Twenty Essex

‘A go-to set for any international matter’, Twenty Essex’s public international law expertise covers disputes between states, non-state actors, major investors, and global commercial bodies in an array of international courts and tribunals. Daniel Bethlehem KC has continued long-term involvement on behalf of Pakistan in a dispute with India concerning the Indus Waters Treaty dispute, with a recent full hearing on merits in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and Sudhanshu Swaroop KC, praised for his ‘top notch attention to detail, precision and concision’, acted for India in Devas Mauritius Ltd & Ors v Republic of India, challenging the enforcement of a major international investment treaty in English courts. The ’highly authoritative’ Kate Parlett has expertise in investment treaty arbitration, and acted on behalf of investors in the Court of Appeal in The Czech Republic v Diag Human SE and Stava, concerning an investment treaty arbitral award of over $730 million.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Super efficient and top-notch clerking team.'
'Very professional and courteous, in particular Anthony Carrol.'
'The clerks are responsive and a pleasure to deal with. Very user friendly.'
'The clerks room have always been good to deal with - efficient and well organised.'
'They are an excellent chambers. Consistently impressive across all of the barristers and clerks.'
'Twenty Essex are one of the top sets in public international law and has strength across all levels.'

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.

Sir Daniel Bethlehem KCMG KC

'He has unparalleled experience in all aspects of public international law, including diplomacy, advice and disputes before all international courts and tribunals. He combines incredible expertise in the substance of the law with unrivalled attention to detail and skill in litigation management, strategy and tactics. Having him on your side is a mark of distinction.'

Sudhanshu Swaroop KC

'Sudhanshu combines extensive experience in commercial law with a growing and vibrant practice in public international law. Not only is he able to work at the interface of these two areas of law, and between English courts and international courts and tribunals with ease, but he brings to his public international law practice his top notch attention to detail, precision and concision.'

Lord Verdirame KC

'Charming, creative, hard working and a brilliant communicator whether to court or client.'

Sir Michael Wood KCMG KC (Hon)

Wendy Miles KC

‘Wendy has a phenomenal ability to identify the core issue in the other side’s position and attack it mercilessly while always appearing to be proceeding from a place of Olympian calm and intellectual rigour.’

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.

Belinda McRae

'Has tremendous judgement as well as deep learning and clear and compelling advocacy.'

Penelope Nevill

'Penelope has a great insight into trade treaty matters, and she is a great advocate.'

Kate Parlett

'Superb judgment with an excellent sense of pragmatism. A great team player. Very persuasive in her oral and written advocacy.'

Philippa Webb

'There is simply nobody better as a public international law strategist, advocate, and thinker. One of the most charming and persuasive lawyers you could ever hope to meet.'

Paolo Busco

'Paolo is very bright and always considering innovative legal approaches. He has broad knowledge of public international law and is able to offer carefully considered strategic advice. Paolo has a knowledge and understanding of how to work with states well beyond what might be expected of a counsel of his years of call, he has an understanding of the needs of key stakeholders and the wider political implications of legal decision making.'

Courtney Grafton

'Courtney is exceptionally strong - hard-working, talented and very quick to digest large amounts of information and convert it into strong written advocacy. A real superstar.'