Michael Ashcroft KC
‘Very clever, with an efficient advocacy style, he also has strong analytical skills and provides very clear written communications.’
Twenty Essex is an outstanding commercial set with a strong reputation in complex, high-value cases, particularly in shipping and commodities. In addition to a range of notable silks, the set’s juniors include Monica Feria-Tinta, who acted for The Centre for Strategic Litigation in a case before the East African Court of Justice against the States of Uganda and Tanzania, challenging the construction of a $3.5bn pipeline on the grounds that it has dangerous transboundary effects, and violates human rights and environmental laws. Malcolm Jarvis left the set in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Twenty Essex is an excellent set, for commercial arbitration and energy disputes generally. They provided us with roundtable training on the energy transition which was informative, thought-provoking and practical.'
- 'Clerks are very responsive and helpful. I have worked in particular with Alicia Tester who has been very easy to work with.'
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.
Charles Kimmins KC
‘Charles is absolutely charming, liked and respected by solicitors and clients. His drafting – of statements of case, skeleton arguments and witness statements – is excellent and persuasive.’
Wendy Miles KC
‘Wendy is an expert in all things energy, climate, and international arbitration. She has proven again and again to be the best of the best, and her insight and advice are always on point.’
Duncan Matthews KC
‘He has a firm, clear grasp of the law and a conscientious approach to getting on top of the facts.’
Andrew Fulton KC
‘Andrew has a powerful courtroom presence and is incredibly bright and very commercial. He is like a dog with a bone and will fight for them to the end.’
Timothy Hill KC
‘He is very hands on in terms of drafting and also very good, and assertive, in his advocacy skills as well as in cross-examination of witnesses.’
Gordon Nardell KC
‘Gordon understands the intricacies of energy law, and especially regulation, very well. He is knowledgeable, intelligent and at the same time commercial.’
Philip Riches KC
‘Philip is a well-respected and excellent silk. He is bright, approachable, hardworking, and is able to read the court well.’
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.
Andrew Feld
‘Andy is a standout junior – razor-sharp intelligence with excellent advocacy skills. He is very clever, analytical, thorough, efficient and a pleasure to work with.’
Monica Feria-Tinta
‘Monica cares deeply about her clients and their cases, and it shows in her advocacy – written and oral. She’s detailed, well prepared and really committed to each case.’
