Essex Court Chambers ‘stands at the very pinnacle of the English commercial Bar, particularly for complex international disputes’. Paul McGrath KC  is acting for the claimants in Petersen & Ors v Republic of Argentina, concerning the enforcement of a $16.4bn judgment issued against Argentina in New York arising from a dispute over an alleged breach of contract. Joe Smouha KC ‘is able to combine a ferocious intellect with steely determination and a thoroughly charming personality’. In March 2025, the senior end of chambers was bolstered by the elevation of the ‘robust, hard-working, and effective’ Ciaran Keller KC and the ‘incredibly bright, creative and methodical’ Anton Dudnikov KC to silk.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Joe Ferrigno runs a tight ship.'
  • 'Ollie Butcher is fantastic to deal with.'
  • 'Joe Ferrigno runs a top quality clerks' room.'
  • 'Essex Court’s clerks provide a comprehensive and quality service which is second to none.'
  • 'A premium set.'
  • 'Essex Court are a quality chambers which is highly regarded with an impressive barrister line up.'

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.

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.

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.

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.