'A very strong commercial set', Essex Court Chambers is adept at handling property rights, dealer commission, authenticity and purchasing syndicate disputes. Emily Wood KC is regarded for her expertise in property rights and private sale disputes. Joe Smouha KC acts for art dealerships and auction houses in disputes involving misrepresentation, breach of contract and negligence. Smouha is commended by clients as a 'star of the bar and utterly brilliant to work with'. Lauded by clients as 'extremely client friendly and highly knowledgeable,' Claudia Renton is frequently instructed in authenticity disputes, auction house matters, and high-profile cross-border cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Has a broad commercial practice in line with chambers’ profile. Focused on heavyweight commercial litigation and arbitration, often with an international dimension. Other areas of expertise include commercial fraud, company law, insurance and reinsurance, media and entertainment, and partnership law. In 2010 named as one of the ten Stars of the Bar under ten years call by ‘Legal Week’ (October 2010) – quotes instructing solicitors as having described Emily as ’fabulous, bright, calm, commercial and great to work with’. Frequently instructed in arbitrations or litigation being conducted abroad. Called to the bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Virgin Islands) and admitted to practise in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Recent work includes advising on a £574m dispute between 22 pension funds and a number of large, but confidential, arbitrations.
Career
Qualified 2006, Middle Temple; former supervisor in company law Peterhouse, Cambridge and tutor in contract law, King’s College, London.
Languages
French.
Memberships
COMBAR; LCCBA; FSLA.
Education
St George’s School, Edinburgh; Downing College, Cambridge (MA (Hons) Law 1st Class); Brasenose College, Oxford (BCL).
Content supplied by Essex Court Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Essex Court Chambers is a very strong commercial set.'