Twenty Essex has a deep bench focused on commodities, shipping and international trade. Among its members are some of the most respected silks and juniors in the commodities space, including those who have established key points of law that govern market practice. In Omni v Samancor, a $7m SIAC arbitration concerning the sale of manganese, standout silk Michael Ashcroft KC achieved a favourable settlement in a matter that involved complex issues regarding applicability of sanctions clause following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Michael Collett KC defended a GAFTA appeal in Sharp Corp Ltd v Viterra BV, which arose from the non-performance of two contracts for the purchase of pulses. New to the top tier of silks is Timothy Hill KC, who is ‘one of the very best’. Turning to the set’s juniors, Alex Carless is assisting Glencore in seeking €110m in payment for cargoes of diesel.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

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.

Michael Ashcroft KC

Michael Collett KC

Timothy Young KC

Timothy Hill KC

A tenacious and an excellent advocate, and one of the very best for commodities disputes. He has first-rate knowledge and shows incredible attention to detail in his hearing preparation.’

Charles Kimmins KC

‘He is exceptionally user-friendly, particularly when breaking down complicated points of law for the lay client. He is also excellent in court.’

David Lewis KC

Duncan Matthews KC

Philip Edey KC

Julian Kenny KC

Sara Masters KC

‘Sara is very measured, calm, sensible and very efficient, and she manages proceedings with ease.’

Henry Byam-Cook KC

Simon Milnes KC

Philip Riches KC

Luke Pearce KC

2025 Silks

Angharad Parry KC

2024 Silks

Oliver Caplin KC

‘Oli’s great advantages are his ability to give clear, commercial advice, his willingness to make himself available at short notice, and his mindfulness of the strategy for a whole dispute.’

Josephine Davies KC

‘Josephine is incredibly hardworking and thinks strategically and carefully. She provides practical and succinct advice and never stops turning a problem over in her mind.’

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.