Essex Court Chamber is highly regarded for its work in matters relating to the commercial aspects of large-scale energy and natural-resources litigation, drawing on the set’s international arbitration expertise. Among its standout silks is Paul Key KC, who recently acted as lead counsel for Petrochemical Holdings in one of the largest ICSID arbitration claims ever brought against Romania, included allegations of corruption by the country’s former President. Graham Dunning KC was successful as lead counsel for the Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Oil and Natural Resources in a claim for more than $1.5bn relating to change of control of two blocks under PSCs in Northern Iraq. New silk Anton Dudnikov KC, described as a ‘top-shelf barrister’, is greatly sought after. He recently acted for a subsidiary of Shell in a $1+bn dispute relating to an oil field off the coast of Nigeria.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They have an exceptionally strong team, both of KCs and juniors. Joe Ferrigno's clerking team - Ollie Butcher and Samantha Wright come in for special mention - are personable, professional and easy to pick up the phone to.'
- 'The clerks are very good, competent and reasonable.'
- 'A good number of lawyers with experience in the sector.'
- 'Essex Court consistently produces high quality talent in this space.'
- 'Top to bottom great quality, great talent in all types of arbitration and commercial litigation.'
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.
Lucas Bastin KC
Siddharth Dhar KC
Iain Quirk KC
‘Flexible, robust, and hardworking, he gets to the point. A go-to barrister for any sort of case.’
Emily Wood KC
'Emily is a rare and exceptional talent in the energy space. Her ability to synthesise and present complicated cases and topics, and to master the details of the documents in any case, is unparalleled.’
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.
