International Arbitration - The English Bar

One Essex Court has formidable expertise in international arbitration and is able to draw on a strong bench of renowned practitioners who handle a wide array of commercial and insurance-related disputes. The set enjoys an international reputation, with members appearing in arbitrations seated in London, Singapore, Dubai, Geneva and Stockholm. Barristers at the set appear in a range of high-profile disputes on behalf of clients in the energy and finance sectors, among others. One Essex Court fields both accomplished advocates and notable arbitrators. The barristers are well versed in the rules of major arbitral institutions, including the LCIA, the ICC, HKIAC, ICSID and SIAC, and often handle cases governed by foreign law. Over the past year barristers from the set have been involved in major pieces, including enforcement proceedings involving the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Darren Burrows, senior clerk, is always very pleasant and professional. He is commercial in his approach as well and gets what concerns solicitors and their clients."

"The set has the best clerks. They are frank, straightforward and do not mess around."

"Jacky Ginty, first deputy senior clerk, is particularly good."

"Ben O'Hanlon, clerk, was great - he was in contact on weekends and holidays and very responsive."

Laurence Rabinowitz KC
Laurence Rabinowitz KC is widely considered by clients and peers to be a formidable silk. He is celebrated for his broad international arbitration practice and has longstanding expertise in issues relating to the energy and financial sectors, among others. His commercial abilities are devoted to both arbitration and litigation. He is adept at handling arbitrations under the auspices of the ICC, SIAC, UNCITRAL and HKIAC. "Laurence Rabinowitz is incredibly bright and extremely client-friendly. He is able to break down complex concepts into very simple explanations." "He is obviously the best." "His written advice is excellent and he is very, very responsive."

Nehali Shah
Nehali Shah assists in high-stakes international arbitrations under the rules of institutions such as the LCIA, the ICC, the LMAA and UNCITRAL, as well as enforcement proceedings ancillary to such arbitrations. Her cases concern a myriad of matters including energy, finance and insurance disputes. "Nehali Shah is able to distil the key issues and has a strong grasp of the facts." "I can never speak highly enough of her; she is super bright, unbelievably responsive, very sensible and pragmatic with her advice." "She is excellent, a rising star."

Alain Choo Choy KC
Alain Choo Choy KC provides solid advice and representation in commercial arbitrations, particularly those in connection with questions of jurisdiction and conflicting laws. He has notable expertise in banking and civil fraud disputes. He is experienced in handling LCIA and ICC arbitrations. "Alain Choo Choy is a true genius. He is calm under fire, always collected in his thoughts and cuts to the heart of highly complicated matters exceptionally quickly." "His biggest strength is his analytic mind, and his ability to win cases that it looks like we will lose."

Alexander Gunning KC
Alexander Gunning KC handles a number of complex international arbitrations, regularly acting under institutions such as the LCIA and ICC. He is particularly well versed in disputes relating to the mining, energy and financial services sectors for clients based across Asia. "Alex manages cases in a very effective manner, and he is always on top of things, sensitive to subtle points and unwavering in the most difficult cases." "We love to work with Alex. He is a real team player who made us better and who was very open to suggestions from us." "He is never afraid to roll his sleeves up, has no airs and graces, and works ferociously hard."

Daniel Toledano KC
Daniel Toledano KC handles international arbitrations governed by the rules of various arbitral bodies, including the LCIA, the ICC and SIAC. He has notable expertise in cases stemming from the commodities and technology sectors, and receives particularly strong endorsements from the market for his advocacy in energy-related disputes. "Daniel is very impressive strategically and good at working in a team." "He has a sharp mind, a real willingness to dig into the details of a case, and a strong sense of the big picture and the points that will actually matter at trial." "Daniel is an excellent KC on whom we frequently rely for tricky questions."

David Wolfson KC
David Wolfson KC is a highly sought-after silk with broad commercial expertise. He has received instructions from major financial institutions and governments, and has considerable experience acting under LCIA and ICSID rules. "David Wolfson is one of the very top silks at the Bar." "Lord David Wolfson is the most versatile barrister I have ever worked with. He has impeccable judgement and a wonderful manner with clients."

Daniel Hubbard
Daniel Hubbard frequently acts as sole counsel in high-value international arbitrations, with particular emphasis on disputes regarding issues of oil and gas. He has experience handling disputes under LCIA rules. "A well-prepared advocate who produces excellent submissions."

Eleanor Campbell
Eleanor Campbell is well reputed for her commercial arbitration expertise. She represents a range of notable clients in significant multi-jurisdictional claims before the ICC. She has experience acting as a junior and also appearing as sole counsel. "She is thorough, considered and easy to work with." "Her drafting skills are excellent and she is extremely user-friendly."

Neil Kitchener KC
Neil Kitchener KC is an impressive commercial silk whose practice includes a regular flow of arbitration instructions. His cases span numerous sectors, including energy, insurance and intellectual property, and he has recently handled disputes relating to joint ventures. "Neil Kitchener is my go-to silk. He is a fierce advocate and not shy of taking points."

Rachel Oakeshott
Rachel Oakeshott is frequently seen acting in large-scale arbitrations in the ICC and LCIA. She has experience of the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors, among many others, and receives strong endorsement for her commercial expertise. "You can trust her to get it right. She is very, very good." "She is always prepared and always on top of the materials."

Richard Boulton KC
Richard Boulton KC is a distinguished practitioner who brings significant international expertise to bear when handling arbitrations, particularly those with a financial element. He has extensive experience appearing before major arbitral institutions, including the ICC, UNCITRAL, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. He is also noted for his considerable expertise in quantum matters.

Sa'ad Hossain KC
Sa'ad Hossain KC handles a range of commercial disputes, including international arbitrations of significant value, particularly in the oil and gas and petrochemical sectors. He is well versed in ICC, LCIA and SIAC proceedings, and attracts an international client base. He has deep knowledge of ancillary work, including challenges to arbitral awards. "He is very sensible, commercially aware and very authoritative." "He is extremely user-friendly, very good with clients and a very nice man to deal with."

Marcos Dracos KC
Marcos Dracos has extensive experience in international arbitrations, including acting under LCIA and ICC rules. He garners strong support from an international client base for his expertise in the Middle East and Europe. "Marcos is one of the leading barristers in commercial law matters." "His advocacy is superb and his skeleton arguments are a pleasure to read."

Nicholas Sloboda KC
Nicholas Sloboda KC comes recommended for his abilities in commercial and energy-related international arbitrations. He has considerable experience acting in high-value oil and gas-related disputes, often handled under SIAC, ICC and LCIA rules and in the Commercial Court. He regularly acts on matters arising in Africa and Europe. "It is always a pleasure to work with Nick. He is clearly one of the leaders of his generation at the Commercial Bar." "He is really solid and good on the detail."