HFW has ‘an impressive team with outstanding experience’. Now led by Adam Topping, who advises on regulatory and transactional matters including electricity and renewable power, as well as digital trading, the practice has some of the most experienced practitioners in the market, handling high-value disputes across the full spectrum of commodities market. Alistair Feeney is ’a go-to authority on commodities trading disputes’, whilst Damian Honey ‘combines excellent technical skills with a deep commercial understanding’. Brian Perrott, ’the godfather of commodities’, recently acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in a complex case concerning the collapse of Hin Leong trading house. Judith Prior has a particular focus on sugar, oil and biofuels. International commodity trade and shipping specialist Sarah Taylor stands out for both litigation and arbitration, and Michael Buffham garners high praise for his work in matters concerning oil and agricultural commodities. Rosie Harrison, whose advice is ‘always clear and well thought through’, is a rising star on the commodities scene.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Commercial awareness is very strong - Brian Perrot and his team have excellent commercial acuity in all matters, probably partially because of Brian's experience working in-house and also due to his deep experience of commodities - in litigation, arbitration and mediation. Service levels and responsiveness are very strong - Brian will ensure that clients always receive the most excellent of service, even in the context of highly demanding deadlines or urgency.'
- 'Damian Honey combines excellent technical skills with a deep commercial understanding of the trading market. His advice is clear, pragmatic, and relevant.'
'Damian Honey (partner) and Michael Buffham (partner): Damian is an expert in his field, particularly on the transactional side. Working with both him and Mike on contracts matters this year has shown me the value of their wider industry view, which provided me with valuable insight which I would not otherwise have had access to. Their advice is always relevant and clear.’
‘Judith Prior- hugely knowledgeable and always available. Michael Buffham - not surprised he made partner. approachable and knowledgeable.’
- ‘We have worked with the HFW Commodities team for a long time. They are one of the only firms we feel has the relevant and required expertise to advise us on numerous aspects of physical commodity trading and shipping. They know our trading business and understand its culture, direction and risk appetite. This gives HFW the edge over competitors when it comes to advising on legal risks, strategy and potential disputes.'
- 'What makes HFW’s Commodities Disputes practice unique is its depth of subject-matter expertise in trading and shipping coupled with detailed understanding of court and arbitration procedure and practice. Both of these have been acquired through the team’s extensive experience of trading disputes handling. It is a winning combination.'
Key clients
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- ICE Benchmark Administration
- BP
- OMV
- OMV Petrom S.A.
- FinCo International AG
Work highlights
Acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in connection with the collapse of the high-profile trading house Hin Leong and associated companies.
Advised ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA) in relation to issues arising out of their anticipated launch of ICE Commodity Traceability (ICE CoT), a technology platform designed to maintain frictionless trade of physical cocoa and coffee by allowing traceability data to be shared on a confidential basis across the supply chain.
Advised Air BP Italia SPA concerning a term contract under which Saras was to supply jet fuel to Air BP Italia for into-wing deliveries at Venice Marco Polo Airport during 2022.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Michael Buffham
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Adam Topping
Other key lawyers
Alistair Feeney; Damian Honey; Brian Perrott; Judith Prior; Rosie Harrison; Michael Buffham; Sarah Taylor