Clara Benn > Chambers of Gavin Kealey KC > London, England > Barrister Profile
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Clara Benn
Position
Clara specialises in all aspects of commercial law, with a particular emphasis on private international law, insurance/reinsurance (including marine insurance), shipping, commodities, aviation and civil fraud. Since joining Chambers in 2014, she has appeared in the Supreme Court (twice), the Court of Appeal and the High Court, as well as in the DIFC Courts and LCIA, SIAC and LMAA arbitration. In 2022, Clara was appointed to the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel.
Clara is ranked in the directories in multiple practice areas and has been nominated by The Legal 500 as Shipping, Commodities and Aviation Junior of the Year 2023. The directories describe her as “fiercely intelligent, approachable and charming”, “invaluable on a practical/commercial level”; “awesome on her feet” and bringing “a joie de vivre to any case”.
Clara has acted in a number of high-profile cases, including Enka v Chubb [2020] UKSC 38 (governing law of arbitration agreements, anti-suit injunctions), described by The Lawyer as “a landmark judgment that is likely to become the leading authority in this area”, and the OW Bunker litigation [2016] UKSC 23 (sale of goods, retention of title clauses), described by Lloyd’s List as “the most spectacular shipping legal imbroglio so far this century”. She is instructed to appear in the Russian aviation insurance mega trial commencing in October 2024.
Clara is developing a busy practice as an arbitrator. She has received six appointments to date, including as chair, and welcomes new appointments.
Career
Called 2012; Lincoln’s Inn (Lord Bowen scholarship; Lord Denning scholarship; Sir Thomas Eastham scholarship; Buchanan Prize).
Clara joined 7 King’s Bench Walk on the successful completion of her pupillage in September 2014.
Memberships
COMBAR; BILA; YMP; Lincoln’s Inn Denning Society (committee member).
Education
- University of Oxford (2005-2008 BA History – First class)
- City University (2010-2011 GDL – Distinction)
- BPP (2011-2012 BPTC – Outstanding, top of year)
- University of Oxford (2012-2013 BCL – Distinction)
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Insurance and reinsurance
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 3Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara has exceptional legal knowledge and good judgement. She excels at written advocacy, and is growing in confidence in oral advocacy as well. She is measured, sensible and persuasive. It is not surprising that Insurers and solicitors love to instruct her.’
Known in the industry as the ‘leader in insurance and reinsurance disputes,’ with ‘rich history and top quality barristers of all levels,’ 7 King’s Bench Walk remains a pre-eminent set for all aspects of insurance and reinsurance work, with barristers instructed on the year’s high profile and high value cases, as well as aiding in the development of the law. During 2023, aviation litigation became one of the core areas of the insurance practice, with Andrew Wales KC, Clara Benn acting for AIG, and other members such as Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC and Alistair Schaff KC acting as opposing counsel in Aercap Ireland v AIG Europe and Lloyds Insurance Company which is the lead case begun by lessors against the aviation insurance market concerning the Russian government’s effective seizure of aircraft from foreign lessors. On top of this, members including Michael Ryan, Peter MacDonald Eggers KC, Sandra Healy and Gavin Kealey KC have been involved in the Covid-19 business interruption series of test cases, with Josephine Higgs KC acting for policyholders on Prevention of Access clauses in Gatwick Investment Ltd & Ors v Liberty Mutual Insurance. Julia Gibbon and Douglas Grant are names to watch.
London Bar > Shipping
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘It is striking that, when everyone is focussed on what only seems like the main issue in a case, she will often produce a masterly analysis of the actual essential issue which determines the case.’
London Bar > Commodities
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara is hugely impressive – astute and tremendously able.’
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 3Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara has many strengths. She writes extremely well and persuasively, making complex subjects seem simple. She is experienced at working with experts and helping them to express their opinions clearly and focused on the key points in relation to which their expertise is required.’
London Bar > Commercial litigation
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 5Clara Benn –7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Exceptional legal ability; exceptional judgement; real common sense. An unusual blend of skills that makes her a stand-out junior. A powerful barrister to have on your side.’
7 King’s Bench Walk offers an impressive ‘array of talent at all levels’ and is particularly renowned for its expertise in insurance, reinsurance, and shipping disputes as part of a broader commercial disputes offering. Barristers in the set have been instructed by various parties in aviation litigation concerning whether aircraft expropriated by the Russian Federation – after the imposition of sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine – are permanently lost, and whether this loss is attributable to a war risk or an all-risk insured policy. This includes Gavin Kealey KC, Clara Benn, and Ralph Morley’s defence of AIG, and Richard Waller KC and Michael Ryan’s defence of Lloyds Insurance Co against aircraft lessor AerCap Ireland. Additionally, Alistair Schaff KC and Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC are acting for the claimant in Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd v Lloyd’s Insurance Company and others, with Jonathan Gaisman KC, Siobán Healy KC, Keir Howie, and others representing Global Aerospace. Members have also been active in a number of COVID-19 business interruption cases, including Gavin Kealey KC and Josephine Higgs KC acting for the Al Mana group in its Commercial Court claim against three Gulf-based insurers.
London Bar > Fraud: civil
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 4Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘She is a very accomplished advocate.‘