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
Profile
Position
Has a broad-based commercial practice with a particular emphasis on appearances in international arbitration, the Commercial Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and Privy Council. Regularly appointed as arbitrator. In the commercial law field he acts regularly for major international corporate clients in all sectors (particularly the financial, energy, insurance and reinsurance, film, television, music, art and advertising sectors). Also acts for many governments and government-related organisations. Has appeared in arbitrations in many jurisdictions outside England and has appeared in the courts of the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.
Career
Called 1986, Middle Temple; silk 2003.
Languages
French (fluent).
Education
Magdalene College, Cambridge (BA Hons; MA).
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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.'
- 'Essex Court Chambers are a class act.'
- 'A leading commercial set.'