Banking and finance (including consumer credit)

Essex Court Chambers

Essex Court Chambers is ‘a well-known market leader in big banking litigation.’ The team continues to act for blue-chip US and city firms in high-profile disputes. The set is very well known for its prominent involvement in the Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse case concerning the “tuna bonds” scandal; Joe Smouha KC, David Davies KC, and Nathan Pillow KC acted for various parties in the matter. Elsewhere in chambers, James Willan KC is defending Barclays Bank against claims brought by the FDIC concerning alleged LIBOR “lowballing” and fraudulent misrepresentation. Ciaran Keller KC and Anton Dudnikov KC were appointed to silk in March 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Joe Ferrigno really is one of the best.'
'Joe Ferrigno always makes time and runs a very efficient and responsive clerking team.'
'All of the clerks are a pleasure to deal with.'
'They are fantastic for complex banking and finance matters.'
'Top choice of chambers.'
'Very strong set in all areas of banking and finance.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

Joe Smouha KC

He is a fantastic trial advocate.’

2

Stephen Houseman KC

very intelligent silk, who is also very user-friendly and easy to work with.’

3

David Davies KC

‘David is very easy to work with. He genuinely listens to what clients say, and makes victory look effortless.’

3

Louise Hutton KC

‘Louise is a premier banking and finance silk.’

3

Nathan Pillow KC

Immensely clever and charming.'

3

Iain Quirk KC

‘Very responsive and user-friendly. Incisive advocacy skills.’

3

James Willan KC

‘James is a simply outstanding lawyer and a tenacious advocate.'

4

James Collins KC

‘James is at the top of his game. He is a silky-smooth advocate who outclasses his opponents with his calm but commanding style.’

4

Paul McGrath KC

5

Richard Millett KC

Richard is an absolute class act. He is incredibly user friendly and approachable.’

5

Emily Wood KC

‘A compelling and efficient advocate. Her oral advocacy is well structured, measured and highly persuasive.'

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

Anton Dudnikov KC

‘Anton is proactive in his approach and insightful in his advice.'

1

Ciaran Keller KC

‘A very calm, measured and forensic cross-examiner.’

2024 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1

James Sheehan KC

'He impresses judges with his measured delivery.'

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.