Firms in the Spotlight Commodities disputes

Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP

Ronald Fletcher Baker has an established track record of success in even the most complex cases. Litigation and Dispute Resolution has been a focus of the firm since its inception in 1948, and our highly experienced team is widely recognised for its skill in this area. The firm deals with a broad range of commercial …

View Profile...

Commodities disputes in London

Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co has ‘one of, if not the, most experienced and user-friendly teams‘ and clients describe it as legally thorough, tactically astute, with phenomenal client care‘. It is ‘one of the go-to firms for all the major companies in commodities disputes, and it has the size and experience capable of managing them in a first rate manner‘. Commodities specialist Marko Kraljevic leads a deep bench of talent, in which Hatty Sumption is ‘an extremely intelligent, diligent lawyer who always strives to understand the clients’ commercial needs‘. Among the other key partners are commodities arbitration specialist Michael Swangard; John Whittaker who handles trading disputes for for commodity and natural resources companies; commodities and dry shipping partner Eurof Lloyd-Lewis, who is ‘extremely diligent and detailed in his approach‘; international commercial disputes partner Eleanor Coates (who is ‘a great lawyer with great tactical judgment‘); ‘very diligent and efficient‘ energy, marine and natural resources partner Will Trustram; newly promoted partner Tara Smith; and consultant Clare Hatcher.

Practice head(s):

Marko Kraljevic


Other key lawyers:

Hatty Sumption; Tara Smith; Eurof Lloyd-Lewis; Michael Swangard; Eleanor Coates; John Whittaker; Clare Hatcher; Will Trustram; Anna Fomina; Rebecca Armstrong


Testimonials

‘Clyde & Cos London commodities team is one of, if not the, most experienced and user-friendly teams.’

‘Hatty Sumption is an extremely intelligent, diligent lawyer who always strives to understand the clients’ commercial needs.’

‘Exceptionally rapid high quality response: effectively “around the clock” in urgent circumstances. Legally thorough, tactically astute. Phenomenal client care.’

HFW

HFW is known for ‘excellence in delivering practical and actionable advice across the team, particularly in respect of physical seaborne commodities‘. The firm has a stellar roster of clients, among the  BP Oil, Louis Dreyfus, Goldman Sachs and Vitol. Alistair Feeney, who is ‘clever, calm, and presents his advice clearly and succinctly‘, leads the practice, which features a deep bench of talent. Damian Honey, whose broad portfolio of work for commodity traders, producers, financiers and insurers includes sales and disputes, ‘provides pragmatic, commercial advice‘. He represented Vitol as claimant in a case concerning the breach of an SPA for the sale and purchase of propane. Standout litigator Brian Perrott acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in a high-value matter arising from the the collapse of high-profile bunker trading house Hin Leong and associated companies. Judith Prior has ‘vast knowledge of commodities arbitration, particularly in the sugar business‘. International commodity trade and shipping specialist Sarah Taylor, up-and-coming partner Michael Buffham and ‘reliable, thorough and organised‘ senior associate Stephanie Morton also play pivotal roles in the practice.

Practice head(s):

Alistair Feeney


Other key lawyers:

Brian Perrott; Judith Prior; Damian Honey; Michael Buffham; Stephanie Morton; Sarah Taylor; Rosie Harrison; Frazer Watt


Testimonials

‘The team’s great strength is its significant sector experience built on an impressive client base.’

‘Damian Honey is particularly knowledgeable. He is always available and provides pragmatic, commercial advice.’

‘HFW are one of the only firms that has the expertise to advise us on numerous aspects of commodity trading and shipping. They know our business and understand its culture, which gives them the edge when it comes to advising on ways forward. What makes the team unique is a winning combination of sector-focused expertise on the one hand and disputes handling on the other. This means that they are extremely well-equipped to advise on both the legal position and the strategy to handle any legal action we may face or want to bring.’

‘They can easily call on related support within the wider HFW network where needed, including on sanctions, trade finance and market regulation, as well as from other jurisdictions where specific trading advice may be needed. The team’s key strengths lie in deep sector knowledge, expertise and skill in handling complex disputes, responsiveness and value for money.’

‘Alistair Feeney is a true pleasure to work with. He is always on hand when you need him. Alistair is extremely well-versed in all oil, LNG or shipping-related legal matters, whether transactional, advisory or disputes-related. He is clever, calm, and presents his advice clearly and succinctly.’

‘Judith Prior – vast knowledge of commodities arbitration, particularly in the sugar business.’

‘Alistair Feeney, Rosie Harrison and Stephanie Morton work very well together. Both Rosie and Stephanie are reliable, thorough and organised, which is absolutely what is required when it comes to handling litigation and arbitration. Rosie in particular is very responsive and knowledgeable when it comes to sale contract advice or any procedural rules/guidance.’

Damian Honey is an expert in his field. His advice, particularly on transactional matters, is always relevant, clear and well-thought through.’

Key clients

BP Oil International Limited


Hartree Partners


Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation


Vitol


Qatargas


ADNOC Trading


ADNOC Global Trading


Eni


Goldman Sachs


Louis Dreyfus


OMV


Work highlights


  • Acting for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in connection with the collapse of the high-profile bunker trading house Hin Leong and associated companies.
  • Advising the Claimant, Vitol S.A., on its claim against Genser Energy Ghana Limited for breach of an SPA for the sale and purchase of propane and failure to make payment of a Settlement Amount of US$17,650,514.02 under the SPA’s Event of Default provisions. Vitol also sought contractual interest pursuant to an addendum.
  • Advising BP Oil International Limited on a claim in the Commercial Court in London against Glencore Energy UK Limited arising from the supply to BP of Russian Export Crude Oil that was contaminated with high levels of organic chlorides.

Hill Dickinson LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP has 'superb knowledge of the commodity industry'. Its work spans all underlying markets, including grains, seeds, cocoa, sugar, a vast array of energy products, and both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. 'His commerciality are unrivalled in the market and he has led the growth and development of a young partnership and workforce with big ambitions and the skills to match', say clients of practice head Jeff Isaacs, who excels in sugar-related matters. Trading specialist Paul Taylor is 'brilliant lawyer, with great eye for detail and a master tactician'. Highly recommended among the firm's large pool of talent deep bench also are Darren Wall, who frequently handles sugar matters; energy sector specialist Mark Aspinall; and senior associate Amy Walmsley, who is 'a rising star in the department who shows judgement beyond her years and is a force to be reckoned with'.

Practice head(s):

Jeff Issacs


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Buchmann; Paul Taylor; Mark Aspinall; Darren Wall; Amy Walmsley; Claire Messer; John McNeilly


Testimonials

‘Superb knowledge of the commodity industry.’

‘Jeff Isaacs leads this dynamic team. Jeff’s experience and commerciality are unrivalled in the market and he has led the growth and development of a young partnership and workforce with big ambitions and the skills to match. No job is too small and the quality of advice is second to none.’

‘Jeff Isaacs is a gentleman and a scholar – a pleasure to work with in all senses. Always on hand with a quick and reassuring response and a wealth of experience, he is the safest pair of hands in the market. Senior associate Amy Walmsley is diligent, professional and always available to provide detailed yet commercially motivated advice. Definitely going places.’

Key clients

Addax


ADM


COFCO


Czarnikow


Gerald Metals


Gunvor


HDI Global


MS Amlin


Nibulon SA


Wilmar


Reed Smith LLP

Reed Smith LLP is a go-to practice for some of the most sophisticated and substantial commodities disputes in the market, whether acting on behalf of major international banks, commodities trading houses, oil companies or a host of other market participants. Its work encompasses major international arbitrations before bodies such as the ICC and LCIA, as well as trade associations such as GAFTA, FOSFA, ICA, and RSA. The London energy and natural resources group, led by experienced litigator Andrew Meads, handles cases relating to a vast array of underlying commodities, including sugar and other softs, metals, oil and LNG. Richard Swinburn, Vassia PayiatakiPaul Skeet and up-and-coming partner Elizabeth Farrell are all highly respected litigators. Kyri Evagora, who recently returned to London from Singapore, is widely recognised as one of the leading lawyers in the market for international commodity disputes. Frances Furness left to join Saudi Aramco.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Meads


Other key lawyers:

Vassia Payiataki; Richard Swinburn; Paul Skeet; Elizabeth Farrell; Kyri Evagora


Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood has a major presence in the energy, metals and minerals sectors, in which it advises major trading houses, oil majors and refining companies, and mining groups. More recently, the firm has become more active in soft commodities, and it counts traders, food producers and other multi-national corporates among its clients. 'Service from the firm is really outstanding: quick response, deep knowledge of the market and great authority in the legal issues involved', remark clients. Haris Zografakis, who has vast experience in hard, soft and energy commodities, leads the practice. The 'very focused and efficient' Emma Skakle has a market-leading reputation in agricultural commodities. Peter Bennett is 'always available, reliable and effective, and conducts all the trial phases with precision and appropriateness'. Jonathan Spearing, who is highly regarded for commodity financing fraud cases, 'provides concise and pragmatic legal advice'.

Practice head(s):

Haris Zografakis


Other key lawyers:

Peter Bennett; Emma Skakle; Jonathan Spearing


Testimonials

‘The team led by Emma Skakle is very focused and efficient. They bring stability and predictability to the relationship with the clients. The replies are always timely and the quality of the advice is top level.’

‘Emma Skakle is a top partner in the field of commodities trading and arbitration.’

‘Stephenson Harwood has deep legal and industry-specific expertise in commodities and shipping.’

‘Jonathan Spearing: He provides concise and pragmatic legal advice. His turnaround time is second to none and he is very cost-effective.’

‘Service of the firm is really outstanding: quick response, deep knowledge of the market and great authority in the legal issues involved. Great in advicing 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.’

‘Advice that does not need to be translated for management. Quick to understand all the ins-and-outs of a case. Excellent value for money.’

‘Emma Skakle is a thoughtful, hands-on partner who is very commercial in her approach to resolving disputes. She has long-standing experience in the commodities space and related areas such as shipping.’

Key clients

Mercuria Energy Trading


Vedanta Resources and subsidiaries/related companies


Phillips 66


Macquarie Bank


Steag


Base Resources Ltd


BASF Intertrade


Elinoil


Mabanaft


Sahara Energy Resources


Mills & Co

Specialist commodities and international trade firm Mills & Co in Newcastle competes strongly with London firms for key roles in commodities disputes, and it frequently acts for major trading houses, among them Vitol. The firm focuses on both shipping and commodities law, so handles claims arising under both charterparties and sale contracts. Clients describe 'a very practical firm in terms of availability, delivery, advice and billing'. The key partners are Neville Hopper (who is 'very good in considering matters comprehensively and describing the risks involved') and Jonathan Green, who frequently handles LMAA, GAFTA, FOSFA, Sugar, LCIA and ICC arbitrations, as well as High Court proceedings. Hopper recently acted for the chairman of an appeal board in an arbitration subject to the rules of the Federation of Cocoa Commerce, who was named as a defendant to High Court proceedings by a party challenging an FCC Appeal Award.

Practice head(s):

Neville Hopper; Jonathan Green


Other key lawyers:

George Bambrick


Testimonials

‘They are a very practical firm in terms of availability, delivery, advice and billing. Their fees are very competitive without sacrificing talent or resources. The adapt easily to the client needs and are open to consider alternatives.’

‘Our go-to person is Neville Hopper and has been for quite some time now. He is very practical and attentive to the client’s interests. He is very good in considering matters comprehensively and describing the risks/alternatives involved.’

‘Easy access to advice and quick feedback.’

Key clients

Vitol


Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright has 'fantastic knowledge of the market, very hands-on, involved in many of the leading cases, well-resourced teams'. EMEA head of disputes Patrick Bourke oversees the world of commodities litigators. Among them are key partner Holly Stebbing who worked with senior associate India Furse to defend ExxonMobil, which was co-defendant with Shell U.K. Limited and BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, in a £440m Commercial Court proceedings brought by Apache North Sea Limited exceeding. Both are 'stars in the making'.  In oil and gas disputes, the firm advises some of the world's largest multi-nationals and the team is 'smart, clever, commercial and completely on top of their game'. Ruth Cowley, Antony Corsi, international arbitration specialist James Rogers and commercial litigator Harriet Jones-Fenleigh also play pivotal roles in commodities disputes. James Rogers moved to Jenner & Block LLP.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Bourke


Other key lawyers:

Holly Stebbing; India Furse; Radford Goodman; Ruth Cowley; Antony Corsi; Harriet Jones-Fenleigh; Sherina Petit


Testimonials

‘NRF is well resourced and manage to attract and retain extremely bright lawyers. They are well-resourced and run a tight ship. They are also extremely good at encouraging diversity.’

‘Holly Stebbing and India Furse are both exceptional. Both are stars in the making. Sherina Petit is also a force to be reckoned with. She has a very strong India practice and is very well-known in the industry.’

‘They are smart, clever, commercial and completely on top of their game. Litigation is conducted efficiently, and always with a strategic regard for what can, and what cannot, be achieved.’

‘A very well-manned and able team, full of excellent lawyers and easy access to a very wide range of complimentary expertise across the firm.’

‘Radford Goodman is a shrewd and experienced litigator who knows how to handle a big case.’

‘Harriet Jones-Fenleigh is a star – highly recommended.’

‘Fantastic knowledge of the market, very hands-on, involved in many of the leading cases, well-resourced teams.’

Key clients

Citibank N.A. and Citigroup Global Markets Limited


Mercuria Energy Group


Barrick Gold Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick) in relation to the framework arrangements entered into between Barrick and the Government of Tanzania (the Government).
  • Advising on a US$285m dispute concerning financing transactions entered into between CBNA/CGML and commodities trader Mercuria in respect of metal supposedly stored in warehouses at the Chinese ports of Qingdao and Penglai.
  • Advised the agent, security agent and syndicate of lenders, including The Mauritius Commercial Bank, on pre-contentious issues regarding the delivery of pre-financed oil cargoes.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is known for ‘speed, availability, wide legal knowledge, and pragmatism‘. The firm’s international trade and commodities group is known for its presence in commodities, shipping and trade finance matters, with its work spanning soft commodities, metals, mining, and oil and gas. ‘Availability and approachability are key selling points of the firm and he is a standout example‘, say clients of George Mingay, who leads the practice with vastly experienced shipping and commodities partner Mark Sachs. The have recently acted for numerous of soft commodity clients on GAFTA and FOSFA arbitration proceedings in arbitration and in respect of related litigation and potential challenges under the Arbitration Act 1996.

Practice head(s):

George Mingay; Mark Sachs


Testimonials

‘Speed, availability, wide legal knowledge, pragmatism.’

‘The team is very diverse with a lot of experience.’

‘George Mingay makes himself available to educate and impart his knowledge. He is very experienced in commodity disputes and arbitration, and is always available.’

‘Availability and approachability are key selling points of Penningtons, with George Mingay as a standout example.’

‘Experience of knowledge of the arbitration process and sugar arbitrations in particular.’

Key clients

Czarnikow


The Refined Sugar Association


The Sugar Association of London


British Coffee Association


Bank of China


Agricultural Bank of China


Piraeus Bank


National Bank of Greece


Bank ABC


RJH Trading Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising on a trade finance dispute relating to a syndicated loan under a Master Risk Participation Agreement where the security held in collateral provided in respect of commodities proved insufficient in value and volume.
  • Acting for an overseas government procurement agent responsible for the import of refined petroleum products and more than 20 Purchasers under a term procurement contract with the Respondent Seller.
  • Advising a number of soft commodity clients on GAFTA and FOSFA arbitration proceedings in arbitration and in respect of related litigation/potential challenges under the Arbitration Act 1996.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Litigation boutique Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is unlike other firms in the ranking in that is has no role on the transactional side of physical or financial commodities trades, but its energy and natural resources disputes group is frequently involved in high-value contentious matters. Its role in energy, mining and construction disputes, along with its work on competition law matters and corporate investigations for leading trading houses and companies in the extractive industries, gives the practice led by Ted Greeno an in-depth understanding of commodities markets, including onshore and offshore oil and gas, mining, power, renewables and alternative energy, as well as downstream oil and gas agreements, long-term gas and LNG supply agreements and the trading of metals and minerals.

Practice head(s):

Ted Greeno


Schjodt LLP

Schjodt LLP, the London office of Scandinavia's largest Magic Circle law firm, climbs the ranking this year. It has an experienced commodities group that frequently handles large and complex disputes in the Commercial Court and in London arbitration. The team centres on Carl Walker, who is a key adviser to two of the world's largest commodities trading houses. Walker recently assisted Glencore International with pursuing a recovery of debts totalling over €14m owed by the Cameroon state-owned oil company Societe Nationale de Raffinage (Sonara). Practice head Jeremy Biggs, who handles both shipping and commodities matters, acted for commodities trading company Trafigura in a $76m letter of indemnity claim relating to the arrest of the vessel Miracle Hope, relating to a claim for the misdelivery of a high-value crude oil cargo. Former practice head Will Marshall left to join Angelicoussis Group.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Biggs


Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP frequently handles cross-border disputes in the commodities sector. Rob Fidoe regularly handles arbitration on behalf of multinationals in the energy, infrastructure and international trade sectors. Clients describe Fidoe as ‘calm and collected, a good strategist who is able to guide clients through difficult disputes‘. He acted for trading company JE Energy in a multimillion-dollar oil trading dispute with Vitol SA in a matter that has since gone to the Court of Appeal.  Key partner Andrew Hutcheon, who handles contentious matters in the commodities, mining, oil & gas, shipping and aviation sectors, ‘goes the extra mile to understand new business concepts and to give wise counsel‘. He was part of a team that acted for Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Fund in matters arising from the administration of Bulb Energy.

Practice head(s):

Robert Fidoe


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Hutcheon


Testimonials

‘My colleagues and I have valued the advice and support that the team have given us. They have supported us in an innovative area of business – the team’s knowledge and experience have helped to create a deeper understanding of this emerging area of the law.’

‘The support that Andrew Hutcheon has given us has been exemplary. He goes the extra mile to understand new business concepts and to give wise counsel accordingly.’

‘The scope of the disputes covered by WFW’s teams, reflecting its strong Asian presence, have included complex infrastructure, IT, energy, renewables, shipping, oil and gas, commodities, aviation and commercial disputes relating to all of those sectors and more. The partners in the London and Bangkok offices provide a highly personal and efficient service. Teams tend to be small, but with exceptional partner engagement which international clients value greatly.’

‘Robert Fidoe is an outstanding lawyer, adept at managing complex technical disputes and with a good eye for the issues that are important in a dispute. Rob’s easy-going manner is very popular with clients and other team members who find him very easy to work with.’

‘Thoughtful and strategic leadership from Rob Fidoe. Calm and collected. Strength in depth behind him, with good support.’

‘Rob Fidoe – calm and collected, good strategist, able to guide clients through difficult disputes.’

Key clients

JE Energy Ltd


Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund


Work highlights


  • Advising JE Energy Ltd (an independent commodity trading company with offices in the UK, Asia and Africa) in respect of a multimillion-dollar oil trading dispute with Vitol SA.
  • Advising Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Income Fund (“Sequoia”) as secured creditor regarding the energy administration of Bulb Energy Limited (“Bulb”) in the first ever use of the UK’s energy supply company administration regime, intended to be used for large energy supply companies where it is not feasible to appoint a “Supplier of Last Resort”.

Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP

The disputes practice at litigation boutique Cooke, Young & Keidan LLP is 'a dynamic force able to deliver results for clients'. The firm is increasingly active in commodities disputes, among recent examples being two FOSFA arbitrations, and the defense of an award rendered in an International Cotton Association arbitration. Sinead O’Callaghan and Mikhail Vishnyakov are the key partners, In 2022, the firm hired Jon Felce and Natalie Todd from specialist fraud firm PCB Byrne LLP, who are both 'excellent litigators with a close eye to detail, a strong strategic sense and very strong analytical skills'.  Their expertise in civil fraud, enforcement, asset recovery and banking litigation is frequently called upon for commodities cases.

Other key lawyers:

Jon Felce; Natalie Todd; Rosie Wild; Mikhail Vishnyakov


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Jon Felce and Natalie Todd. They are both excellent litigators with a close eye to detail, a strong strategic sense and very strong analytical skills.’

‘The CYK team is a dynamic force able to deliver results for clients.’

‘Jon Felce and Natalie Todd stand out as excellent partners. They are both deeply experienced litigators. In the commodities field they have handled very large and complex disputes raising serious allegations of fraud.’

‘Rosie Wild – really good and focussed.’

‘The main strength of the team is client-tailored approach with the thorough understanding of client’s business objectives in the case.’

‘Natalie Todd is quick-witted and client-oriented. Jon Felce offers strategic thinking and creativity.’

‘Niche firm with very talented but small teams of lawyers.’

‘Jon Felce – highly experienced solicitor with great judgement. Natalie Todd – very bright, totally on the ball.’

DLA Piper

At DLA Piper, 'the legal team is very professional and addressed the technicality and legal aspects needed'. The firm joins the ranking due to the expertise of commodities litigation specialist Linos Choo, who acts for some of the largest energy and commodities houses in the world. He also represents most banks in international trade and shipping disputes and has specialist knowledge in the area international trade finance and letter of credit disputes. He 'understands the legal issues and helps to resolve differences with clients' counterparties'. He recently handled a high-profile alleged cargo smuggling dispute in the Commercial Court.

Practice head(s):

Linos Choo


Testimonials

‘The legal team is very professional and addressed the technicality and legal aspects needed.’

‘Linos Choo is very professional and also helped us in understanding the legal issues and helped us to resolved the differences we have with our counterparties.’

DWF

DWF is known for ‘industry knowledge and high levels of partner attention‘. The firm is best known for its successes in large international arbitrations and its expertise in cross-border disputes involving ports and terminals, cargo contamination, fires, explosions and casualties. London managing partner Jonathan Moss is head of marine and trade, which is part of David Abbott‘s global risks group, as well as leading the shipping and commodities practices. Moss is ‘a very experienced practitioner with top industry knowledge‘. He recently assisted Gulf Petroleum with the recovery of outstanding sums, $18m in one matter and €5.5m in another, arising from various contracts for international commodities trades. He frequently defends international commodities disputes arising out of collateral management agreements for major commodities trading companies. Antony Woodhouse focuses on Bermuda Form Arbitration.

Practice head(s):

David Abbott; Jonathan Moss


Other key lawyers:

Anthony Woodhouse


Testimonials

‘Industry knowledge. High partner attention.’

‘Jonathan Moss is a very experienced practitioner. Top industry knowledge.’

‘Very experienced, with the ability to provide relevant/useful advice on any potential issues.’

Key clients

Essar Oil


Vallis Group Ltd, previously Vallis Commodities Ltd


Lighthouse SpA


Targray International


Nimex Petroleum


GP Global Group


Sierrentz Commodities


BW Group


Chaucer


UK P&I CLUB


Sahara Energy


Work highlights


  • Acted for Vallis Commodities on a claim brought by an investment bank (Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC) for the alleged loss of sugar from a production and storage facility in Ghana held as security for a loan to a third party.
  • Advised a global oil conglomerate, Gulf Petrochem, on the recovery of outstanding sums arising from various contracts in respect of international commodities trades.
  • Advising vessel managers and insurers, Chaucer, in respect of claim by vessel owners arising from breach of a ship management agreement for a cargo vessel.

Jackson Parton Solicitors

Jackson Parton Solicitors is 'a small boutique firm with great dedication', focusing on all issues arising out of shipping industry, which includes high-value and complex disputes in arbitration under LMAA, LCIA, ICC rules, as well as High Court and Appellate Court proceedings involving commodities. Managing partner Andrew Patrinos, the 'very supportiveNicholas Parton and the 'smart, clear and pleasant to deal withAlexander Askew are the principal partners in the practice. 'They know international trade in agricultural products inside out', remarks one client. Jonathan Clyne is highly regarded for shipping matters and also plays a complementary role in commodities disputes.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Patrinos; Nicholas Parton; Alex Askew


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Clyne; Nick Parton; William Jackson


Testimonials

‘Small and always ready to go team. Fast and efficient replies.’

‘Alex Askew is the one to recommend. Smart, clear and pleasant to deal with.’

‘Jackson Parton always performs to a high level. The main strength is in its business-oriented decisions. They are quite responsive to our needs and wishes. We have had experience of work with other law firms, but Jackson Parton is always the best for us due to their deep expertise and knowledge.’

‘I worked with two partners: Andrew Patrinos and Alex Askew. While working with them you feel their profound experience in this sphere, it becomes obvious that they know international trade in agricultural products inside out, have clear understanding of the legal mechanisms that can be used in resolution of international disputes. They are very professional and advised us not only on how to solve the problems we already have, but how to eliminate them in future. We appreciate their profound knowledge of legal peculiarities in different countries. They are very reliable and experienced solicitors, who are always ready to help with our issues.’

‘Alex Askew – very hands on, offering succinct and excellent advice. Very good technical advice and extremely good value.’

‘Small boutique firm with great dedication. Very quick turnaround of questions. Clear and honest advice on the strength of a case.’

‘Alex Askew has a in-depth knowledge of our business, offers precise and clear advice (including an honest assessment of the strength of a case). Quick turnaround of questions. Creative in finding solutions.’

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs is ‘excellent for international arbitration in shipping and commodity trading‘ and one clients notes that ‘the lawyers are very experienced and are able to connect the legal side of things with commercial considerations and practices‘. Chris Swart in London and Barry Stimpson in Singapore lead firm’s the commodities and shipping group, which was formed in 2019 and has since grown to 30 fee earners across its international network. They frequently act for the world’s largest commodity trading companies, as well as leading banks and alternative financiers, in matters concerning the international sale and transportation of commodities and related contracts; contracts for the storage and blending/processing of commodities; and arbitration proceedings including GAFTA, FOSFA, MAA, ICC, LCIA SIAC, HKIAC, RSA and related global enforcement actions. The team provides ‘professional, constructive and helpful advice‘.

Practice head(s):

Chris Swart; Barry Stimpson


Testimonials

‘Our years of working experience with Squire Patton Boggs has been excellent. The lawyers we deal with are very experienced lawyers and we feel that we have been well served with good advice and success throughout. They understand our business very well so are able to connect the legal side of things with commercial considerations and practices.’

‘Their lawyers we have been dealing with are not only good lawyers providing good professional, constructive and helpful advice, but we find are also good personalities which makes it easier to communicate with them and collaborate.’

Wikborg Rein

Wikborg Rein‘s shipping and offshore sector group, in which the commodities team resides, is best known for its work in the LNG sector, though it also handles disputes concerning agricultural commodities and alternative fuels. Practice head Chris Grieveson (who is ‘cool under pressure and knows how to build an attractive and robust case‘) plays a key role in the firm’s commodities work but the standout practitioner is up-and-coming partner Eleanor Midwinter, who is ‘an absolute star, incredibly responsive and commercial‘. Midwinter, who has significantly grown the firm’s work in soft commodities, recently advised a sustainable building materials enterprise in connection with disputes under a trading contract for by-products from fossil fuelled power stations.

Practice head(s):

Chris Grieveson


Other key lawyers:

Eleanor Midwinter; Fiona Rafla


Testimonials

‘Wikborg Rein has a market leading grasp on the interaction of UK, EU and Norwegian sanctions, on commodities contracts. They are well-accustomed to dealing with OFSI, OFAC and other regulators as needs be, and have succeeded with some delicate license applications.’

‘Chris Grieveson – an excellent team leader. He’s cool under pressure, and knows how to build an attractive and robust case.’

‘Eleanor Midwinter – diligent; provides clear and forthright advice in an area plagued by uncertainty. Lots of experience dealing with OFSI.’

‘Eleanor Midwinter is an absolute star. She is incredibly responsive and commercial.’

Key clients

Yara International AS


Elkem ASA


Pon Power AS


Ekin Maden Ticaret Ve Sanayi A.S.


Golar LNG Limited


MET Group


Motor Oil (Hellas) Corinth Refineries S.A.