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.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Sandra is a “reliable and responsive” barrister who has a broad commercial practice with particular focus on insurance and reinsurance, shipping, international trade, energy and international arbitration. Sandra regularly appears as an advocate in Court and in international arbitrations. Sandra has experience acting as sole advocate, with leading counsel and as part of larger legal teams. Recent work includes Covid-19 business interruption insurance disputes, aviation insurance disputes, and a range of charterparty and sale of goods disputes. Many of Sandra’s cases involve jurisdiction issues and interim relief. She particularly enjoys working on these cases and has been instructed to appear in a number of jurisdiction challenge, anti-suit injunction and freezing injunction hearings.
She also accepts appointments to act as an arbitrator. She has acted as an arbitrator appointed by the LCIA Court and in ad hoc arbitrations.
Career
Qualified 2007; Middle Temple. Tenant at Stone Chambers. Tenant at 7 King’s Bench Walk 2013 to date.
Memberships
COMBAR; KCKCBA; LMAA (supporting member); Middle Temple.
Education
Cambridge University, Downing College (BA Hons).
Content supplied by 7 King’s Bench Walk
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."