
Quadrant Chambers ‘has stellar barristers at all seniority levels, covering every possible type of shipping and shipbuilding disputes’, and the set is also ‘widely recognized for its strength-in-depth in commodities arbitration and litigation’. In a recent high-profile case heard before the UK Supreme Court, Chirag Karia KC and Ben Gardner acted for the successful buyers in Sharp Corp Ltd v Viterra BV, a dispute concerning the importation of peas and lentils into India. The case involved issues arising from the construction of the default clause included in GAFTA) forms, and the effect of the clause on the quantification of losses for non-acceptance of goods. In a boost to chambers, Paul Toms KC was elevated to silk in March 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Simon Slattery is the consummate barristers' clerk - he really goes the extra mile every time.'
- 'Simon Slattery is fantastic.'
- 'The clerking team demonstrates exceptional legal knowledge and is incredibly responsive to client and lawyers' needs.'
- 'The clerks are always fast to respond.'
- 'Very professional and friendly.'
- 'Quadrant is simply outstanding. They have enormous experience and depth when it comes to all shipping matters.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Stewart Buckingham KC

Nigel Cooper KC
His advice translates to polished and assured advocacy of the highest order. His cross examination is outstanding.'
Nigel Jacobs KC
Nigel is a great advocate, thorough and engaged.'

Christopher Smith KC
An incredibly efficient and persuasive silk.'
James Turner KC
2024 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Tom Bird
He can get to the heart of a case and dissect it efficiently and with precision.'

Henry Ellis
He is highly intelligent, persuasive and has a great intuitive sense of what will move a tribunal or court.'

Nevil Phillips
Nevil is a flexible and serene shipping counsel, who always focuses on the bigger picture without getting tied up on the minutiae.'

Caroline Pounds
