Michael Watkins > Chambers of Lord Grabiner KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

One Essex Court is ‘one of the super-sets with many barristers at many levels providing a great service’. Clients remark on its ‘good strength in depth, with an excellent choice of strong academic lawyers, energy specialists and brilliant advocates’. Regarded as the most prominent set for matters concerning oil and gas, coal, nuclear and electricity including hydropower, as well as renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biofuel and geothermal, the set is adept in pricing, regulatory and construction matters. Standout silk John McCaughran KC was recently instructed by Shell in relation to a dispute arising out of a gas sale agreement with British Gas. Sa’ad Hossain KC, who frequently appears in high-value High Court applications, trials and appeals concerning the energy sector, acted for Scottish Power Retail Holdings as defendant in a contractual claim material to the future development of power stations on a site owned by Drax. Notable juniors include Michael Watkins, who was recently instructed by BP, Shell and Esso in relation to a claim arising out of an agreement to provide security for decommissioning liabilities associated with the largest oil field in the North Sea.