A ‘go-to’ set for construction and arbitration work, 39 Essex Chambers boasts arbitrators experienced in a wide range of contexts, including acting as sole-arbitrator or chair of a tribunal. Adrian Hughes KC is well-versed in arbitrations at the LCIA, SIAC and DIFC-LCIA, with a particular focus on construction and energy. Peter Rees KC is regularly appointed in cases under ICSID rules. A former Master of the Rolls, Lord Dyson is appointed across a broad array of disputes and has been particularly sought after for sports arbitrations. Lindy Patterson KC focuses on energy and construction disputes in the Middle East, Scandinavia and Africa. Karim Ghaly KC, Marion Smith KC and Richard Wilmot-Smith KC are other key names.
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Profile
Position
Barrister specialising in complex commercial contract work. Main areas of expertise lie within the construction/engineering and commercial fields and include also information technology, rail, energy, project finance, insurance, shipping, international trade and professional negligence cases. Much of his work involves international arbitration and dispute resolution with a particular focus on China and the Far East. He acts as Counsel and also as Arbitrator in many different jurisdictions and under all the main international institutional rules.
Career
Formerly an Officer in the Royal Navy. Called to the Bar 1981. Examiner of the Court 1998. Recorder 2001. Queen’s Counsel 2006. Adjudicator (TECBAR). Mediator (Resolex panel; CEDR qualified); Dispute Board chairman/member for major infrastructure projects.
Languages
French (working knowledge).
Memberships
Chairman UK Society of Construction Law (2010-11); Chairman China Law Council in the UK; Bar Council International Committee; TECBAR; COMBAR.
Education
Warwick School; Wadham College, Oxford (MA in jurisprudence).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The Chambers are very proactive and manager their barristers well.'
- '39 Essex Chambers is one of my go-to sets of chambers for construction and arbitration work.'
- 'They are a strong set with an excellent reputation.'
- 'The clerks are a pleasure to deal with. Professional and approachable.'