David Craig KC
David is a total star – he has everything plus a sheer will to win and work ethic that is unparalleled. He is all over the detail, and the strategy of the matter. He is deadly once in court.
Essex Court Chambers houses a team that handles a broad range of employment work, spanning cross-border team moves, remuneration disputes, restrictive covenants, whistleblowing and discrimination. Andrew Hochhauser KC defended The Commonwealth Secretariat against claims from a senior employee of whistleblowing and compensation for the non-renewal of their contract. Often acting in high-value commercial employment cases, Daniel Oudkerk KC is leading Andrew Legg in a claim for bonuses by a former employee of Evolution Capital Management LCC, one of the first in which an anti-suit injunction has been granted by the English Courts under the new rules post-Brexit. David Craig KC is leading Freddie Popplewell in Dare International Ltd v Law regarding a multi-million-pound claim for damages and final injunctive relief against a former trader. Jane Russell KC was elevated to silk in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Joe Ferrigno is an amazing and legendary senior clerk. Deputy senior clerk Ben Perry is amazing as well, he is always incredibly helpful and understanding. A fantastic clerking operation overall.'
- 'Extremely helpful and professional clerks at all levels.'
- 'All the clerks are remarkably patient, responsive and accommodating.'
- 'A wealth of talent across chambers. This is a set strewn with star performers and rightly maintains its position at the top of the tree.'
- 'An excellent set.'
- 'Essex Court are highly regarded with a broad range of experienced barristers.'
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.
Daniel Oudkerk KC
Andrew Hochhauser KC
Edward Brown KC
He is a calming influence who is unflappable and provides excellent advice.'
Charles Ciumei KC
Charles is very commercial, technically superb and his advocacy is stylish and tenacious. His mind is as sharp as a samurai's sword.'
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.
Jane Russell KC
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.
Bibek Mukherjee
Wei Jian Chan
Freddie Onslow
‘There aren’t enough superlatives. Freddie is the next big thing in commercial employment litigation. She is ferociously intelligent, has excellent strategic judgement, and is charming to boot.’
Andrew Legg
An unflappable junior with very good legal analysis.'