One Essex Court is 'at the top of the market for commercial disputes work'. Laurence Rabinowitz KC is 'a true litigation heavyweight who combines a calm demeanour with an ability to find solutions in the most complex of cases'. Sonia Tolaney KC and James MacDonald KC are acting for the defendants in BM Brazil & Ors v Sibanye, a $1.2bn claim concerning the alleged wrongful termination of share purchase agreements for the acquisition of two Brazilian mines from a private equity firm; the defendants had invoked an MAE clause to terminate the agreements following a geological event at one of the mines. In a boost to chambers, Michelle Menashy KC and Niranjan Venkatesan KC were both elevated to silk in March 2025.
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Profile
Position
Specialising in international arbitration and jurisdiction disputes, having acted in a number of leading cases including Cecil and others v Bayat and others [2011] EWCA Civ 523, Michelle’s practice covers the broad range of international and domestic litigation in all of chambers’ key areas including banking and finance and energy. Frequently instructed (with and without a leader) in high profile and high value cases, Michelle’s recent work includes three sets of parallel proceedings (ICC and UNCITRAL) concerning substantial £150m+ disputes relating to force majeure defences to the lack of gas supply to chemical plants; expedited section 994 unfair prejudice petition proceedings arising out of the disputed sale of a 25% shareholding in an international software business; a €120million dispute concerning a major gas pipeline running under the Black Sea; a $4billion telecoms shareholder dispute; and sole counsel in a dispute concerning the acquisition of a portfolio of non-performing loans for in excess of £1billion. She also has significant experience of appearing and advising on a broad range of applications including service out of the jurisdiction, security for costs, Norwich Pharmacal orders, anti-suit injunctions and summary judgments.
Career
Called to the bar 2003, Grays Inn.
Education
St John’s College, Cambridge, (BA Law), Nottingham Law School (BVC).
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