Christopher Harris KC
UK Bar Guide 2025
International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance + 3 more rankings
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
Band 5
About
Provided by Christopher Harris KC
Practice Areas
Christopher Harris KC is widely recognised as a leading advocate in litigation and arbitration across a range of industry sectors. He is renowned for his strategic vision and advocacy, as well as his approachability. Admitted in the Eastern Caribbean, the DIFC and Switzerland, as well as England & Wales, Christopher has a truly international practice, appearing regularly before trial and appellate courts and arbitral tribunals around the world. In addition to his distinguished reputation before the English Courts, he has gained particular regard for his deep understanding and experience of the practice of international arbitration. Alongside his broad commercial practice, he enjoys a leading public international law caseload and is one of the most experienced and in-demand King's Counsel acting in investment treaty disputes. Christopher is also sought after as an arbitrator, having been appointed in more than 40 cases across an array of disputes under all major rules, including ICSID and a president of an ICSID annulment committee . Christopher is currently the UK member of the ICC Court of Arbitration and a UK designee to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators. He speaks French and German and has used both professionally.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Christopher Harris KC is an impressive performer in the space with significant experience representing clients in commercial international arbitration disputes relating to a wide array of industries. He is well regarded for his advocacy in high-value oil and gas disputes and infrastructure-related arbitrations. He regularly acts in arbitrations under ICSID, UNCITRAL and ICC rules. He also acts in investment treaty arbitrations.
Christopher Harris KC is rising through the ranks of the Energy Bar. Harris is a barrister with a particular reputation in international arbitration, who is expert both in the technical side of oil and gas disputes and in financing issues. As well as acting for large oil companies, he is familiar with the issues inherent in representing national governments, especially in the Middle East and Central Asia. He has appeared in an array of oil and gas industry cases, particularly those concerning the upstream and midstream market.
Christopher Harris KC is a distinguished silk for investment treaty arbitration. He is highly experienced in acting for both investors and states, often in disputes involving major energy holdings. He has notable expertise in rules governing commercial cooperation between Islamic states.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Christopher Harris is a compelling advocate and he speaks several languages, which is very helpful."
"Christopher is excellent on his feet and user-friendly with solicitors and clients."
"Very reassuring, very accessible and so lovely with the client."
"Chris is hugely knowledgeable, a very calm, persuasive advocate and unflappable. His expertise really shines through in his courtroom performances."
"Chris Harris is a tremendous advocate."
"Chris is fantastic with instruction solicitors, but also with the client. He understands the political, financial and personal pressures that they are under, and they completely trust him."
"Christopher Harris is one of the best barristers in terms of knowledge and experience of investment treaty arbitration and public law work."
"Christopher is one of the brainiest silks in the field, and nice to work opposite to boot!"
"Christopher Harris KC is the undisputed god of ICSID arbitration. He's probably the best in the world at it. His knowledge of the area of law, his contacts... its just completely phenomenal."
"Christopher Harris is a compelling advocate and he speaks several languages, which is very helpful."
"Christopher is excellent on his feet and user-friendly with solicitors and clients."
"Very reassuring, very accessible and so lovely with the client."
"Chris is hugely knowledgeable, a very calm, persuasive advocate and unflappable. His expertise really shines through in his courtroom performances."
"Chris Harris is a tremendous advocate."
"Chris is fantastic with instruction solicitors, but also with the client. He understands the political, financial and personal pressures that they are under, and they completely trust him."
"Christopher Harris is one of the best barristers in terms of knowledge and experience of investment treaty arbitration and public law work."
"Christopher is one of the brainiest silks in the field, and nice to work opposite to boot!"
"Christopher Harris KC is the undisputed god of ICSID arbitration. He's probably the best in the world at it. His knowledge of the area of law, his contacts... its just completely phenomenal."