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International Arbitration: Arbitrators

Keating Chambers

One Essex Court

Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln's Inn Fields

Atkin Chambers

Brick Court Chambers

Leading Arbitrators

Sir Peter Gross KC – Twenty Essex ‘Sir Peter is an extremely competent lawyer, incisive and knowledgeable. As an arbitrator, he is fair to all parties and exercises control over proceedings with quiet confidence and charm. He is decisive and quick to arrive at decisions. Sir Peter is an excellent addition to the community of arbitrators.’

John Beechey CBE – Arbitration Chambers 'He has an outstanding grasp of the world of arbitration, is an impressive lawyer and authoritative in hearings.'

Juliet Blanch – Arbitration Chambers

Lord Collins – Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields ‘As an arbitrator, Lawrence is well-prepared, attentive to the matter and adept at keeping the arbitration on track, even in politically charged circumstances.’

Colin Edelman KC – Devereux 'He is a charming and careful arbitrator, and justifiably in huge demand in insurance cases.'

Sir Bernard Eder – Newmans Row ‘Clarity of legal thought and good judicial temperament. He is one of the finest legal minds out there.’

Nicholas Fletcher KC –4 New Square Chambers 'Really excellent and very experienced arbitrator. Efficient, thorough, and responsive with a comprehensive grasp of the commercial, factual and legal issues in a case. He commands the respect of the parties with his very approachable manner. A delight to work with as a co-arbitrator.'

Robert Gaitskell KC –Keating Chambers 'Robert is one of the elite construction arbitrators, and highly in demand. Vast experience and is hard working. Dual qualification as a lawyer and engineer stands him in good stead.'

Ian Glick KC –One Essex Court 'Ian combines long experience of practice at the top of the commercial bar with fierce intelligence and an ability to pare down a problem to its essentials.'

Dame Elizabeth Gloster – One Essex Court 'Dame Elizabeth is incisive in hearings and has an authoritative grasp the of the law and of commercial realities.'

Lord Hoffmann – Brick Court Chambers

Doug Jones –Atkin Chambers 'Doug is one of the finest arbitrators practising today. He is also extremely busy and very much in demand. His capacity for hard work is absolutely phenomenal. He is one of the pre-eminent construction arbitrators practising today.'

Neil Kaplan CBE KC SBS – Arbitration Chambers

Julian Lew KC –Twenty Essex

John Marrin KC –Keating Chambers 'Total doyen of Arbitrators. Outstanding.'

Christopher Moger KC – 4 Pump Court 'Christopher is one of the best arbitrators in the business. He is diligent and thorough and always knows the technical and legal details of the case inside and out. His awards are beautifully written - it is almost a tragedy that arbitral awards are confidential as his awards should be published so others can see how it is done.'

Lord Neuberger –One Essex Court ‘David is an outstanding lawyer and excellent arbitrator.’

David Owen KC –Twenty Essex ‘David’s many striking qualities make him everyone’s first choice as an arbitrator or co-arbitrator. He is unfailing courteous towards the lawyers and the parties, as well as of course towards his co-arbitrators. He is extremely conscientious both in his preparation for a hearing as well as in drafting an award afterwards. It is not an exaggeration to describe him as ace in his chosen specialty.’

Peter Rees KC –39 Essex Chambers 'Peter is strong on the technical points and a good presiding arbitrator.'

Sir Bernard Rix –Twenty Essex ‘Bernard is a highly experienced and skilled lawyer, judge and arbitrator. He has a penetrating intellect, while at the same time always being prepared to listen with great courtesy. He is undoubtedly a doyen among commercial arbitrators, with a world-wide practice, and as a result naturally very much in demand.’

J William Rowley KC –Twenty Essex

Klaus Reichert SC – Brick Court Chambers

Christopher Style KC –One Essex Court 'He is highly experienced and has excellent judgement. He also chairs hearings in a very affable but effective manner.'

David Sutton –Twenty Essex 'His long experience in arbitration makes him an excellent President.'

Sir Robert Akenhead –Atkin Chambers 'Sir Robert's knowledge of construction law and practice is second to none. He is very hard-working, always fully on top of the detail and fearsomely well-prepared. He has a sure touch when analysing the evidence and a wealth of experience in assessing witness and expert evidence. He is always ready with a key question or observation. Nothing passes him by.'

Hon James Allsop AC – Atkin Chambers ‘A brilliant mind and a superb administrator.’

Clare Ambrose – Twenty Essex ‘Clare is one of the pre-eminent full-time arbitrators in the shipping and international field. She is extremely knowledgeable about procedures. She is courteous and sensible whilst maintaining a firm control on proceedings and is rightly popular with parties. She responds very promptly to all enquiries, messages and applications during the course of an arbitration.’

Andrew Bartlett KC – Crown Office Chambers 'Very intelligent, full of common sense, easy to work with.'

Elizabeth Birch –3 Verulam Buildings

John Bishop – Arbitration Chambers ‘Bright, very knowledgeable and hardworking with a good overall grip – first class.’

Sir Jeremy Cooke – 7 King’s Bench Walk

Michael Crane KC – Fountain Court Chambers 'A star in arbitration.'

James Drake KC – 7 King’s Bench Walk 'James is great: thorough, considered, and effective both in terms of case management and decision making. He is very experienced in sports law matters as well as in commercial cases and brings to bear a lightness of touch which inspires confidence.'

Lord Dyson –39 Essex Chambers ‘John is one of the most intelligent, dedicated, experienced and fair arbitrators in sport today.’

Timothy Elliott KC –Keating Chambers

Andrew Foyle –One Essex Court 'One of the most efficient and thorough arbitrators around. His vast experience in the field shows in his knowledge of the process and his ability to run a difficult and complex arbitration.'

Sarah Grimmer – Twenty Essex ‘Sarah is super smart, conscientious, considered, and hard working. She takes nothing for granted and will work tirelessly to get to the right answer. No airs or graces, a fierce intellect and highly charming. It is a powerful combination.’

Hilary Heilbron KC –Brick Court Chambers 'Hilary is very diligent and makes thoughtful and valuable contributions.'

Frances Kirkham CBE – Atkin Chambers ‘Frances has a very good brain; her legal analysis is first-class. She is hard working and easy to work with.’

Peter Leaver KC –One Essex Court 'Peter's overwhelming strength is focusing on the real issues in a case.'

Michael Lee –Twenty Essex 'Depth of knowledge and experience, extremely congenial.'

Mark Lloyd-Williams – Arbitration Chambers ‘A good lawyer with extensive experience of construction disputes. He works extremely hard and is a very good chairman of a tribunal.’

Lord Mance – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Jonathan is very experienced with an excellent command of most legal issues. Due process concerns are in his DNA.’

Nigel Rawding – Twenty Essex ‘Nigel is a courteous, efficient and hard-working tribunal.’

Niels Schiersing – Arbitration Chambers

Sir Andrew Smith –Fountain Court Chambers

Christopher Symons KC –3 Verulam Buildings 'He handles arbitrations with the utmost skill, efficiency and calmness. His drafting of Awards is speedy and of the highest quality.'

Marcus Taverner KC –Keating Chambers 'Marcus is very intelligent, adaptable, cooperative, hardworking, good natured and innovative. He is a first-class person with whom to work on a tribunal.'

Michael Tselentis KC –Twenty Essex 'Thoroughness, competence, care and diligence.'

Richard Wilmot-Smith KC – 39 Essex Chambers 'Richard is intelligent, adaptable, cooperative, good natured and innovative. He is a very good person to work with on a tribunal.'

Leading Counsel As Arbitrators

Michael Black KC –XXIV Old Buildings 'He is a highly experienced arbitrator with good judgement and is a very effective manager of hearings. He is also quick and responsive in his contribution to awards.'

Zachary Douglas KC – 3 Verulam Buildings 'He is among the topflight of international law scholars and practitioners. It is always a pleasure to work with him. He is collegiate and candid.'

Adrian Hughes KC –39 Essex Chambers 'A careful, thoughtful, resourceful and efficient arbitrator. In the top flight.'

Gavin Kealey KC –7 King’s Bench Walk ‘A superb lawyer and arbitrator.’

Toby Landau KC – Chambers of Toby Landau KC 'Toby is one of the very best arbitrators practicing today. He is diligent and thorough, brilliant yet modest, and an absolute pleasure to work with.'

Ali Malek KC –3 Verulam Buildings 'Wonderfully collegiate, stands in class on his own as a colleague who is wonderful to work with and has a brilliant mind.'

Duncan Matthews KC –Twenty Essex ‘Duncan is truly a pleasure to work with. He is incredibly bright, practical, able to quickly synthesize difficult issues and get to the point, is a skillful questioner, and very thoughtful. He is well-prepared and solution oriented.’

Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC – Atkin Chambers

Jonathan Acton Davis KC – Atkin Chambers ‘Pragmatic, easy to work with and intellectual.’

Veronique Buehrlen KC –Keating Chambers ‘Strong command of material. Very efficient and keeps on top of case with good planning. A superb intellect.’

Stuart Catchpole KC – Atkin Chambers ‘Stuart is an excellent chair. He is industrious and very user friendly both with his co-arbitrators and with the parties. The parties will always have a fair hearing. His contribution to the awards is always excellent. He is a very well respected and intelligent construction lawyer.’

Cyril Chern – 4 New Square Chambers ‘He is a true star arbitrator in all aspects of international arbitration and this stems from his years of advocacy in arbitrations and the sheer number of major arbitrations he has been the chair of – especially very high value complicated international arbitrations with diverse parties and countries on massive cross-border matters. His ability to speak multiple languages is always as asset as well as his gravitas and reputation in this field. He knows the law, both civil and common, in this there is none better than him.’

Nicholas Craig KC – 3 Verulam Buildings

Helen Davies KC – Brick Court Chambers ‘Excellent legal analysis and a great team player, and brilliant with clients. Top of the game.’

Anneliese Day KC – Fountain Court Chambers 'Anneliese is a super-efficient arbitrator.'

Graham Dunning KC –Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields 'Graham is an exceptional arbitrator. He is always incredibly well-prepared and guides the proceedings with efficiency and consideration. As counsel he is extremely persuasive and possesses excellent oral advocacy skills. His advice is rock solid, and he always has his eye on the commercial interests of his client and what is and is not achievable.'

Jane Davies Evans KC –3 Verulam Buildings

Matthew Gearing KC - Fountain Court Chambers

Jeffrey Gruder KC –Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields 'He has good judgment and a lot of experience in arbitration. He is a sensible decision maker, robust when appropriate but also flexible and sensitive to the parties. He's very personable and approachable.'

Richard Harding KC –Keating Chambers ‘Perceptive, hardworking, conscientious. Very experienced in Middle East construction and engineering disputes.’

Christopher Harris KC – 3 Verulam Buildings 'Christopher has emerged as one of the leading arbitration practitioners and litigators over the last 10 years or so, with a particular focus on international law.'

Siobán Healy KC – 7 King’s Bench Walk

Stephen Hofmeyr KC – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Stephen is an extremely able and knowledgeable arbitrator quick to pick up any point.’

Drew Holiner – Monckton Chambers 'Drew is an excellent arbitrator. Drew is a wise and impartial arbitrator who is respected by both sides.'

Harry Matovu KC –Brick Court Chambers 'A masterclass in how to run an arbitration: studiously fair, masterfully efficiently and carried out with superlative grace.'

David Mildon KC –Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Jeremy Nicholson KC –4 Pump Court ‘Jeremy has a deep understanding of construction disputes and is an excellent arbitrator. He is very knowledgeable and has a thorough grasp of the technical issues. He does not hesitate to express his views but does so in a very polite and effective manner.’

Alexander Nissen KC – Keating Chambers 'Alex is a fantastic tribunal. It is patently clear that he puts in the work in advance preparing for hearings, and his interventions are razor sharp and fair-minded, whilst remaining scrupulously courteous.'

Lionel Persey KC –Quadrant Chambers

Alistair Schaff KC –7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Alistair is a safe pair of hands because whether he is appointed as an arbitrator or co-arbitrator, everyone involved can be certain that the arbitration and the award will be impeccable. His preparation for a hearing will be diligent and thorough. At the hearing the evidence and arguments will be tested, when necessary, but always with courtesy and restrained.’

Vasanti Selvaratnam – The 36 Group ‘Strong specialist knowledge of maritime law and practice. Good advocacy skills and determination. Good to work with as a co-arbitrator.’

Marion Smith KC – 39 Essex Chambers ‘Level headed and attention to detail. A calming influence in fraught situations.’

David Brynmor Thomas KC – Newmans Row ‘Very experienced and good commercial approach and gets quickly to the key points in a case.’

Sara Masters KC –Twenty Essex ‘Sara is very bright and knowledgeable. She is efficient at managing proceedings when she is chair or sole arbitrator and does so with good humour. She reacts promptly to resolve applications and produce arbitration awards.’

Wendy Miles KC – Twenty Essex 'Very personable. Seriously clever and sees things in the round.'

Angeline Welsh KC – Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Andrew White KC –Atkin Chambers 'Andrew is simply one of the best presiding arbitrators.'

International arbitration: arbitrators in London Bar

Tier 1 sets

Keating Chambers

Keating Chambers houses a strong bench of full and part-time arbitrators and remain a popular appointment for high-value construction, infrastructure, energy and offshore disputes. Members of the set are well-versed in ICSID, UNCITRAL and ad-hoc arbitrations, and appear in arbitration centres across the globe. Richard Harding KC has a pre-eminent reputation as arbitrator on construction and engineering disputes in the Middle East, Alexander Nissen KC combines his arbitrator practice with sitting as Deputy High Court Judge in the Technology and Construction Court, and Veronique Buehrlen KC is praised for her ‘strong command of material’. Leading full-time arbitrators at the set include Robert Gaitskell KC, John Marrin KC, Timothy Elliott KC and Marcus Taverner KC.

Les références

‘Full of stars.’

‘Strength in depth in construction.’

‘Efficient.’

Principaux dossiers

One Essex Court

One Essex Court is considered by many as ‘the best set of chambers for outstanding arbitrators’. Full-time arbitrators at the set include LCIA chairman Christopher Style KC, former Court of Appeal judge Dame Elizabeth Gloster and HKIAC’s Intellectual Property and Financial Disputes Panel member Peter Leaver KC, who handle arbitrations across a diverse range of sectors. Further pre-eminent arbitrators in the chambers include Lord Neuberger, Ian Glick KC and Andrew Foyle.

Les références

‘Probably the best set for international arbitrators.’

‘OEC is perhaps the best set of chambers for outstanding arbitrators.’

‘Angela Hodgson organizes matters very effectively and is a pleasure to deal with.’

Principaux dossiers

Twenty Essex

Twenty Essex is widely regarded as ‘one of the pre-eminent international arbitration sets’ which houses an ‘excellent set of arbitrators’. Members of the set sit as arbitrators in disputes spanning banking, oil and gas, shipping and trade, construction and share purchase. Michael Tselentis KC is often appointed on disputes in Asia or Africa, while Michael Lee is particularly active on Asia and Europe-based disputes, and members of the set have an excellent reputation for their expertise in arbitrations in various seats across the globe adhering to the full spectrum of arbitration rules. Sir Bernard Rix continues to be a pre-eminent name in the space, and Clare Ambrose is noted for her expertise in shipping and commercial arbitration; both are among the set’s full-time arbitrators. Audley Sheppard KC - former co-head of international arbitration at Clifford Chance LLP and a solicitor-advocate KC - joined the set in June 2024.

Les références

‘Catherine Reeves, the head of arbitrators practice at Twenty Essex is very professional and understands the background as a former solicitor and arbitration professional support lawyer.’

‘Excellent clerks.’

‘Twenty Essex is a very strong set of chambers with many leading barristers and arbitrators.’

Principaux dossiers

Tier 2 sets

3 Verulam Buildings

3 Verulam Buildings ‘has been able to attract many leading practitioners over the last few years’ and is increasingly recognised as ‘strong in international arbitration’ where it stands out in particular for their expertise in investor-state arbitrations, in addition to the full gamut of commercial arbitration work. Zachary Douglas KC continues to sit as arbitrator in investor state and investment treaty arbitrations, including recently in the high-value Gabriel Resources v Romania case concerning the investment in a gold and silver mine in Romania under the ICSID convention. Members who have recently taken appointments as arbitrators include 2024 silk appointment Jane Davies Evans KC, Ali Malek KC, Christopher Harris KC and Nicholas Craig KC, while Christopher Symons KC also continues to be active as a full-time arbitrator.

Les références

‘3VB has been able to attract many leading practitioners over the last few years. It is particularly strong on international arbitration.’

Principaux dossiers

39 Essex Chambers

39 Essex Chambers is an ‘excellent set for international arbitration matters’, with the set’s arbitrators’ expertise extending across all sectors including construction, energy and commercial disputes, as well as in sports-related arbitrations, an area in which Lord Dyson is particularly active, and in investment treaty cases, an area where Peter Rees KC – known for his pre-Bar career as a law firm partner and as Shell’s top in-house lawyer – has increased his visibility. Those who sit alongside a counsel practice include Adrian Hughes KC, who has been involved in cases in the SIAC and across the Middle East and Marion Smith KC, who has extensive experience in construction and technology arbitrations. Richard Wilmot-Smith KC is a full-time arbitrator and has a global practice in this space.

Les références

‘Linsey Scott is outstanding in reaching out to clients and ensuring a good service is provided. A well-managed set.’

‘The service from the clerks’ room was consistently excellent. The clerk demonstrated professionalism, attentiveness, responsiveness and a proactive approach.’

‘The clerks are a pleasure to deal with.’

Principaux dossiers

7 King's Bench Walk

Arbitrators at 7 King’s Bench Walk are a popular choice for disputes across a broad range of sectors, most notably insurance and reinsurance, shipping and logistics. Full-time arbitrators at the set include former deputy president of the Supreme Court Lord Mance, former High Court judge Sir Jeremy Cooke, and James Drake KC. Counsel accepting arbitral appointments include Gavin Kealey KC, Alistair Schaff KC and Stephen Hofmeyr KC.

Les références

‘Excellent.’

‘The clerks are always responsive and friendly.’

‘7KBW are a really good set of insurance and shipping barristers.’

Principaux dossiers

Arbitration Chambers

Arbitration Chambers houses a number of ‘high-profile arbitrators who are very experienced and the leaders of their respective fields’. The exclusively contains full-time arbitrators handling arbitrations, but no counsel work, across all major arbitration institutions across the globe, ad hoc cases as well as investment treaty disputes. Members of the set hold leading appointments in the field, including Juliet Blanch, former vice-president of the ICC Court.

Les références

‘Sarah Lancaster is very able and a good leader of the set.’

‘Arbitration Chambers has some of top arbitrators in the world.’

‘Arbitration Chambers has emerged as one of the most successful Arbitrator stables from its origins in Hong Kong to its present establishment in Hong Kong, London and New York.’

Principaux dossiers

Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln's Inn Fields

Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields - the arbitrator set connected to Essex Court Chambers - is described as ‘an impressive arbitration set’ with ‘a huge amount of experience and talent with big names’, which includes full-time arbitrator Lord Collins, a pre-eminent name in the space, who sits as chair or sole arbitrator on complex cases seated anywhere worldwide. The set also houses a number of leading counsel who take frequent appointments as arbitrators, such as Graham Dunning KC, whose expertise in private international law proves advantageous when sitting in arbitrations governed by various laws and Jeffrey Gruder KC, who often accepts appointments in investment treaty arbitrations.

Les références

‘The clerks’ room is always very prompt to respond, flexible, and willing to make accommodations when appropriate.’

‘They are an impressive arbitration set – obviously a huge amount of experience and talent with big names. Very well respected.’

’24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields is a very strong arbitrator’s chambers.’

Principaux dossiers

Atkin Chambers

Lauded as ‘the leading set for construction disputes’ Atkin Chambers full and part-time arbitrators are appointed on major energy, powerplant construction, infrastructure and mining disputes in seats across the globe. In April 2023 the previous Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, the Hon James Allsop AC joined the chambers and was shortly thereafter appointed as an International Judge of the Singapore International Commercial Court. Doug Jones, Sir Robert Akenhead and Frances Kirkham are also full-time arbitrators, with the latter having recently been active in arbitrations concerning infrastructure projects in the Middle East.

Les références

‘Justin Wilson bears particular mention. Great service. Organised, responsive, straightforward, helpful and fully immersed in and aware of his market.’

‘David Barnes is still the gold standard. Top class service. Has strong relationships with many law firms in Asia.’

‘The clerks are superb; David Barnes is the current doyen of London clerks.’

Principaux dossiers

Brick Court Chambers

Brick Court Chambers‘ full and part-time arbitrators continue to take on appointments in institutions across the world, primarily ICSID, ICC and the LCIA, as well as ad-hoc appointments. Hilary Heilbron KC regularly sits as chair or co-arbitrator on complex corporate, joint venture and energy disputes, Harry Matovu KC frequently handles Africa-related disputes in his appointment as arbitrator, while Klaus Reichert SC is well-versed in commercial cases with US connections.

Les références

‘Good choice of juniors and helpful and realistic clerks who fit people and suggested fees to the situation in a nuanced and sophisticated way.’

‘Great strength in depth.’

‘Very efficient.’

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