3 Verulam Buildings handles a myriad of substantial commercial and investment treaty arbitrations that span all major sectors and are seated in arbitration centres across the globe, including the LCIA, HKIAC and the DIAC, to name a few. Members of the set have a particularly strong track record in complex and highly contentious investment treaty disputes, acting on behalf of both investors and states. Fielding extensive experience in multinational litigation and arbitration. Christopher Harris KC leads Dominic Kennelly and Catherine Drummond for the claimants in Border Timbers and another v Zimbabwe in relation to the registration and enforcement of an ICSID award against the southern African state following the country’s seizure of timber-producing land as part of its government’s campaign of land transfers. Georges Chalfoun, Mark Wassouf, Can Yeginsu and Cameron Miles are also highly experienced in investment treaty disputes and the related enforcement proceedings. Timothy Killen joined the team in October 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Clerks room is great– always had a good experience with 3VB clerks. Harry Freeman is particularly excellent. Very accommodating and has a very good grasp of what clients need.'
  • 'The clerks’ room at 3 Verulam Buildings provides a reliable and efficient service, with clear communication throughout. Harry Freeman, in particular, is helpful and he handles queries promptly.'
  • 'Stuart Pullum is very accommodating.'
  • 'The junior clerks have been quick and responsive. They were able to get solid information from the court ahead of time, and have an inside line to all things listing, judges and courts.'
  • '3VB has an impressive depth of bench in this area with most members being highly proficient and visible in this area.'
  • '3VB is an excellent set. Good selection of Counsel at all levels, with first rate reputations. Set has a genuine focus on equity, with Counsel from diverse backgrounds which brings depth to the practice.'

Lawyers

2024 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.

3
Matthew Watson
‘Matthew is a sharp legal mind, with an impressive ability to master the detail. His written advocacy is consistently brilliant, without exception, and he provides excellent strategic insight. Matthew is user-friendly, exceptionally hardworking and a pleasure to instruct.’

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.