Essex Court Chambers is praised for being 'approachable and always ready to assist' and stands out as one of the top commercial shipping sets at the Bar. Christopher Smith KC remains involved in the SS Tilawa case, representing the Republic of South Africa, where the Supreme Court confirmed that it was entitled to state immunity from the in rem claim concerning a vessel which was sunk by Japanese torpedos while carrying sixty tonnes of silver bullion during WWII, much of which was raised in 2017 by a salvage company owned by Sir Paul Marshall. He also appears in the MSC Flaminia litigation, working alongside 2025 silk David Walsh KC, who leads on issues likely to shape the future development of liability limitations. In FIMBank p.l.c v KCH Shipping Co Ltd, Helen Morton successfully acted in a case where the court held that both The Hague Rules and the Hague-Visby Rules time bars apply to misdelivery claims arising after discharge—leading to the dismissal of the appeal. Meanwhile, in RTI Ltd v Mur Shipping BV, Nigel Eaton KC leads Adam Woolnough in a high-profile case addressing U.S. sanctions and the operation of force majeure clauses in commercial contracts.
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Position
Specialises in international and domestic commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on insurance and reinsurance and shipping. Insurance and reinsurance practice covers both marine and non-marine business in a range of areas, including property, P&I, liability, professional indemnity, and political risk. Reinsurance experience includes both proportional and non-proportional business. In shipping, he has substantial experience of disputes under bills of lading, contracts of affreightment, voyage charters, and time charters. Has also advised and acted in litigation in the related areas of ship sale and purchase and shipbuilding. In addition to these core practice areas, he is experienced in international trade and transport, oil and gas, and professional negligence disputes. Also regularly deals with conflicts of law issues. His practice encompasses advocacy, drafting and advisory work. Has appeared in the Queen’s Bench Division (and particularly in the Commercial Court), Chancery Division, Court of Appeal, Privy Council and House of Lords, and before both ad hoc and institutional (including ICC, LCIA and LMAA) arbitral tribunals.
Career
Essex Court Chambers 1992 to date.
Memberships
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR); LCIA Young International Arbitrators Group; London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association; London Maritime Arbitrators Association (supporting member).
Education
Magdalen College, Oxford (BA; BCL).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- "I think the standards at Essex Court Chambers are exceptionally high."
- "Very good chambers - approachable and always ready to assist."
- "The clerks’ team is very good and approachable, always willing and able to help."
- "They are a pre-eminent set, with someone of high quality always available."
- "Very switched on and quick to respond – they identify problems quickly and offer practical solutions."