The specialist trade global practice group at Clyde & Co, which focuses entirely on the trade and commodities market, is led from London by Marko Kraljevic, who has a well-established investor-focused investment disputes practice. The ‘technically brilliant, very practical and pragmatic’ Hatty Sumption has an in-depth understanding of how commodity traders operate on disputes concerning oil, coal and metals, biofuels, grains and fertilisers, as well as related charterparty, bill of lading, letter of credit and ship sale, alongside purchase matters. John Whittaker frequently acts for the world’s largest commodity and natural resources companies, and recently assisted ED&F Man Capital Markets with a $300m case arising from a substantial fraud involving repo transactions. Eurof Lloyd-Lewis specialises in commodities, international trade, dry shipping, offshore and commercial litigation. ‘Seasoned partner’ Will Trustram in the energy, marine and natural resources group is also heavily involved in contentious commodities matters. Tara Smith sits on the executive committee of the International Steel Trade Association and also plays a key role in the practice.
Commodities disputes in London
Clyde & Co
Responsables de la pratique:
Marko Kraljevic
Autres avocats clés:
Hatty Sumption; John Whittaker; Eurof Lloyd-Lewis; Will Trustram; Tara Smith; Alexander George; Eleanor Coates
Les références
‘Strong capabilities and legal and technical knowledge on both the shipping and commodities side, which is invaluable when claims cut across both practice areas (as is almost always the case for us). Work is always turned around within the necessary timescales, even when extremely urgent, and I know the team are always available if I need them.’
‘Advice is cogent, well-written, and structured in a way that gets straight to the point and allows me to quickly put it into a form I can share with non-lawyer colleagues, whilst also « showing the working » and providing the detailed legal analysis. It’s very obvious that the quality of legal research and accompanying analysis is exceptionally high from the team.’
‘The fact the team is within a large, full-service firm is helpful as it means they can pull in advice from other practice areas seamlessly, or refer us to colleagues where we require other kinds of work undertaken.’
Principaux clients
ED&F Man Capital Markets Limited
HFW
HFW has ‘an impressive team with outstanding experience’. Now led by Adam Topping, who advises on regulatory and transactional matters including electricity and renewable power, as well as digital trading, the practice has some of the most experienced practitioners in the market, handling high-value disputes across the full spectrum of commodities market. Alistair Feeney is ‘a go-to authority on commodities trading disputes’, whilst Damian Honey ‘combines excellent technical skills with a deep commercial understanding’. Brian Perrott, ‘the godfather of commodities’, recently acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in a complex case concerning the collapse of Hin Leong trading house. Judith Prior has a particular focus on sugar, oil and biofuels. International commodity trade and shipping specialist Sarah Taylor stands out for both litigation and arbitration, and Michael Buffham garners high praise for his work in matters concerning oil and agricultural commodities. Rosie Harrison, whose advice is ‘always clear and well thought through’, is a rising star on the commodities scene.
Responsables de la pratique:
Adam Topping
Autres avocats clés:
Alistair Feeney; Damian Honey; Brian Perrott; Judith Prior; Rosie Harrison; Michael Buffham; Sarah Taylor
Les références
‘Commercial awareness is very strong – Brian Perrot and his team have excellent commercial acuity in all matters, probably partially because of Brian’s experience working in-house and also due to his deep experience of commodities – in litigation, arbitration and mediation. Service levels and responsiveness are very strong – Brian will ensure that clients always receive the most excellent of service, even in the context of highly demanding deadlines or urgency.’
‘Damian Honey combines excellent technical skills with a deep commercial understanding of the trading market. His advice is clear, pragmatic, and relevant.’
‘Damian Honey (partner) and Michael Buffham (partner): Damian is an expert in his field, particularly on the transactional side. Working with both him and Mike on contracts matters this year has shown me the value of their wider industry view, which provided me with valuable insight which I would not otherwise have had access to. Their advice is always relevant and clear.’
Principaux clients
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
ICE Benchmark Administration
BP
OMV
OMV Petrom S.A.
FinCo International AG
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in connection with the collapse of the high-profile trading house Hin Leong and associated companies.
- Advised ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA) in relation to issues arising out of their anticipated launch of ICE Commodity Traceability (ICE CoT), a technology platform designed to maintain frictionless trade of physical cocoa and coffee by allowing traceability data to be shared on a confidential basis across the supply chain.
- Advised Air BP Italia SPA concerning a term contract under which Saras was to supply jet fuel to Air BP Italia for into-wing deliveries at Venice Marco Polo Airport during 2022.
Hill Dickinson LLP
Hill Dickinson LLP is known for its ‘fantastic legal expertise with a commercially astute approach’. The firm has vastly experienced practitioners with in-depth knowledge across the full range of commodities markets. Jeff Isaacs, who is the market’s leading expert on sugar matters, co-leads the practice with Paul Taylor, whose recent work includes significant sanctions-related matters, as well as his usual flow of oil and gas trading disputes. ‘One of the top names for GAFTA and FOSFA arbitration’, Darren Wall is also a prominent adviser on cases concerning ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ores and concentrates, and he frequently acts in LME arbitration and High Court litigation. Claire Messer is an expert in commodities and dry shipping proceedings, and Amy Walmsley has a rapidly growing profile across the commodities space. Trade and commodity finance specialist Mark Aspinall is also called upon to assist with contentious matters. Clients also pick out Lucy Wickham as ‘reliable, efficient and definitely going places’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeff Isaacs; Paul Taylor
Autres avocats clés:
Darren Wall; Claire Messer; Amy Walmsley; Mark Aspinall; Lucy Wickham; Olga Newman
Les références
‘Hill Dickinson’s commodity and shipping team is a tight-knit group – not part of an overly large firm – but approachable and responsive. Each partner and associate are highly professional and knowledgeable and instills confidence.’
‘Jeff Isaacs is head of the group and assured in his abilities. The complete package. Darren Wall- without doubt an all-rounder whose knowledge and people skills are outstanding. Lucy Wickham- reliable, efficient and definitely going places.’
‘The team at Hill Dickinson is second to none. The have an unrivalled approach; fully engaging with the customer and the case, giving pragmatic, high quality advice with an excellent understanding of the industry. Their strengths include outstanding customer engagement, a pragmatic approach both to the issue and to the depth of the advice given. Particularly the high level of understanding and engagement are unrivalled.’
Principaux clients
Addax
ADM
COFCO
Czarnikow
Gerald Metals
Gunvor
HDI Global
Wilmar
MS Amlin
Nibulon SA
Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP is labelled as ‘the go-to law firm for high-value and complex disputes’. The ‘Phenomenal strategist’ Kyri Evagora leads the practice, with his work encompassing sophisticated and highly substantial commodities disputes that range from multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation to major international arbitrations. He chairs the firm’s Global Energy & Natural Resources Industry Group. Paul Skeet‘s practice spans both contentious and non-contentious work, notably for large energy companies, commodities trading houses and financial institutions. Andrew Meads is a key adviser to oil and mining majors, agricultural commodity multinationals, producers, end users, and banks. Vassia Payiataki ‘provides good practical advice and is highly responsive’. Industry veteran Richard Swinburn is sought after by many of the firm’s leading international clients, and Elizabeth Farrell is an expert in transactional and contentious matters concerning physical commodities and international trade.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kyri Evagora
Autres avocats clés:
Paul Skeet; Andrew Meads; Vassia Payiataki; Richard Swinburn; Elizabeth Farrell; Tom Watling
Les références
‘Reed Smith have a well-deserved reputation for being the best in the business. They are the go-to law firm for high value complex disputes, particularly where cross-practice teams and expertise are required.’
‘Kyri Evagora is a phenomenal strategist, with an unrivalled knowledge of the commodities trading industry. Vassia Payiataki is a delight to work with, pairing extensive legal knowledge and experience with all important soft skills, making her a pleasure to work with. A particular go-to for soft commodities work, such as GAFTA/FOSFA arbitrations of high-value or complex subject matter.’
‘Top-tier firm in the commodities disputes sectors. Breadth of experience from trade arbitration tribunals to the Supreme Court. Highly experienced in sanctions issues.’
Stephenson Harwood
In 2024, Stephenson Harwood launched a new maritime, trade and offshore practice group to combine its ship finance, shipping, trade and commodities expertise across its office network. A key part of this is the London team, led by global head of trade and commodities Jonathan Spearing, who is ‘razor-sharp, commercially astute’. Spearing and the ‘reliable and effective’ Peter Bennett have a market-leading practice in commodity financing fraud cases, as well as matters concerning physical commodity and financing transactions. Together, they manage the relationship with key client Mercuria Energy Trading. Emma Skakle is ‘highly qualified, detail-oriented and responsible’. Her busy practice encompasses disputes in the international trade, shipping and natural resources markets, including ICC, LCIA, FOSFA, GAFTA, and LMAA matters, as well as High Court litigation, and mediation. Haris Zografakis has decades of experience in hard, soft and energy commodities on both disputes and advisory work, with an increasing focus on matters concerning the decarbonisation of supply chains and the environmental attributes of new fuels.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Spearing
Autres avocats clés:
Peter Bennett; Emma Skakle; Haris Zografakis; Sophie Morrison
Les références
‘Service of the firm is really outstanding: quick response, deep knowledge of the market and great authority in the legal issues involved. Great in advising the client.’
‘Peter Bennett. Really an expert in this area, particularly skilled in arbitration strategy and tactics; always available, reliable and – above all – effective, he conducts all the trial phases with precision and appropriateness.’
‘Emma Skakle is a highly qualified, detail-oriented and responsible person.’
Principaux clients
Mercuria Energy Trading S.A.
Vedanta Resources and subsidiaries/related companies
Phillips 66
Macquarie Bank
Steag
Base Resources Ltd
BASF Intertrade
Elinoil
Mabanaft Energy Trading Inc
Sahara Energy Resources
Wilmar Sugar Pte Ltd
Holbud Limited
DWF
DWF joins this year’s ranking having invested heavily to expand its global risks team- particularly in the areas of shipping and commodities. Managing partner Jonathan Moss is ‘very detailed and clear in his guidance’. He recently acted for CNA Hardy and its insurer- a large freight forwarder- in a dispute concerning a cargo of metal coils transported from Germany to the UK, which were damaged in transit. Franco D’Andrea joined from Clyde & Co in 2024. He frequently advises insurers in the London market on energy matters concerning upstream, downstream and renewables issues. The firm also hired the five-partner marine group from Kennedys in mid-2025, adding significant experience in disputes concerning the purchase, sale and shipment of commodities. Radhika Ruparelia, who has significant experience in metals and grain disputes on behalf of charterers, insurers and collateral managers, is coming up through the ranks of the firm’s global risks team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jonathan Moss
Autres avocats clés:
Franco D’Andrea; Radhika Ruparelia
Les références
‘Prompt attention given to us clients. In spite of us being located in a different country from DWF, they have given us close attention and understood our requirements very well.’
‘The managing partner, Jonathan Moss, has handled our case very closely, and is very detailed and clear in his assessment and guidance.’
‘Jonathan Moss and his team have been on-point and readily accessible on a complex and high stakes matter that arises very infrequently for us. Whilst papering contractual terms with our selected bidder they also worked effectively with local counsel in our jurisdiction to successfully defend a legal challenge by the unsuccessful bidder. At an earlier stage Jonathan leveraged the wider strength of the firm (and other advisors) to capably support us in contingency planning for possible insolvency of a counterparty to the outgoing contract.’
Principaux clients
Platon Oil and Gas, Ghana
Norbulk
ShiELD Services – Maritime Logistics
Vallis Group
Essar Oil & Gas
MS Amlin
Chaucer
Louis Dreyfus
UK P&I Club
QBE
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Government of Jersey (the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development) in its successful defence of an action brought by Brittany Ferries.
- Instructed to act for Platon Gas Oil Ghana Limited in the defence of proceedings issued in the Business and Property Court by a company incorporated in the United Arab Emirates.
- Acting for Terex Corporation, a company specialising in the manufacture of equipment for concrete crushing and screening and roadworks in a high-value contractual/negligence dispute.
Mills & Co
Mills & Co has a ‘focused, specialist team with real expertise in the trade and commodities sector’. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, the firm frequently competes with larger London-based firms for high-value shipping and commodities cases, particularly when claims arise under both charterparties and sale contracts. Much of its work relates to arbitration- usually under LCIA, RSA, GAFTA, or FOSFA rules- on behalf of major trading houses such as Vitol and Cargill, as well as smaller players in the commodities markets. ‘His level of service was always impeccable’, say clients of Neville Hopper, who leads the practice along with Jonathan Green and Alastair Moir. Hopper handles both transactional work and disputes in court litigation and arbitration; Green focuses primarily on charterparty, international sale contract and bill of lading issues, with notable experience in issues arising under slot charter and liner agreements; and Moir has a busy litigation practice acting for owners, charterers, and traders in a range of shipping and commodities matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Neville Hopper; Jonathan Green; Alastair Moir
Les références
‘I like that they know our business, give simple answers always in time and available. Their billing is very competitive comparing to other shipping and trading law firms.’
‘I work with Neville Hopper. He remains available, understands the advice to be provided, has subject knowledge expertise. We worked with him for a long time now and his level of service was always impeccable.’
‘Focused, specialist team with real expertise in the trade and commodities sector brought by Neville Hopper.’
Principaux clients
Vitol
Cargill
Sahara Energy Resource
Ameropa
Principaux dossiers
- Representing Vitol in a court claim for damages for breach of a contract for the sale of diesel.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright ‘has excellent strength-in-depth, and quality in-house’. The firm acts for leading financial institutions, commodity trading houses, national and international mining and energy companies in many areas of law, including contentious matters. It handles matters before the English courts, and arbitrations under UNCITRAL, LCIA, SIAC and ICC rules, as well as GAFTA and FOSFA trade association rules. EMEA head of litigation Patrick Bourke oversees the practice, bringing vast experience in High Court commercial litigation, arbitration and ADR to the department. Former barrister Harriet Jones-Fenleigh has extensive experience in disputes concerning both commodities and trade finance. Holly Stebbing handles claims in the energy and natural resources sector, with a particular focus on Africa, while corporate disputes and investigations lawyer Ruth Cowley is frequently involved in international arbitration for commodities traders, particularly matters involving state entities. Commercial litigator Antony Corsi is also called upon to advise on commodities matters. Samson Spanier ‘always has one last creative solution up his sleeve’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Patrick Bourke
Autres avocats clés:
Harriet Jones-Fenleigh; Samson Spanier; Holly Stebbing; Antony Corsi; Ruth Cowley
Les références
‘Staffed largely by former barristers, the Norton Rose team has excellent strength-in-depth, and quality in-house that reduces the need for external barrister involvement.’
‘Samson Spanier always has one last creative solution up his sleeve, when other avenues appear exhausted. Harriet Jones-Fenleigh is an excellent partner, marrying great strategy with an unusually detailed knowledge of the law.’
Principaux clients
Barrick Gold (Holdings) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Barrick Gold (Holdings) Limited in defence of chancery court proceedings that have been brought against it by H&P Advisory Limited (H&P).
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has ‘highly knowledgeable lawyers with excellent business sense’. The firm acts for market participants across the entire commodities supply chain from producers through to trading companies and end users. Its work spans both soft and hard commodities, including oil and gas, chemicals, metals and mining, sugar, grain and coffee. The ‘approachable, and knowledgeable’ George Mingay co-leads the practice with shipping and commodities specialist Mark Sachs, who has extensive experience in arbitrations in both London and Singapore. Mingay is on the legal panels of both the Sugar Association of London, and the Refined Sugar Association of London, and is a key adviser to the British Coffee Association. He also chairs the arbitration committee of the Minor Metals Trade Association. Commercial litigation partner Lisa Hillary is also a key member of the international trade, commodities, and shipping teams. The partners are backed up by a strong set of banking, finance and litigation associates.
Responsables de la pratique:
George Mingay; Mark Sachs
Autres avocats clés:
Lisa Hillary; Julia Goroszeniuk
Les références
‘The team is always available, aware of the problems we are facing, even if the individual lawyer we are working with is unavailable there is always somebody who can take over the case, offer advice and guide us to getting the results we are looking for.’
‘Working with George Mingay has been a pleasure and an eye-opener. George always has good advice and, on many occasions, comes up with a unique way of dealing with a problem or approaching our counter-parties. George has also been an adviser to commodity trade arbitrations I have served on, his input has been invaluable and all awards he has crafted have NEVER been challenged by parties involved in our arbitrations.’
‘Very user-friendly and efficient. Team has wide relevant experience.’
Principaux clients
The Refined Sugar Association
The Sugar Association of London
British Coffee Association
Agricultural Bank of China
BACB (British Arab Commercial Bank)
National Bank of Greece
Bank ABC
RJH Trading Limited
Ayhan Sezer Yag Ve Gida Endustrisi Ticaret Ltd. Sti.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP may not be a specialist commodities firm, but when it comes to complex and high-value disputes- it is often called upon to leverage its specialist skill in litigation and arbitration. Clients praise it as an ‘extremely capable boutique dispute resolution outfit’, noting that lead partner Ted Greeno is ‘hugely experienced and tactically savvy’. Over the last ten years, Greeno has built up the firm’s energy and natural resources disputes team in London, which handles commodities trading disputes by drawing on extensive experience in the energy, mining and construction practices. Th department also oversees areas such as competition law disputes and corporate investigations for leading trading houses and companies involved in the extraction or resources. Stephen Jagusch plays a central role in the practice, bringing his experience in investment treaty cases against sovereign states to bear on international commodities arbitration and litigation to the division. Melis Acuner, who specialises in complex cross-border disputes, is praised for her in-depth knowledge of the Middle East energy sector.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ted Greeno
Autres avocats clés:
Stephen Jagusch; Melis Acuner
Les références
‘Good experience and high quality of work.’
‘Melis Acuner has good experience in the middle east energy sector.’
‘Extremely capable boutique dispute resolution outfit alighted upon due to a conflict at one of our panel firms, but now part of our litigation armoury.’
Principaux clients
Samax Resources Ltd
Geita Gold Mine Ltd
Schjodt LLP
Schjodt LLP has broad exposure to the commodities markets through key relationships with major trading houses, and is particularly active in energy disputes, alongside overseeing metals and minerals matters. The firm has unrivalled experience in the LNG sector. Practice head Jeremy Biggs handles a mix of commodities matters for the likes of Trafigura, and complex shipping disputes. Carl Walker is an expert on international trade, focusing on physical commodities arbitration and litigation. Senior lawyer Eleanor Dickens increasingly takes the lead on shipping and commodities matters including those under LMAA, LCIA, SCMA and GAFTA rules. Hector Witt draws on in-house at a commodities trading house to handle energy disputes, particularly in the oil and gas sector. As well as growing its presence in the coal sector, the firm is also ramping up its role in disputes concerning emissions trading.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jeremy Biggs
Autres avocats clés:
Carl Walker; Eleanor Dickens; David Choy; Guy Fountaine; Hector Witt
Les références
‘Nimble so as to provide their full attention to every matter, but also having a strong depth of expertise and experience. This allows appropriate levels of engagement by partners and senior associates.’
‘Carl Walker: ‘hands-on’ partner, with real expertise in commodities disputes. Jeremy Biggs: at the top of his game. Eleanor Dickens: well-organised, dedicated.’
‘Very detailed and patient in explaining the case or any legal questions I have.’
Principaux clients
BB Energy
COFCO
Freight Trading Ltd
Glencore
Petroineos
Platinum Corporation FZE
Puma Energy
TFG Marine Pte Ltd
Trafigura
Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Patton Boggs has an ‘excellent indefatigable team of litigators, utterly dedicated to their clients’. Over the last six years the firm has invested heavily to build its presence in the commodities market, and its profile continues to grow among major trading houses, energy and metals companies, and financial institutions. London practice head and ‘true statesman’ Chris Swart is frequently involved in high-value arbitration and High Court hearings. He recently assisted ADM with the enforcement of a $5m GAFTA arbitration award against a Moroccan grain trading company. Other standout practitioners include Katie Pritchard, who continues to expand her practice of enforcing commodity arbitration awards in the High Court; and John Rollason, who is well-known for his work in profile in contentious matters involving grain and coal. The up-and-coming partner Michael Davar's broad practice spans energy, shipping, international trade, infrastructure and financial industries; and newly promoted Gabriella Martin specialises in complex commercial disputes in the commodities, energy and shipping sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Swart
Autres avocats clés:
Katie Pritchard; Michael Davar; John Rollason; Gabriella Martin; Thulasy Packianathan; Andrew Bennett
Les références
‘Great team. Probably the best understanding of commodities disputes in London, which means that they can turn their hand not only to the usual oil, gas, grain, etc., but to any international commodities. Indeed I have worked with them on disputes concerning anything from grain to gold concentrate to alcohol.’
‘Chris Swart is a true statesman with decades of experience and a fantastic understanding of international trade, Katie Pritchard is very sharp and strategic, and new partner Gabriella Martin is making her mark already: ambitious, hardworking, diligent, and a delight to work with.’
‘They have a very good understanding of the business we are in so this enables them to not only provide good advice purely based on contract and shipping law but also in tandem with commercial practices.’
Principaux clients
ADM
Hannam & Partners
Naftogaz
Condire Management LLC
Metals Exploration plc
WH Ireland Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Hannam & Partners, a leading metals and mining specialist investment bank in its successful High Court claim against Barrick Gold arising out of, of their work facilitating the USD 18bn merger between Randgold and Barrick Gold to create the world’s largest gold mining company.
- In May 2024, the Supreme Court refused permission to appeal from the Court of Appeal decision handed down in January 2024, which had found in favour of ADM against GHI and its CEO.
- Acting for NJSC Naftogaz Of Ukraine, the state oil and gas company of Ukraine, in enforcement in the English High Court of arbitration awards obtained against the state of Russia.
Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP
Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP is a ‘top firm, delivering top-quality product, at very cost-effective fees.’ The firm’s specialist focus on commercial and financial disputes draws it into complex contentious commodities matters in the energy, seeds, corn, sunflower oil, cotton, and food markets. Managing partner Mikhail Vishnyakov ‘deeply understands the market’. His recent work includes numerous GAFTA, FOSFA and LCIA arbitrations. The ‘astoundingly good’ Jon Felce has a broad-ranging practice that encompasses commercial litigation, international arbitration and commodities disputes, which overlap with complex fraud cases. ‘Great leader’ Natalie Todd is frequently involved in matters emanating from Russia, former CIS countries, Africa and South America.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mikhail Vishnyakov
Autres avocats clés:
Jon Felce; Natalie Todd; Sinead O’Callaghan; Rosie Wild
Les références
‘The CYK team has strong expertise in commercial litigation including in the commodities field. They are robust and tactical litigators.’
‘I have worked particularly closely with Jon Felce and Natalie Todd, both of whom are excellent.’
‘CYK is highly specialised in disputes, with a highly qualified team at all levels. Even the junior members of the team have great depth of knowledge and experience of high level litigation and arbitration.’
Principaux clients
Cally Shipholdings Inc.
Vital Shipping Corporation
Dainford Navigation Inc.
Tamara Shipholdings SA
Tuscany Maritime SA
Novoship (UK) Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Sovcomflot company defendants: Cally Shipholdings Inc, Vital Shipping Corporation, Dainford Navigation Inc, Tamara Shipholdings SA, Tuscany Maritime SA, Novoship (UK) Limited in an infamous and high-profile dispute concerning sex tapes, secret documents and a Conservative peer.
Floyd Zadkovich
Floyd Zadkovich is highly praised for its ‘nimble smaller team that nonetheless manages to handle heavy and complex litigation’. A trusted adviser to blue-chip companies in the shipping sector, it also assists major energy companies with commodities matters. Its work in litigation, arbitration and mediation spans arbitration forms such as LMAA, LCIA, ICC, SMA and AAA, and encompasses both trade finance and commodities disputes. Damon Thompson is a prominent LNG shipping and trading lawyer. Joe Gosden has notable experience in oil trading and fertiliser matters. Managing partner Luke Zadkovich also plays a key role in the practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Joe Gosden; Damon Thompson; Luke Zadkovich
Autres avocats clés:
Jonathan Webb
Les références
‘Luke Zadkovich is driven, smart and commercial. He has a relentless client focus and is an astute litigator.’
‘Jonathan Webb is a very experienced litigator with a wealth of experience and tactical ability.’
‘I appreciated Damon Thompson’s previous in-house experience in our sector (LNG) and therefore his good understanding of the commercial/trading realities in addition to his shipping expertise.’
Jackson Parton Solicitors
Jackson Parton Solicitors has a wealth of experience in commodity disputes, particularly under GAFTA and FOFSA rules, but also under the LMAA, LCIA, SIAC and ICC terms. It also handles arbitrations before the Refined Sugar Association. The firm has two experienced partners in Alexander Askew and Andrew Patrinos. Askew is ‘a highly regarded dispute resolution specialist', whilst Patrinos is ‘extremely sharp and runs a very tight ship’ and brings to bear more than 30 years’ experience in maritime and commodities matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alexander Askew; Andrew Patrinos
Les références
‘Alex Askew is a highly regarded dispute resolution specialist with a focus on shipping and international trade. He offers clear, honest advice, understands clients’ businesses well, and responds quickly with creative solutions.’
‘Top-tier firm for commodities at reasonable rates. Experts in commodity disputes. Always commercially oriented and looking for optimal solutions for the client.’
‘Alexander Askew is always on hand to provide top quality expert advice with a keen eye on the optimal commercial outcome.’
Keystone Law
Keystone Law joins the ranking having hired Linos Choo from DLA Piper in 2024. Choo has a strong track record in commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly in the areas of shipping, commodities, and international trade finance. As well as GAFTA, FOSFA, LME and RSA arbitrations for some of the world’s leading trading houses he is active in many other international arbitration fora, and in the High Court in London. He is currently involved in the defence of a £1.5bn commodities-related fraud claim brought by the Danish Tax and Customs Administration.
Autres avocats clés:
Linos Choo
Les références
‘They have broad knowledge of trading disputes and the market itself. The legal side also has sector knowledge to guide us in treating the matter for the swift collection of unpaid debts. They are also good at following up on matters and updating us on time.’
‘All the team members I worked with at Keystone are good at communication and flexible in timing. You can reach the team anytime for time-sensitive matters. They also have good contacts from the sector so we can use them when we need a local expert.’
Principaux clients
Jas Bains
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Jas Bains, the former Legal and Compliance Officer of Solo Capital Partners in the defence of the Danish Tax and Customs Administration’s DKK 12 billion (c. £1.5 billion) fraud claim.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
At Watson Farley & Williams LLP, transport and energy are core sectors, which makes commodities a major area of focus for its global network of disputes lawyers. Robert Fidoe‘s practice, which has a particular focus on arbitration, is active in the energy, infrastructure and international trade, but Andrew Hutcheon‘s encyclopaedic knowledge of trade disputes puts him at the forefront of the firm’s commodities work alongside matters concerning mining, oil & gas, shipping and aviation. Alexis Martinez- who is dual-qualified in French and English law- has a commercial arbitration practice that spans energy, construction, mining, and financial disputes, including matters concerning pricing under long-term natural gas and LNG contracts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Fidoe
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Hutcheon; Alexis Martinez
Wikborg Rein
Wikborg Rein has a broad practice but is particularly well known for its in-depth understanding of the LNG, agricultural commodities, and alternative fuels markets. Chris Grieveson leads the commodities team- which is part of the broader shipping offshore sector group- and is labelled as ‘an expert commodities litigator who adds great tactical insight’. Baptiste Weijburg frequently advises on commodity-related logistics, particularly involving the storage, transshipment, and movement of both wet and dry products across key global regions, including South America. Jack Wray is ‘sharp, responsive, and has an exceptional work ethic’, and his work for commodity traders, energy companies, and industrial players on both contentious and transactional matters is noteworthy.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Grieveson
Autres avocats clés:
Baptiste Weijburg; Jack Wray; Anna Devereaux; Rob Jardine-Brown
Les références
‘Prompt and clear advice on the issues in question and then support in putting the solution in place. Knowledgeable and considered approach.’
‘Anna Devereaux gave excellent advice and support in contract negotiations – clear on timeframes and instructions and strong drafting skills.’
‘Chris Grieveson is at the top of his game – an expert commodities litigator who adds great tactical insight.’
Principaux clients
Yara International AS
Navios South American Logistics Inc
Navigator Terminals i
Centrica Energy
VTTI
Glencore
Principaux dossiers
Zaiwalla & Co
Zaiwalla & Co joins the ranking this year having continued its long-standing involvement in GAFTA arbitrations on behalf of clients from South Asia and the Middle East. Indian conglomerate ITC, which is a $9bn company and India’s second largest manufacturer of fast-moving consumer goods, instructs the firm for all of its GAFTA arbitrations. Managing partner Leigh Crestohl focuses on international commercial arbitration and investment disputes, with the ‘very pragmatic’ Varun Zaiwalla and ‘very knowledgeable, hardworking and committed’ associate Daniel Powell taking the lead on commodities matters. The practice ‘absolutely punches above its weight’ according to its multitude of clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leigh Crestolhl
Autres avocats clés:
Varun Zaiwalla; Daniel Powell
Les références
‘The most important attribute that stands out is collaborative approach with an open mind by all members of the team.’
‘Deep knowledge of case law and arbitration work.’
‘The team absolutely punches above its weight- it regularly achieves success against larger firms not just in commodities arbitrations, but in appeals (including all the way up to the Supreme Court).’
Principaux clients
Sharp Corp (India)
Arise IIP Distribution FZ LLC
Principaux dossiers
- Acted successfully for Indian trader Sharp Corp in a Supreme Court case against Viterra BV in a case relating to the correct assessment of damages.
- Acting for ITC, one of India’s largest fast-moving goods manufacturer in a section 69 appeal of a GAFTA award in the High Court.
- Acting for UAE Commodity House, Arise in 8 separate GAFTA arbitrations in 2024.