Public International Law: The English Bar | Global

Twenty Essex enjoys a sterling reputation in public international law, and houses a formidable bench of silks and juniors with immense knowledge of the field. The barristers are regularly to be found in the most momentous inter-state disputes taking place before the ICJ, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and other key international tribunals. The set has acted in numerous disputes on maritime delimitation. Investor-state disputes form an additional area of strength, with some members exhibiting particular expertise in the relationship between BITs and EU law. Barristers from Twenty Essex also undertake significant advisory work for governments on international trade and human rights law. An instructing solicitor views the set as a "powerhouse for PIL work." Another source echoes this, adding that the set "dominates the field." Recently, Twenty Essex barristers have represented the Government of Ukraine in proceedings against the Russian Federation before the European Court of Human Rights, brought in the aftermath of Russian invasion in 2022.

3VB possesses strong credentials in investor-state arbitration. The set handles an impressive roster of high-value disputes on behalf of sovereign states and investors across the world, including in the Middle East, Africa and East Asia. Barristers here are highly adept at acting before a range of international courts and arbitral institutions including the ICC and ICSID. An instructing solicitor praises the set's "very strong bench of first-class barristers, all of whom have very impressive academic credentials." Another source "couldn't think of a better set for complex international matters." Members of chambers recently represented claim investors in an ICSID arbitration against Bosnia involving two hydroelectric power plant projects.

Kathryn Paterson is the chambers director.

11KBW has an impressive bench of practitioners able to offer a wide range of expertise in public international law. The team has considerable experience acting in front of numerous courts including the ICJ and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, as well as domestic courts. Members have acted in BIT matters, investment treaty arbitrations and state-to-state claims, along with judicial reviews. The set boasts a long list of notable clients from governments and state entities to corporations and individuals. Recent work highlights include Equatorial Guinea v Gabon, a dispute over land and maritime boundaries.

Mark Dann is the senior clerk.