The team at Hill Dickinson LLP is ‘second to none and gives an extremely high quality of advice and service with fabulous attention to detail’. The firm is highly active in matters concerning grains, seeds, pulses, edible oils, fertilisers and cocoa, as well as disputes arising in the sugar and energy markets. The diversity of the practice’s work across all commodities sectors, from softs to oil and gas, see it work in all of the major trade association arbitral fora – GAFTA, FOSFA and FCC – as well as in LME arbitration and High Court litigation. Jeff Isaacs, who is ‘top of the table when it comes to ability, knowledge and results’, and trading specialist Paul Taylor, who is spearheading the firm’s work on contentious oil and gas matters, lead the practice. Claire Messer and ‘consummate professional’ Darren Wall are heavily involved in matters arising from the war in Ukraine. Energy specialist Mark Aspinall, Amy Walmsley, Lucy Wickham, and the ‘very approachable, very knowledgeable’ John McNeilly are also key practitioners.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Hill Dickinson shipping and commodities team are specialists in their field. They are unencumbered by the corporate pressure that larger firms are and consequently work closely with clients, arbitrators and counsel. They are strong litigators who give a first-class account of themselves. It is always a pleasure working with them.’
‘Jeff Isaacs is top of the table when it comes to ability, knowledge and results. Darren Wall is the consummate professional. Highly knowledgable, personable and delivers every time. Amy Walmsley is the one to watch. Her skill and career trajectory is certain to take her to legal director or partner very soon. Lucy Wickham is very confident for her years. Without doubt, part of the team.’
‘The team at Hill Dickinson is second to none - from initial communication and understanding the issue to advice, they give an extremely high quality of advice and service with fabulous attention to detail.’
‘Darren Wall is focused and efficient, with excellent depth of knowledge. Amy Walmsley gives pragmatic, helpful and practical advice with a complete understanding of the issues. Lucy Wickham is proactive, efficient and highly capable.’
‘Highly experienced and well regarded across the community.’
‘Claire Messer is well respected for her commercial acumen as well as her legal expertise. Darren Wall is highly regarded for his knowledge of commodities dispute resolution.’
‘Exceptional team, led by Jeff Isaacs, who understand our business and what we need from them. Brilliant.’
‘Jeff Isaacs' knowledge and experience is unsurpassed. John McNeilly is an excellent, safe pair of hands. Amy Warmsley is a rising star.’
Key clients
- Addax
- ADM
- COFCO
- Czarnikow
- Gerald Metals
- Gunvor
- HDI Global
- Wilmar
- MS Amlin
- Nibulon SA
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Amy Walmsley
Practice head
Jeff Isaacs; Paul Taylor
Other key lawyers
Mark Aspinall; Darren Wall; Claire Messer; Amy Walmsley; John McNeilly; Lucy Wickham