Commodities: Physicals
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
+44 20 7264 8000Chambers Review
HFW has a widely lauded physicals practice, also offering capability in derivatives and energy trading, among other areas. The firm routinely handles complex and high-profile commodities disputes and contractual matters for international clients on a global scale. HFW is notable for its handling of matters before GAFTA, FOSFA and other trade bodies. The team possesses significant expertise across the full spectrum of commodities, including metals, grain, sugar, oil and biofuels. Its clients include oil and gas companies, traders and banks.
Work Highlights
- HFW assisted Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation with trade credit issues and operational disputesin connection with the high-profile collapse of Hin Leong and its associated companies.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team has a great ability to distil complex matters down and focus on key aspects and communicate that to in-house lawyers and commercial teams."
"The team is very responsive and quick to jump on urgent matters if needed."
"They have a well-built and diverse team that is able to step up and handle difficult issues and interrelate with other areas of the firm."
"The team has a great ability to distil complex matters down and focus on key aspects and communicate that to in-house lawyers and commercial teams."
"The team is very responsive and quick to jump on urgent matters if needed."
"They have a well-built and diverse team that is able to step up and handle difficult issues and interrelate with other areas of the firm."
Notable Practitioners
Brian Perrott is regarded as an expert in commodities disputes and has considerable experience of cross-jurisdictional matters. He regularly acts for clients on arbitrations and contractual disputes in the High Court.
"Brian Perrott is knowledgeable, easy to work with and collaborative."
"Brian Perrott is a very creative and thoughtful litigator. He's very strong on various contractors and spots things that others don't."
"He is always good across a range of issues."
Damian Honey specialises in physical commodities matters. He has particular expertise in metals, energy and bulk commodities. He is sought after for his expertise in physical commodities disputes and offers additional experience in sale and purchase matters.
"Damian is very strong."
Judith Prior has substantial experience in soft commodities, with particular expertise in sugar. She advises clients on a range of disputes and regulatory matters, with significant experience of arbitration tribunals.
"She is smart, knows how to get the job done and has great commercial depth as well as knowledge of her subject matter."
"Judith is very much abreast of current market trends and legal issues."
"Judith Prior is hugely experienced."
"She has particular expertise in the sugar space."
Alistair Feeney specialises in commodity trading disputes concerning the oil and gas sector. He has a wealth of experience advising on cross-border matters and counts energy traders, oil and gas companies and banks among his clients.
"Alistair is absolutely top-tier for commodities work."
"Alistair handles a lot of impressive work."
Sarah Taylor has considerable knowledge of international trade and shipping of physical commodities. She advises on a range of disputes spanning arbitrations and litigation. Her practice also includes contract drafting and financing matters.
"Sarah is great overall across both physical and financial commodities."
"Sarah Taylor is a well-known and excellent lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
HFW
UK-wide