Squire Patton Boggs has an ‘excellent indefatigable team of litigators, utterly dedicated to their clients’. Over the last six years the firm has invested heavily to build its presence in the commodities market, and its profile continues to grow among major trading houses, energy and metals companies, and financial institutions. London practice head and ’true statesman’ Chris Swart is frequently involved in high-value arbitration and High Court hearings. He recently assisted ADM with the enforcement of a $5m GAFTA arbitration award against a Moroccan grain trading company. Other standout practitioners include Katie Pritchard, who continues to expand her practice of enforcing commodity arbitration awards in the High Court; and John Rollason, who is well-known for his work in profile in contentious matters involving grain and coal. The up-and-coming partner Michael Davar‘s broad practice spans energy, shipping, international trade, infrastructure and financial industries; and newly promoted Gabriella Martin specialises in complex commercial disputes in the commodities, energy and shipping sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great team. Probably the best understanding of commodities disputes in London, which means that they can turn their hand not only to the usual oil, gas, grain, etc., but to any international commodities. Indeed I have worked with them on disputes concerning anything from grain to gold concentrate to alcohol.’
‘Chris Swart is a true statesman with decades of experience and a fantastic understanding of international trade, Katie Pritchard is very sharp and strategic, and new partner Gabriella Martin is making her mark already: ambitious, hardworking, diligent, and a delight to work with.’
‘They have a very good understanding of the business we are in so this enables them to not only provide good advice purely based on contract and shipping law but also in tandem with commercial practices.’
‘We have an excellent business and working relationship with Chris Swart and his team of lawyers. They are going the extra mile to serve us in the best possible way, always being available for spot conference calls to discuss legal cases or them conducting workshops in our office when the opportunity arises. We consider the quality of their legal advice as first class. And they are approachable and kind people.’
'Excellent indefatigable team of litigators; utterly dedicated to their clients' cause; with a can-do attitude; and a determination to leave absolutely no stone unturned. Scored a huge win in the recent gold case.'
'Chris Swart: exceptionally experienced; utterly fearless; he has seen it all and done it all. Lucy Webster: experienced, bright, hard-working and doggedly determined to win. Gabriella Martin: terrific new partner with huge energy and determination and excellent drafting skills. Thulasy Packianathan: exceptionally likeable, hardworking and effective associate. You want her in your team.'
Key clients
- ADM
- Hannam & Partners
- Naftogaz
- Condire Management LLC
- Metals Exploration plc
- WH Ireland Limited
Work highlights
Acting for Hannam & Partners, a leading metals and mining specialist investment bank in its successful High Court claim against Barrick Gold arising out of, of their work facilitating the USD 18bn merger between Randgold and Barrick Gold to create the world’s largest gold mining company.
In May 2024, the Supreme Court refused permission to appeal from the Court of Appeal decision handed down in January 2024, which had found in favour of ADM against GHI and its CEO.
Acting for NJSC Naftogaz Of Ukraine, the state oil and gas company of Ukraine, in enforcement in the English High Court of arbitration awards obtained against the state of Russia.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Chris Swart
Other key lawyers
Katie Pritchard; Michael Davar; John Rollason; Gabriella Martin; Thulasy Packianathan; Andrew Bennett