Described as ‘thorough and very strong on the law’, 7 King’s Bench Walk offers a wide-ranging practice that spans wet shipping, shipbuilding disputes, and maritime insurance matters, with a strong international reach and a particular focus on the Asia Pacific region. Jonathan Gaisman KC is representing the salvors in Luster Marine v Smit Salvage, a case concerning the salvage of the Ever Given. Peter MacDonald Eggers KC successfully represented the claimant in Delos Shipholding SA & Ors v Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, leading Sandra Healy, Sophie Hepburn, and Charlotte Payne – the matter was a dispute after a bulk carrier was detained by the Indonesian authorities. Payne was also led by David Bailey KC, alongside Emma Franklin, in Oceanus Capital SARL v Beazley (the VYSSOS), a case in which the legal concept of ’privity of the insured’ was further developed.
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Profile
Position
David has a broad commercial practice and is regularly sought after for his expertise in shipping, insurance and arbitration. David has been described in the directories as “a genius” and “a thorough and engaging advocate”. His experience extends to shipbuilding, aviation, energy, charterparties, the carriage of goods, banking, sale and distribution contracts, professional negligence and reinsurance. He has particular expertise in relation to jurisdictional disputes and private international law.
High profile cases include leading in Enka v Chubb and The Alexandros T in the Supreme Court and appearing in the West Tankers litigation. He also acted for Lloyds Bank in relation to PPI and for insurers in the £1 billion SBM/MPOUstor dispute.
Recent instructions include a substantial energy related dispute, various claims following the COVID-19 pandemic, a long running arbitration concerning a €100 million build project for a superyacht (warranty and damages claims) and a $150,000,000 ($150m) marine insurance dispute following the alleged detention of three vessels in Venezuela. In a recent arbitration David acted for the successful owners in a $200,000,000 dispute relating to a fatal explosion on board a vessel, which killed three people and forced the crew to abandon ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Career
Qualified 1989; silk 2006.
Memberships
COMBAR.
Education
BA (Oxon) Jurisprudence; LLM (UCLA).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- "The clerks provide outstanding support, they respond promptly to queries and are consistently accommodating. Gary Rose and Greg Leyden, in particular, stand out for their efficiency and professionalism."
- "7KBW are an excellent set of chambers."
- "One of the leading 'true' shipping chambers."
- "7KBW has a brilliant depth of talent throughout the ranks. Its open-door policy means KCs take the time to develop more junior members of chambers. It is a welcoming, professional set that delivers brilliant commercial advice. A cut above the rest."
- "Good depth of talent, with KCs taking the time to develop juniors to ensure excellence across the board."
- "The chambers have robust strength, and their counsel are generally available—even for urgent matters."
- "Very impressive group of very smart people. Thorough and very strong on the law."
- "Excellent talent across the whole set, with KCs investing in the development of junior members. Many members have broad practices across the commercial spectrum."