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.

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.

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’.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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 KC 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.