Frequently praised as ‘the very best for insurance and reinsurance’, 7 King’s Bench Walk’s international arbitration capabilities further extend across banking and finance, transport, energy construction and commodities sectors. The set also has a strong track record in Bermuda Form disputes, in which Gavin Kealey KC, David Edwards KC and Marcus Mander have recently been active, with pharmaceutical, medical and environmental matters being among the claims typically handled. Siobán Healy KC continues to handle high value shipping and insurance arbitrations, which often concern complex sanctions, delays and force majeure aspects, while David Bailey KC and Jessica Sutherland have experience in investor state proceedings, most recently representing the National Iranian Oil Company in National Iranian Oil Company v Crescent Gas Corporation in the Court of Appeal against the ad-hoc award passed down in 2021 over a gas supply dispute.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Marcus specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration and is recognised as a leading junior in the fields of Commercial Litigation, Shipping and Commodities, Insurance and International Arbitration. Marcus is a former winner of “Junior of the Year” for shipping and has been shortlisted for “Junior of the Year” for international arbitration. He is described as “a star performer” and “excellent to work with”.
Notable recent cases include SK Shipping v. Capital [2022] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 784 (misrepresentation); Enka Insaat v. Chubb [2020] 1 W.L.R. 4117 (arbitration agreements; described by The Lawyer as “a landmark judgment that is likely to become the leading authority in this area”); Clearlake Shipping v Xiang Da Marine [2019] EWHC 2284 (Comm) (anti-suit injunctions); and The Res Cogitans [2016] A.C. 1034 (sale of goods; described by Lloyd’s List as “the most spectacular shipping legal imbroglio so far this century”).
Marcus has acted in a wide variety of cases of different types and sizes, both on his own and as a junior. Before being called to the Bar, Marcus practised as a solicitor specialising in general corporate and commercial disputes. He also accepts appointments as an arbitrator.
Career
Solicitor Lovells, London 2001-04; solicitor-advocate (all Higher Courts) 2003; called to the Bar 2005; Middle Temple.
Memberships
COMBAR; BILA.
Education
Peterhouse, Cambridge University (MA Hons History); DipLaw; LPC.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is excellent and well led by Greg Leyden. The team, in particular Gray Rose and Joe Clayton, is friendly, knowledgeable, responsive and understanding of both the solicitor's and the underlying client's requirements.'
- 'Greg Leyden is a fabulous clerk with excellent judgment.'
- 'Zoe Hamilton has been very helpful throughout.'
- 'The clerks are fantastic - they are always incredibly helpful in answering all manner of questions. In particular Greg Leyden has been amazing to work with, he is very easy to deal with, incredibly organised and always goes out of his way to assist the client.'
- '7KBW is a leading set in the insurance/reinsurance field and in associated arbitrations.'
- '7 King's Bench Walk is highly regarded and well respected for its experience in international arbitration. It is the "go to" set for this area of work.'
- 'They have top rate barristers and a wealth of top rate experience. First class clerks who are always willing to help. The team has been together for decades and are absolutely brilliant to work with.'
- 'Very impressed by the set, in particular the availability of counsel, diversity, and broad skillset across each level of barristers i.e. juniors to seniors.'