised the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency and Magnox Limited on issues relating to transfer of AGR stations and use of nuclear sites. One interviewee says: "39 Essex is reputable in the energy sector, and I always recommend them."

"The clerks have strong service levels, particularly from Mark Winrow, senior practice manager."

"The clerks are excellent. They are quick and on the ball and come back with accurate info very quickly. Elliott Hurrell, senior practice manager, is very good."

The energy team is managed by Andrew Poyser, deputy senior clerk, and Mark Winrow.

Duncan Sinclair
Duncan Sinclair specialises in the regulatory and competition aspects of energy law and has frequently been involved in judicial review procedures. He handles both contentious and advisory work, representing major electricity suppliers and undertaking investigations for public authorities. "He is really good and approachable. His written work is really good."

Karim Ghaly KC
Karim Ghaly KC is a respected silk held in high regard for the quality of his representation in disputes relating to construction, engineering and energy. He is frequently engaged by large-scale international clients to deal with issues all over the world, and he regularly handles arbitrations. He has a particularly strong practice concerning the legal fallout from the construction, hire and failure of heavy-duty oil and gas facilities. "Karim Ghaly has a sharp intellect and is incredibly hard-working." "He knows everything."

Stephen Tromans KC
Stephen Tromans KC is an outstanding name in the environmental and planning spheres, who brings these skills to the energy sector. He is also known for his pre-eminent expertise in legal matters pertaining specifically to nuclear energy. Tromans is commended by peers for the strength of his regulatory practice. "He's the go-to person for nuclear queries."

Adrian Hughes KC
Adrian Hughes KC is a reputable construction and arbitration expert with a strong energy specialism. He frequently acts on engineering and contract disputes which arise from major international energy projects. "Natural resources and energy is always very technical in an engineering sense. He's totally at home in all of that."