Joe Smouha KC > Essex Court Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile
Essex Court Chambers Offices
24 LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
LONDON
WC2A 3EG
England
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Joe Smouha KC
Position
Has a broad-based commercial practice with a particular emphasis on appearances in international arbitration, the Commercial Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and Privy Council. Regularly appointed as arbitrator. In the commercial law field he acts regularly for major international corporate clients in all sectors (particularly the financial, energy, insurance and reinsurance, film, television, music, art and advertising sectors). Also acts for many governments and government-related organisations. Has appeared in arbitrations in many jurisdictions outside England and has appeared in the courts of the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.
Career
Called 1986, Middle Temple; silk 2003.
Languages
French (fluent).
Education
Magdalene College, Cambridge (BA Hons; MA).
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Art and cultural property
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1The barristers of Essex Court Chambers have been involved in prominent and high-profile cases in the field of art and cultural property, including cases of fraud, negligence and contractual disputes. Joe Smouha KC, whose broad commercial practice includes heavyweight disputes in the art world, has been involved in a number of high-profile cases recently, including the Bouvier v Rybolovlev case.
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Joe Smouha KC –Essex Court Chambers ‘Joe’s experience shines through and his reputation is well-earned. He has gravitas without being grand and has the ability to read how points will play out before a tribunal and can carry the tribunal with him. He is a first-class lawyer, hard working and on top of the detail.’
London Bar > Commercial litigation
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Fielding ‘one of the very finest groups of barristers around‘, Essex Court Chambers is a ‘go-to set for anything important or high-value‘. In recent highlights, Joe Smouha KC, leading Ciaran Keller, represented the government of Mozambique in the “Tuna bond case”, its claim against Credit Suisse concerning government-backed loans that were arranged by Credit Suisse and pushed Mozambique into a debt crisis. In The Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Process & Industrial Developments Ltd, Tom Ford was instructed as the most senior junior for Nigeria, which seeks to set aside an $11bn award, on the basis that it and the underlying contract were the result of a massive fraud. Ruth den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, was elevated to silk status in March 2023; and in November 2022, commercial dispute resolution junior Matthieu Gregoire joined from 4 New Square Chambers.
London Bar > Fraud: civil
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Joe Smouha KC –Essex Court Chambers ‘A master strategist who regularly wins cases through his rigorous cross-examination and incisive legal analysis.‘
London Bar > Banking and finance (including consumer credit)
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Joe Smouha KC –Essex Court Chambers ‘Joe is a first rate silk and excellent advocate.’
Essex Court Chambers‘ members high-profile and high-value international banking and finance litigation, with members receiving instructions from a number of magic circle and US firms. Louise Hutton KC, who is ‘calm and clear under pressure,’ has been involved in leading banking cases this year, including Stanford International Bank v HSBC, a case involving the Quincecare duty with its factual origins in Allen Stanford’s Ponzi scheme. Joe Smouha KC is a notable name in this space, while Stephen Houseman KC has developed a strong cross-border practice, in areas including Singapore, Dubai and the Cayman Islands. Ciaran Keller is noted for his cross-border work on high-profile cases acting for and against banks, hedge funds and private equity. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.