Peter Webster

Professional practice

Peter is an experienced lawyer with particular expertise in commercial disputes (in litigation and arbitration) and international law and arbitration, as well as related areas of public and human rights law and employment law.

He is ranked as a leading junior by Legal 500, with comments including that he is “on top of the detail”, has “excellent drafting skills” and “very good judgment”, that his advocacy was “impressive” (Legal 500, 2023) and that he is “an absolute star” (Legal 500, 2022). In one case in which he recently appeared, the Divisional Court commented that he presented oral argument “with great skill”.

Equally comfortable acting as sole counsel or as part of a team, some of Peter’s recent work highlights include: acting as lead counsel in a EUR 150m+ arbitration; acting as part of the legal team in 1MDB v IPIC, a high-profile Commercial Court case seeking set aside of settlement agreement in connection with alleged fraud of Malaysian Prime Minister; and conducting oral advocacy before both the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal in a case concerning diplomatic immunity and human rights.

In respect of Peter’s commercial practice, his case load arises from a range of sectors, including banking and financial services, energy, insurance, life sciences, media/art, property and shipping/commodities. He acts both in an advisory and a contentious context, in litigation and in arbitration, and has experience of all stages of the dispute resolution process, from pre-issue to interim applications, trial and enforcement, and substantial experience in arbitration applications before the English courts. In addition to led work (e.g. 1MDB v IPIC; Bilta v Citibank), he has considerable experience as sole counsel, including in respect of applications for injunctive relief (e.g. to enforce contracts or confidentiality; or for freezing or anti-suit injunctions).

Peter also has an extensive practice in public international law, both before the domestic courts and before arbitral tribunals and in State-to-State claims. This includes, for example, acting in numerous matters concerning diplomatic privileges, State immunity or Act of State issues, human rights / international humanitarian law, sanctions and other matters. He has a substantial practice – both as junior and as sole / lead counsel – in international investment law and arbitration, which Peter has taught for several years at Kings’ College, London.

Peter’s experience also encompasses domestic public law / human rights – for example, appearing as advocate in Re AG (A Child) [2021] EWHC 1253 (Fam), [2022] EWCA Civ 1505, concerning the scope of positive obligations under Article 3 ECHR – and employment law, where he has appeared in the ET, EAT, High Court and Court of Appeal.

Peter graduated top of his year in law at the University of Edinburgh in 2004, before completing a Ph D in private law, which was recently published. He called to the Bar in 2012 with experience of practice as a solicitor (qualified in Scotland, 2010). He has experience at all levels of the English legal system, including considerable expertise in respect of appellate work, having appeared on various occasions in the Court of Appeal and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and worked for a year as a Judicial Assistant at the U.K. Supreme Court.

Peter will in appropriate cases act pro bono and for example worked on that basis in respect of claims regarding modern slavery. He speaks and reads French well.

Examples of recent cases

Recent representative examples of Peter’s work as junior counsel includes:

Minister of Finance & 1MDB v IPIC & Aabar: acting in respect of English Commercial Court proceedings relating to the infamous 1MDB fraud, seeking set aside of a settlement agreement and consent award on the grounds of fraud and conflict of interest affecting the former Malaysian Prime Minister. Peter acted (i) in respect of an expedited appeal to the Court of Appeal ([2019] EWCA Civ 2080 – shortlisted for GAR’s Most Important Decision award); (ii) in respect of a tightly fought application for extension of time under the Arbitration Act (([2021] EWHC 2949 (Comm)), in both respects, as junior to Toby Landau KC and (iii) as counsel for the claimants in the Commercial Court claim, which was listed for a substantial trial (junior to Steven Berry KC, Toby Landau KC and David Walsh).
Bluecrest Capital Management (UK) LLP v former partners: junior counsel (to Andrew Hochhauser KC) for the defendants in this Commercial Court partnership dispute, in which a hedge fund sought repayment from former traders of a remuneration payment, alleging it had only been paid as a result of the defendants’ deceit or breach of duties of good faith.
Confidential insurance arbitration: insurance arbitration (junior to David Scorey KC) regarding claim related to COVID losses.
Re AG (A Child): acting for London Borough of Barnet as junior counsel (to Hannah Markham KC) in significant public law / international law case regarding the scope of positive obligations under Article 3 ECHR, obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and diplomatic immunity (Divisional Court: [2021] EWHC 1253 (Fam); Court of Appeal: [2022] EWCA Civ 1505, [2023] 1 FCR 107, [2023] HRLR 2)
Azerbaijan v Armenia; Armenia v Azerbaijan: acting (led by Malcolm Shaw KC) in respect of a number of claims before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. These raise complex jurisdictional and admissibility issues and involve claims under a large number of substantive provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as issues of international humanitarian law, and have also involved various interim measures (“Rule 39”) applications.
Various investor-State claims, including RAKIA v India (junior to Sam Wordsworth KC and Siddharth Dhar) and Al Jazeera v Egypt (junior to Toby Landau KC) acting as part of the counsel team for Al Jazeera in respect of this high-profile ICSID claim regarding Egypt’s treatment of Al-Jazeera and its journalists following the Arab Spring.

Representative examples of Peter’s experience as sole / lead counsel include:

Acting as lead counsel for respondent in substantial (EUR 170m+) investment treaty claim regarding numerous alleged investments affected by civil war.
Simplex v Libya: representing a State in an ICC arbitration regarding a €50m bilateral investment treaty claim (five day hearing on jurisdiction, merits and quantum).
Acting for a claimant in English proceedings to enforce a multi-million dollar LCIA Award, including obtaining worldwide freezing relief and asset disclosure orders and resisting a challenge to the award.
Digital Realty v Coogan ([2021] EWHC 1628 (QB)): acting for a defendant employee in proceedings for breach of confidence, including an application for injunctive relief.
ZHD v SQO ([2021] EWHC 1262 (Comm), [2021] 2 CLC 91): acting for a claimant seeking an anti-suit injunction to restrain foreign proceedings.
Joe Macari Servicing v Chequered Flag International: acting for a claimant in a claim for breach of contract and misrepresentation regarding the sale of a classic car, including in a jurisdiction challenge ([2021] EWHC 3175 (QB)).

What Others Say

Chambers & Partners 2024, Public International Law:

“A first-class practitioner combining a powerful intellect with hard work and excellent judgement.”

“Peter has an incredibly impressive grip on the most complex legal issues and is able to ensure that this is digestible for a client.”

Legal 500 2024, International Arbitration: Counsel:

“Fabulous attention to detail and an ability to advise on an unusually wide range of issues. Very user-friendly and a pleasure to deal with.”

Legal 500 2023, International Arbitration: Counsel:

“He was on top of the detail and has excellent drafting skills. His work supporting leading counsel was terrific. He has very good judgment and knows which points to take. His advocacy was also impressive.”

Legal 500 2022, International Arbitration: Counsel:

“He is as comfortable analysing and shaping document-heavy factual and expert evidence for arbitral proceedings as he is developing the most elaborate legal arguments for the Supreme Court. He is an absolute star.”

Arbitration & related court applications

Peter has substantial experience, acting alone and as junior counsel, in both commercial and international law arbitrations, under a wide variety of arbitral rules (e.g. ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL and ICSID) and in related domestic court proceedings, in particular regarding injunctive relief, enforcement and challenges. His commercial arbitration experience includes both claims governed by foreign law as well as English law. He has acted in some of the highest profile arbitration related litigation before the English courts (such as the 1MDB case; or a pending challenge to a USD 600M+ award) as well as substantial commercial arbitrations and investment arbitrations, including as sole or lead counsel in respect of very substantial investment claims.

His expertise in the field is recognised by directory rankings, which describe him as being “on top of the detail”, having “excellent drafting skills” with “very good judgment”, “impressive” advocacy and as an “absolute star”.

Commercial arbitrations

COVID insurance arbitration: junior to David Scorey KC in substantial arbitration regarding claims by one of the worlds’ largest shipbuilders for COVID related losses.
Commodities contract: advised (junior to Toby Landau KC, instructed by Clifford Chance) regarding constitution of tribunal in substantial ICC arbitration.
Shipbuilding contract: junior to Paul Key KC in English law governed arbitration, including challenges to jurisdiction.
Oil concession contract: junior to Sam Wordsworth KC advising in respect of provisional measures application regarding decommissioning obligations under oil concession contract.
IT services contract: advised, as sole counsel, in respect of potential challenges to jurisdiction.
Sovereign Wealth Fund v Joint Venture Partner: Peter acted, initially as sole and subsequently as junior counsel (instructed by Squire Paton Boggs UK) for the claimant in a long-running English law ICC arbitration. It involved claims under a Shareholders’ Agreement and Subscription Agreement and various related tort claims for misrepresentation and conspiracy, all arising out of a failed joint venture in Eastern Europe. The claimant maintained that the investment had been procured by fraud and then misappropriated. Peter cross examined witnesses at the hearings and made oral closing submissions.
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) representing a commercial party in a 6-day LCIA arbitration relating to a gas supply contract (foreign applicable law).
Junior counsel to (Vernon Flynn KC) in LCIA arbitration regarding a power purchase agreement (foreign applicable law). The case involved a challenge to the tribunal’s jurisdiction because of alleged non-compliance with the dispute resolution provisions in the contract followed by a merits hearing.
Acting as junior counsel for a State in an LCIA arbitration (English applicable law) in respect of claims arising out of a consultancy agreement.
Assisting Toby Landau KC with advice in respect of the effect of withdrawal of claims after a peremptory order was made by a tribunal.
Sole counsel for claimant in an LCIA arbitration claiming under a guarantee in respect of Share Purchase Agreement (English applicable law).
Sole counsel for claimant in a claim for commission earned under an agency agreement (LCIA arbitration; English applicable law).

Court applications

Peter has considerable experience both in challenges to awards and other arbitration related applications. This includes:

Minister of Finance & 1MDB v IPIC & Aabar: junior counsel in long-running claim arising out of the infamous 1MDB fraud. The claimants sought to set aside a consent award under ss 67 & 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996 on the grounds of fraud and conflict of interest involving the former Malaysian Prime Minister.
- Peter acted (junior to Toby Landau KC) in respect of an expedited appeal to the Court of Appeal concerning whether the English court proceedings should have been stayed to allow an arbitration to proceed or whether an anti-arbitration injunction should have been granted. The appeal was successful. The Court of Appeal’s decision ([2019] EWCA Civ 2080, [2020] 2 All ER (Comm) 269) was shortlisted for the “Most Important Decision” award at the GAR Awards 2020. Permission to appeal to the Supreme Court was refused.
- Peter then appeared (junior to Toby Landau KC) at a hotly-contested hearing regarding whether an extension of time should be granted to bring the claim. Andrew Baker J granted permission: [2021] EWHC 2949 (Comm).
- Peter then acted (junior to Steven Berry KC, Toby Landau KC and David Walsh) in the commercial court proceedings, which were listed for a substantial trial.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines v National Power Plants Management: junior counsel (to Toby Landau KC, instructed by Linklaters) defending challenge to substantial awards under long term gas supply agreements governed by Pakistani law. The challenge was dismissed: [2023] EWHC 316 (Comm).
State v Investor – junior counsel (to Lucas Bastin KC) in confidential challenge by State to very substantial BIT award on grounds of ss 67 and 68. Listed for 7 day hearing in 2024.
Commercial arbitration challenge – junior counsel (to Toby Landau KC) in confidential s 68 challenge to commercial arbitration regarding gas supply contract. Listed for hearing in 2023.
Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in various applications for anti-suit injunctions to restrain US proceedings brought in disregard of arbitration agreements in insurance policies.
VSoft Holdings LLC v Peepul Capital Fund II LLC [2019] UKPC 46: junior counsel (to Salim Moollan KC) in this appeal regarding an application to set aside an award (Mauritius seat) resulting from an arbitration under a Shareholders’ Agreement.
Assisted the counsel team in respect of Halliburton v Chubb in respect of the appeal to the UK Supreme Court.
Junior counsel in respect of (confidential) application to resist enforcement of an award relating to consideration due under a contract for sale of a business.
Sole counsel for oligarch award creditor enforcing substantial LCIA award (including obtaining worldwide freezing relief and asset disclosure) and resisting challenges to award.
Sole counsel for award creditors seeking permission to enforce award under s 66 Arbitration Act 1996 and related freezing and asset disclosure relief.
Sole counsel in s 68 application challenging award on the grounds of public policy (because of abuse of process / res judicata points).
Assisting with the preparation of a complex appeal before a foreign court regarding the enforcement of an arbitration award. In addition to raising issues regarding the basis for the enforcement of foreign awards in the relevant jurisdiction, the case raised complex points of constructive trusts and economic torts and related choice of law questions.

Investor-State arbitration

International investment law and arbitration is a substantial part of Peter’s practice. Please see separate section below for details.

Peter co-authored a chapter regarding the LCIA Rules in Cordero-Moss (ed) International Commercial Arbitration: Different Forms and their Features (CUP, 2013) and is part of the team working on a new edition of Mustill and Boyd on Commercial Arbitration, including writing the chapter on challenges to awards.

Banking & financial services

As part of his commercial disputes expertise, Peter has acted both for and against banks and financial institutions in a number of matters and advised on the interpretation of various financial instruments and potential claims.

His experience includes:

Sole counsel for defendant borrower in respect of claims under syndicated loan and connected facility agreement. The case concerned a suite of loan notes totalling £6.5m and gave rise to questions concerning the facility trustee’s duties and the operation of a material adverse change clause.
BILTA & ors v Citibank: junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) acting for Citibank in significant Financial List claim regarding alleged dishonest assistance by bank employees with fraud in the carbon credit market.
Junior counsel (to Edmund King) for defendants to a High Court claim by a bank for sums due under an invoice financing agreement and associated guarantee.
Advising (junior counsel to Paul Stanley KC, instructed by Covington & Burling) in respect of potential grounds to appeal a Commercial Court decision regarding sums due under a financing agreement.
Advising lender on potential claims under loans and related guarantees regarding a construction contract
Advising borrower in respect of the enforceability of a guarantee and an associated LPA charge.
Sole counsel representing a financial institution in respect of a Norwich Pharmacal / Bankers’ Trust application.
Todaysure Matthews Ltd v Marketing Ways Services [2015] EWHC 64 (Comm): junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in a Commercial Court claim regarding allegedly improper draw-down on a performance guarantee and related claims under an international sale of goods contract.
Sole counsel for claimant in High Court claim for payment under a letter of credit, including advising in respect of set-aside of default judgment.
Assisting, as junior counsel, a business which is subject to an investigation by the relevant financial services authority in respect of compliance with takeover rules.
Assisted counsel team with the preparation of an appeal to the Privy Council in Rainbow Insurance Company Ltd v Financial Services Commission [2015] UKPC 15, a judicial review into the withdrawal of a licence for a financial services company.
Sole counsel (instructed by Jones Day) in a stakeholder (interpleader) claim raised by a bank in respect of a disputed account.
Acted for claimant in LCIA arbitration in respect of a claim to enforce a guarantee provided in respect of a share sale.
Advising in respect of ex parte relief available to freeze an account and disclosure remedies available against a bank in respect of a substantial prospective contractual claim.
Assisted with advice as to the operation of an escrow account in connection with a contact relating to the operation of an oil-well.

Civil fraud, asset recovery & enforcement

Peter has experience in this type of litigation and also enforcement work, both of English and foreign judgments. His experience includes:

Minister of Finance & 1MDB v IPIC & Aabar: junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC, Toby Landau KC and David Walsh) in claim which sought to set aside an arbitral award and settlement agreement because of the alleged fraud and conflict of interest of the former Malaysian Prime Minister. The case arises from the infamous 1MDB fraud by which more than USD 3.5 billion was allegedly misappropriated from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.
Sole counsel in respect of claim against architect and related company for breach of fiduciary duty, receipt of bribes / secret commissions and misrepresentation.
Sole counsel in respect of GBP 1m+ misrepresentation claim regarding classic car.
Sole counsel in respect of claims regarding fraud related to sale of various classic cars.
Junior counsel to David Scorey KC in BILTA & ors v Citibank, defending claims of dishonest assistance and fraudulent trading under s 213 Insolvency Act relating to allegedly dishonest trading of carbon credits.
Acting as sole, and then junior, counsel for claimant in substantial ICC arbitration (English applicable law) concerning the allegedly fraudulent sale of and conduct of a business. The case involved various claims under a Shareholders’ Agreement and Subscription Agreement and related tort claims for fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy.
Junior counsel (to Edmund King) for defendant in substantial Chancery Division claim arising out of property transactions carried out by (allegedly sham) corporate vehicles in the 1980s and 1990s, advancing conspiracy and trust claims.
Junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in application for permission to appeal to Judicial Committee of Privy Council in substantial breach of trust claim.
Acted as sole counsel for a group of 11 claimants to obtain ex parte freezing relief in respect of a complex damages claim, which advances numerous contractual, tortious and statutory causes of action.
Acted as sole counsel resisting an application for Norwich Pharmacal relief in respect of an alleged fraud involving a cryptocurrency investment.
Advising alone in respect of potential claims against a contract party which allegedly absconded with substantial sums and relief available against its bank.
Sole counsel for Part 20 Defendants in a Chancery Division claim for breach of fiduciary duty / unlawful distributions.
Sole counsel acting for oligarch award creditor seeking worldwide freezing relief and asset disclosure in connection with enforcement of substantial arbitration award.
Acted for claimants in Heiser v Iran [2019] EWHC 2074 (QB) regarding enforcement of US judgments against Iranian assets in UK.
Acting for claimants in respect of enforcement of substantial English judgment, including applications for charging orders and complex application for order for sale of numerous properties.
Presented paper on enforcement of French judgments in England following Brexit.

Commercial chancery disputes

As part of Peter’s general commercial disputes practice (see: “Commercial Dispute Resolution”) Peter has expertise of commercial chancery work. This includes:

Junior counsel for Citibank in BILTA & ors v Citibank, a significant Financial List claim for dishonest assistance and fraudulent trading under s 213 Insolvency Act.
Junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in application for permission to appeal to Judicial Committee of Privy Council in substantial breach of trust claim.
Sole counsel for the claimant in claim for breach of fiduciary duty, bribery, misrepresentation and breach of contract, including seeking account of profits.
Advising as sole counsel regarding claims against agent for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of agency contract and related remedies.
Sole counsel, instructed by Jones Day, for claimant bank in “stakeholder” (interpleader) action.
Sole counsel for Part 20 Defendants in a Chancery Division claim for breach of fiduciary duty / unlawful distributions.
Junior counsel (to Edmund King) for defendant in substantial Chancery Division claim arising out of property transactions carried out by (allegedly sham) corporate vehicles in the 1980s and 1990s, advancing conspiracy and trust claims.
Successfully representing at trial the defendant company in respect of claim by former CFO that he was entitled to shares pursuant to an option agreement.
Acting as sole counsel for claimant (former employee) in respect of claim for transfer of shares.
Advising as sole counsel former director in respect of potential grounds to challenge the alleged improper issue of shares by a company prior to an IPO.
Drafted particulars of claim for unfair prejudice petition in respect of the conduct of a joint venture company working on an undersea cable project.
Assisted Richard Millet KC with the preparation of an appeal regarding the court’s jurisdiction to challenge the determination of shares’ value by expert appraisers.

Commercial dispute resolution

Commercial dispute resolution, in litigation and arbitration, is a core part of Peter’s practice. He acts in and advises on a wide variety of commercial disputes for clients from a wide range of industries, such as financial services, insurance, energy, media / entertainment, agriculture, art, pharmaceuticals, commodities and construction. He has also acted in a number of disputes regarding classic cars. His experience extends across a range of contractual, tortious and unjust enrichment claims and matters of jurisdiction and applicable law.

He has experience at all stages of the litigation and arbitration process, from pre-issue advisory work, to applications for interim relief and procedural applications (e.g. disclosure, security for costs, extensions of time, strike out / summary judgment applications) as well as trial and enforcement, whether that be of English judgments or of foreign judgments or arbitral awards.

Examples of Peter’s court or arbitration instructions include:

Minister of Finance & 1MDB v IPIC & Aabar: junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC, Toby Landau KC and David Walsh) in this high-profile claim, seeking set aside of an arbitral award and settlement agreement because of fraud and conflict of interest. The claims arose from the infamous 1MDB fraud by which more than USD 3.5 billion was allegedly misappropriated from the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. It was listed for an 8-week Commercial Court trial in 2025. The case had previously involved: (i) an appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding whether the proceedings should have been stayed in favour of arbitration ([2019] EWCA Civ 2080, [2020] 2 All ER (Comm) 269) – shortlisted by GAR as one of the most important decisions of 2020; and (ii) a substantial hearing before Andrew Baker J regarding whether an extension of time should be granted to bring the claim ([2021] EWHC 2949 (Comm)).
Junior counsel to David Scorey KC in arbitration regarding substantial claims by shipyard for COVID related losses.
Junior counsel to David Scorey KC for reinsurer in substantial insurance claim.
Sole counsel for claimant in claim for breach of contract and misrepresentation regarding sale of Ferrari Daytona Coupé. Peter successfully appeared at a one-day challenge to jurisdiction and to an extension of time for the service (Joe Macari Servicing Ltd v Chequered Flag International [2021] EWHC 3175 (QB)) and acted in the substantive claim.
Sole counsel for the claimant in GBP 1M + claim against a prominent car manufacturer regarding (i) breach of contract, misrepresentation and unjust enrichment relating to a restoration contract and (ii) damage to another rare car. The claim settled after proceedings were issued.
Sole counsel for the claimant in claim against architect and related company for breach of fiduciary duty, bribery, misrepresentation and breach of contract.
Instructed by defendant in respect of application for an injunction to restrain publication and use in offshore litigation of a document on the grounds of confidentiality. The application raised various issues of breach of confidence and the effect of section 12(4) of the Human Rights Act.
Junior counsel to Toby Landau KC (instructed by Linklaters) for defendant in s 68 challenge to arbitration award regarding disputes under gas supply agreement. The challenge was dismissed following a hearing in early 2023: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines v National Power Parks Management Ltd [2023] EWHC 316 (Comm).
Junior counsel (to Lucas Bastin KC) in challenge by award debtor to USD 600m+ award on grounds of ss 67 and 68. Listed for seven day hearing in 2024 & an application for security for costs and security for the award in 2023.
Junior counsel (to Toby Landau KC) in confidential s 68 challenge to commercial arbitration award regarding gas supply contract. Listed for hearing in 2023.
Sole counsel for award creditor enforcing LCIA arbitration award (USD 10m+), including seeking worldwide freezing relief and orders for disclosure of assets.
Sole counsel for defendant in respect of claim for breach of contract & breach of confidence, including for injunctive relief and imaging order: Digital Realty v Coogan [2021] EWHC 1628 (QB).
Sole counsel in application for anti-suit to enforce arbitration agreement in bill of lading: ZHD v SQO [2021] EWHC 1262 (Comm), [2021] 2 CLC 91.
Bluecrest Capital Management (UK) LLP v former partners: junior counsel (to Andrew Hochhauser KC) for the defendants in Commercial Court partnership dispute, in which a hedge fund sought repayment from former traders of a remuneration payment, alleging it had only been paid as a result of the defendants’ deceit or breach of duties of good faith.
BILTA & ors v Citibank: junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) instructed by Hogan Lovells in respect of Financial Claim arising out of alleged dishonest assistance and fraudulent trading (s 213 Insolvency Act) by employees of Citibank relating to carbon credit trading.
Urgent anti-suit injunction: junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC and Edmund King), instructed by Linklaters, in respect of (i) an urgent anti-suit injunction to restrain foreign proceedings allegedly brought in violation of the jurisdiction clause in a shareholders’ deed and (ii) a claim for various other alleged breaches of that deed related to a takeover and a refusal to issue shares.
Freezing injunction: sole counsel for 11 claimants to obtain ex parte freezing relief in respect of a complex damages claim, advancing numerous contractual, tortious and statutory causes of action, including personal claims against individual directors of a corporate defendant. Peter now acts as sole counsel in connection with enforcement proceedings to seek to enforce various charging orders obtained following successful judgment.
Interim injunction to enforce contract: acted for respondents to application for injunction to restrain termination of a supply contract and to compel continued performance.
Dispute under investment management agreement: acted as sole counsel in respect of a claim by a private equity funder for damages for repudiatory breach of a management agreement. The case raises issues of force majeure because of currency devaluation and the COVID pandemic.
Disputes under syndicated loan agreements: Peter acted as sole counsel for the defendant in respect of a claim for repayment under a syndicated loan facility and a threatened claim under a connected facility agreement. The case concerned a suite of loan notes totalling £6.5m. It gave rise to questions concerning the facility trustee’s duties and the operation of a material adverse change clause.
Pharmaceutical licence dispute: junior counsel (to Edmund King) for the defendants in a High Court dispute regarding a pharmaceutical licence. The defendants were one of the world’s largest generic drug manufacturers. The case involved both claims for unpaid royalties under a licence agreement and a substantial claim for damages, alleging that a takeover rendered the licensee in breach of a prohibition on assignment.
Sovereign Wealth Fund v Joint Venture Partner: acting as sole, then junior, counsel for claimant in substantial ICC arbitration (English applicable law) concerning the allegedly fraudulent sale of and conduct of a business. The case involved various claims under a Shareholders’ Agreement and Subscription Agreement and related tort claims for misrepresentation and conspiracy regarding the sale of a Ukrainian agricultural business.
Stein v Chodiev [2014] EWHC 1201 (Comm): junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in an eleven day Commercial Court trial of a claim by a corporate financier against three oligarchs regarding his bonus entitlement.
Todaysure Matthews Ltd v Marketing Ways Services: junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in a Commercial Court claim relating to an international sale of goods contract and allegedly improper draw-down on a performance guarantee. This included an application to set aside an order on the basis that it had been obtained by material non-disclosure: [2015] EWHC 64 (Comm).
Rivnu v United Docks [2017] UKPC 24: junior counsel in Privy Council appeal regarding proper construction of the option in a shareholders’ agreement.
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in 6-day LCIA arbitration relating to a gas supply contract (foreign applicable law), including various arguments regarding a “take or pay” clause.
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in LCIA arbitration (foreign applicable law) relating to a power purchase agreement.
Assisted Richard Millett KC with the preparation of an appeal regarding the jurisdiction to challenge the determination of shares’ value by expert appraisers.
Assisted Richard Millett KC with an application for permission to appeal to Judicial Committee of Privy Council regarding claim to enforce foreign judgments and whether the defendant had submitted to jurisdiction.
Junior counsel in respect of unfair prejudice petition in respect of the conduct of a joint venture company working on an undersea cable project.
Sole counsel for two Part 20 Defendants in a claim for breach of fiduciary duty / unlawful distributions.
Sole counsel resisting challenge to enforcement of a Spanish judgment.
Sole counsel for claimant in respect of High Court claim under letter of credit, including advising in respect of application to set aside default judgment.
Sole counsel in various cases regarding failure to transfer / issue shares.
Appeared as sole counsel in various commercial claims in the County Court.

He also has an active advisory practice in respect of general commercial matters, including such matters as:

Advice to financial services client regarding claims against contractual counterparty suspected of fraud and potential challenges to arbitration agreements in affected contracts.
Advising construction company regarding threatened injunctive proceedings following termination of substantial construction contract.
Advising lender regarding claims under loans and guarantees regarding construction project.
Advising regarding potential claims following termination of commercial agency relationship and jurisdictional and applicable law issues arising.
Advising borrower in respect of the enforceability of a guarantee (including on Etridge grounds) and an associated fixed charge.
Detailed advice, as junior counsel, on potential Norwich Pharmacal application in connection with breach of confidence.
Advising (junior counsel to Paul Stanley KC, instructed by Covington & Burling) in respect of potential grounds to appeal a Commercial Court decision regarding a financing agreement. Advising in respect of jurisdiction regarding a conspiracy claim brought by the defendant to proceedings against a litigation funder which was funding those proceedings.
Assisting with preparation of opinion regarding the circumstances in which a claim against an “anchor” defendant can found jurisdiction against other defendants under Article 8 Brussels Regulation.
Advising alone on potential grounds for a director to seek set aside of a settlement agreement and potential claims connected to the issue of shares in a substantial FTSE company.
Numerous advices in respect of general contractual matters, including: (i) proper construction of an agreement regulating an investment syndicate and the operation of buy-out provisions; (ii) effects of termination of a share purchase agreement including, in particular, whether deposits could be retained; (iii) termination of an agency agreement and impact of counterparty being placed in administration.

Employment & Partnership Disputes

Peter has considerable experience of employment disputes, including in respect of claims for injunctive relief. His first instruction on commencing practice was in a 11-day high profile commercial court trial regarding a corporate financier’s bonus arrangements (Stein v Chodiev [2014] EWHC 1201 (Comm)). Since then, he has appeared in numerous cases in the County Court, High Court and the ET, EAT and CA concerning employment related matters. In addition to general employment law expertise, he has particular expertise in cases raising issues of State or diplomatic immunity.

Peter’s experience in particular includes the following:

Digital Realty v Coogan: sole counsel for defendant employee in claim regarding alleged breach of confidentiality and breach of employment contract, including in respect of urgent applications for interim relief (imaging order and delivery up) [2021] EWHC 1628 (QB).
Bluecrest Capital Management (UK) LLP v former partners: junior counsel (to Andrew Hochhauser KC) for the defendants, two individuals, in Commercial Court dispute, in which a hedge fund sought repayment from former traders of a remuneration payment, which it was alleged had only been paid as a result of the defendants’ deceit or breach of duties of good faith.
Junior counsel for respondent in four related employment tribunal claims (unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing)
Sole counsel for employee as claimant in ET claims and defendant in parallel Court proceedings regarding alleged breach of employment contract.
Successfully represented, as sole counsel, a start-up company at a three-day trial regarding the share entitlement of its former CFO.
Appeared for claimant as sole counsel at one day ET hearing regarding disclosure.
Appeared for respondent in ET hearing in a whistleblowing and unfair dismissal claim.
Junior counsel in an 11-day high profile commercial court trial regarding a corporate financier’s bonus arrangements (Stein v Chodiev [2014] EWHC 1201 (Comm)).
Antuzis v DJ Houghton Catching Services: acted (as sole counsel) for 11 claimants seeking ex parte freezing relief in respect of a groundbreaking High Court claim for damages for human trafficking / modern slavery against both their employer and its directors – the proceedings involved numerous heads of statutory and common law employment claims and claims for assisting with breaches of those duties.
Appeared (sole counsel) in the ET for the claimant in an unfair dismissal, breach of contract and unlawful deduction of wages claim.
Acting for claimant former employee in case regarding share entitlement.
Advising former employee in respect of potential grounds for setting aside a settlement agreement and potential claims following issue of shares by his former employer.
He had previous experience of employment matters when training as a solicitor, having worked as part of a highly ranked employment law team.

Peter has appeared in a variety of cases concerning state and diplomatic immunities in the employment law context, as follows:

Hard & ors v Kuwait Investment Office: junior counsel for respondent in proceedings regarding state and diplomatic immunity, including appeal to EAT ([2022] ICR 1111) and Court of Appeal, an application to have the ET reconsider a judgment, and numerous hearings before the ET.
Employees v Libyan Embassy: sole counsel for respondent in ET claims.
Janah v Libya [2015] EWCA Civ 33 – junior counsel for respondent in this leading case concerning State immunity in respect of embassy employees. It was appealed to the Supreme Court as Benkharbouche v Embassy of Sudan.

Human rights & civil liberties

Peter has considerable experience in human rights matters, both at the domestic and international level, and has published in the field. His experience includes issues under the European Convention on Human Rights and Human Rights Act 1998, as well as a number of other human rights instruments (e.g. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) and questions of international humanitarian law. He has been involved in various cases regarding forced labour / modern slavery. In appropriate cases, Peter acts pro bono. His experience includes:

Azerbaijan v Armenia; Armenia v Azerbaijan – Peter acts on behalf of Azerbaijan (led by Malcolm Shaw KC) in respect of a number of claims before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. These raise complex jurisdictional and admissibility issues (e.g. extra-territorial application of European Convention; its application to conflict situations) and involve claims under many of the substantive provisions of the ECHR. They also raise issues of international humanitarian law and have involved various interim measures (“Rule 39”) applications.
Re AG (A Child): junior counsel for London Borough of Barnet (led by Hannah Markham KC) in case concerning whether the grant of diplomatic immunity in respect of child-care proceedings infringed Article 3 ECHR and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Peter appeared both before the Divisional Court ([2021] EWHC 1253 (Fam)) and the Court of Appeal ([2022] EWCA Civ 1505). The Divisional Court noted that he presented oral submissions “with great skill”. The case raised various issues regarding the appropriate approach where there is a so-called “norm-conflict” between the European Convention on Human Rights and other international law instruments.
Uzbek Forum for Human Rights v Secretary of State for International Trade: led by Hugh Mercer KC and Alison Macdonald KC, alongside Prof Panos Koutrakos, instructed by Bindmans) for the claimant in an application for permission for judicial review of UK rules regarding cotton imports from Uzbekistan. The claim advanced various challenges to the UK and/or EU import regimes, based on the alleged presence of forced labour in the Uzbek cotton industry, and raised a number of issues concerning what international law requires where there is a concern that imported goods are the product of forced labour / modern slavery.
Antuzis & ors v DJ Houghton Catching Services: Peter acted (instructed by Leigh Day) in a ground-breaking claim for damages by 11 claimants who had been subject to human trafficking, including to obtain freezing relief.
Advised, as sole counsel, in respect of the compatibility with the ECHR and international law of an asset freeze connected to alleged support for terrorist activities.
Janah v Libya [2015] EWCA Civ 33: junior counsel in the Court of Appeal and initially on appeal to the Supreme Court in this case, which concerned the compatibility of UK law on state immunity in respect of employment law claims with the ECHR and EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Article 6 claims: Peter has been involved in numerous cases before English courts or tribunals concerning the compatibility of state or diplomatic immunity and with the right of access to Court under Article 6 ECHR.
Application relating to the conduct of a High Court trial which required the right to privacy to be balanced against the right to a fair trial.
Junior counsel in application for permission to appeal in ZZ v Home Secretary (Article 8).
Assisted various senior counsel with preparation of opinion considering, among other things, the compliance of trial in absentia with Article 14 ICCPR, the reliance that could be placed on a conviction in absentia to request mutual legal assistance from other states, and whether other states would themselves breach international law by providing such assistance.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Peter gained experience of cases in this field in his role as judicial assistant at the Supreme Court, being involved in such cases as Al Rawi v Security Service / Tariq v Home Office (Article 6 ECHR), Cadder v Her Majesty’s Advocate (Article 6 ECHR), London Borough of Hounslow v Powell (Article 8 ECHR), Adams v Secretary of State for Justice (Article 14(6) ICCPR), McCaughey & Anr (Re an application for judicial review) (Article 2 ECHR)

Peter previously was an Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports. He has also contributed to an edited collection of essays in respect of the impact of human rights laws in Scotland and South Africa.

Injunctions & Similar Applications

Peter frequently acts in applications for injunctions and similar relief from the domestic courts. Illustrative examples include:

Delivery up / protection of confidential information: Peter acted for the defendant employee in Digital Realty Trust v Coogan [2021] EWHC 1628 (QB), responding to an application by the employer for an injunction restraining use of confidential information and requiring imaging of devices and delivery up.
Freezing injunctions: e.g. (i) acted (as sole counsel) for award creditor in substantial commercial arbitration award, obtaining worldwide freezing relief and asset disclosure orders; (ii) acted (as sole counsel) for award creditor obtaining freezing relief in connection with enforcement of award; (iii) acted (as sole counsel) for numerous claimants in a damages claim relating to modern slavery, obtaining ex parte freezing relief against the former employer and also various individuals connected to that company; (iv) advising (sole counsel) in respect of the potential to obtain freezing injunction against multi-national corporation regarding potential damages claim against it.
Anti-suit injunctions: e.g. (i) acted for applicant (led by Vernon Flynn KC and Edmund King, instructed by Linklaters) seeking anti-suit relief to restrain US proceedings connected to a shareholder deed in the context of a takeover; (ii) acted for applicants (led by David Scorey KC) in various cases for anti-suit relief to restrain proceedings brought in disregard of arbitration agreements in insurance policies; (iii) appeared as sole counsel in ZHD v SQO [2021] EWHC 1262 (Comm), application for anti-suit to enforce arbitration agreement in bill of lading.
Anti-arbitration injunctions: acted for the claimants in Minister of Finance v IPIC [2019] EWCA Civ 2080 (junior to Toby Landau KC) in which the Court of Appeal injuncted pursuit of a London-seated arbitration on the basis that it interfered with English court proceedings.
Norwich Pharmacal relief: Peter has advised on numerous occasions in respect of Norwich Pharmacal relief and has acted for a respondent in respect of such an application in connection with a failed cryptocurrency investment.
Interim injunction to enforce contract: e.g. (i) acted for respondents to application for injunction to restrain termination of a supply contract and compel continued performance; (ii) advised defendants in respect of threatened application for injunction to compel performance with provisions of wind turbine construction contract.

Peter also has considerable experience of applications for interim relief from arbitral and international courts and tribunals: see above.

Insurance & reinsurance

Peter acts in insurance cases, as part of his broader commercial disputes practice. His expertise includes:

Acting (junior to David Scorey KC) for defendant reinsurer in arbitration regarding claim by shipbuilder for coverage regarding COVID related losses.
Acting (junior to David Scorey KC) for reinsurer in respect of claims for coverage in respect of mass product liability claims.
Advising as sole counsel in respect of possibility for third parties to challenge settlement between insured and insurer of claims under insurance policy.
Acting (both led and unled) for insurers seeking anti-suit relief from English courts to restrain proceedings in breach of arbitration clause in insurance contract.
Instructed as junior counsel in respect of substantial business interruption claim under reinsurance contract.

Investment Law & Arbitration

International investment law and arbitration form a substantial part of Peter’s practice. He has been involved in numerous arbitrations, both before ICSID tribunals and under other arbitral rules, as well as appearing before domestic courts in applications relating to such arbitrations. His experience includes disputes under both BITs and multilateral instruments, including the OIC Agreement. As well as that practical experience, Peter teaches investment arbitration at Kings’ College, London. Representative examples of his expertise include:

Ozer v Libya: lead counsel for respondent in respect of substantial claim regarding numerous Libyan construction projects brought initially under both the Turkey-Libya BIT and the OIC Agreement. The case has already resulted in a decision regarding constitution of the Tribunal under the OIC Agreement.
RAKIA v India: junior counsel to Sam Wordsworth KC and Siddharth Dhar for India, instructed by Dentons regarding claim under UAE-India BIT. The claim was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction following hearings on jurisdiction, merits and quantum. Peter worked in particular on areas of technical and quantum expert evidence and made oral submissions to the Tribunal, chaired by Lord Hoffmann.
Investor v State: acting for State as junior counsel to Sam Wordsworth KC in confidential ICSID claim.
State v Investor: junior counsel (to Lucas Bastin KC) in confidential challenge by State to very substantial BIT award on grounds of excess of jurisdiction as well as procedural irregularity. Listed for 7 day hearing in 2024.
Simplex v Libya: acting as lead counsel in respect of substantial BIT claim (Turkey-Libya BIT) relating to two failed construction projects, raising, inter alia, issues of expropriation, fair and equitable treatment, full protection and security, discrimination and an “umbrella clause” claim.
Way2BAce v Libya: acted as sole counsel for the successful respondent in respect of a €50m BIT claim (Portugal-Libya BIT) in respect of two failed construction projects, which had been abandoned after the eruption of civil unrest. The claimant advanced claims under various treaty standards (including full protection and security, fair and equitable treatment and a “war damage” clause). The claim was dismissed following a five-day hearing on jurisdiction, merits and quantum.
Al Jazeera v Egypt: acting for Al Jazeera (junior to Toby Landau KC) as part of the counsel team, instructed by Carter Ruck, in respect of this high-profile ICSID claim regarding Egypt’s treatment of Al-Jazeera and its journalists following the Arab Spring.
Albaniabeg v Albania: sole counsel at hearing regarding stay of award pending annulment proceedings.
Hydro srl and others v Albania: acted as part of the counsel team (led by Siddharth Dhar) representing Albania in respect of this c. €700m ICSID claim, which involves alleged investments in the energy and media sectors. The claims related in particular to allegedly wrongful domestic criminal and tax proceedings and involved a significant application for provisional measures.
Bahgat v Egypt: acted for the claimant, as junior to Sam Wordsworth KC and alongside Fietta Law. Peter appeared as part of the counsel team at a jurisdiction hearing and at the final merits hearings. The claim related to the expropriation of the claimant’s investment in an industrial project and related domestic criminal proceedings.
Advised (as junior to Sam Wordsworth KC) in respect of potential claims regarding host State action towards petroleum concession contracts.
Advised (as junior to Toby Landau KC) in respect of potential investment law claims arising out of failure to enforce a commercial arbitration award and discriminatory operation of a bankruptcy proceeding.
Tribunal assistant in ICSID case MOL v Croatia, long-running ECT claim, which included (i) application under ICSID Rule 41(5), (ii) provisional measures application, (iii) Achmea and corruption-based jurisdiction challenges; and (iv) various claims of Treaty breach, including regarding conduct of criminal proceedings.
Assisting three leading international law counsel with the preparation of detailed advice regarding the effect of an international investment arbitration award. This matter raised various complex questions of international law, including issue estoppel and res judicata and whether a third State would act in breach of international law if it failed to give effect to the award and instead granted requests for legal assistance and gave effect to judgments of the courts of the State in which the investment was made.
Advised (as junior to Toby Landau KC) in respect of potential international law claims available to bondholders in respect of a substantial liquidation.
Assisted Toby Landau KC with preparation of opinion regarding potential BIT claims regarding infrastructure project.

Media, art, entertainment

Peter has experience acting for clients in the media, art and entertainment sector, and also has particular expertise in litigation concerning classic cars. His experience includes:

Acted (led by Andrew Hochhauser KC) for prominent artist in respect of breach of contract claim relating to certification of artwork.
Represented, as junior counsel, a French town in respect of its claim for the return of various stolen works of art.
Acted as examiner in deposition in high profile claim relating to breach of duty by agent in respect of art sales.
Advised, as sole counsel, a music business in respect of potential claims under finance agreements.
Advised, as sole counsel, a foreign TV station in respect of potential claims against an English advertising agency.
Acting for Al Jazeera, instructed by Carter Ruck, in its claim against Egypt before an ICSID tribunal in respect of its treatment of Al Jazeera journalists during the Arab Spring.

His experience acting in litigation regarding classic cars, includes:

Joe Macari Servicing Ltd v Chequered Flag International – breach of contract and misrepresentation claim regarding sale of Ferrari Daytona Coupé. Peter successfully appeared at a one-day challenge to jurisdiction / challenge to an extension of time for the service ([2021] EWHC 3175 (QB)) and then in the substantive claim.
Customer v Manufacturer – acted for owner in respect of GBP 1M + claim against manufacturer regarding (i) breach of contract, misrepresentation and unjust enrichment relating to restoration contract and (ii) damage to another rare car. The claim settled after proceedings were issued.
Acting for owner of various cars in respect of claims to seek to recover cars following fraudulent and unauthorised sales.
Acting for purchaser of Ferrari 330 GTC (breach of contract / tortious claims).
Acting in respect of claim for breach of contract to purchase Maserati
Advising purchaser in respect of potential claims against seller and seller’s agent arising out of purchase of classic Porsche.

Public & administrative law

Peter has considerable expertise appearing in, and advising in respect of, domestic public and administrative law matters. His experience includes:

Re AG (A Child): junior counsel for London Borough of Barnet (led by Hannah Markham KC) in case concerning whether the grant of diplomatic immunity in respect of child-care proceedings infringed Article 3 ECHR and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Peter appeared both before the Divisional Court ([2021] EWHC 1253 (Fam)) and the Court of Appeal ([2022] EWCA Civ 1505). The Divisional Court noted that he presented oral submissions “with great skill”. The case raised various issues of the approach to be taken between potential conflict between the European Convention on Human Rights and other international law instruments.
Uzbek Forum v Secretary of State for International Trade: acting (led by Hugh Mercer KC and Alison Macdonald KC, alongside Prof Panos Koutrakos, instructed by Bindmans): application for permission for judicial review in respect of EU and UK rules regarding imports of cotton from Uzbekistan.
Detailed advice (as junior counsel) regarding the scope of Parliamentary privilege and its interaction with duties of confidentiality.
Advising in respect of the compatibility of an asset freeze related to alleged funding of terrorist activity with the ECHR and international law.
Assisting (as junior counsel) a foreign company that is subject to a regulatory investigation in respect of its compliance with takeover rules, including (i) advice in respect of the conduct of the investigation and potential public law grounds for challenging the authority’s decision and (ii) proceedings challenging a notice to produce documents.
Junior counsel (to Toby Landau KC and Prof Dan Sarooshi) in Court of Appeal case of Janah v Libya [2015] EWCA Civ 33 concerning the compatibility of the UK State Immunity Act with Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 47 EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Subsequently to this case, Peter has appeared in numerous cases concerning the compatibility of either State or diplomatic immunity with Article 6 ECHR.
Junior counsel for defendant resisting High Court claim by government department for repayment of alleged overpaid subsidy.
Rainbow Insurance Company Ltd v Financial Services Commission [2015] UKPC 15: assisting counsel team preparing an appeal in a judicial review of regulator’s decision to suspend the registration of a financial services business.
Mauritius Revenue Authority v Chettiar [2015] UKPC 48: junior counsel in this Privy Council appeal concerning the Mauritian constitution and the position of the Mauritian Vice- President.
Junior counsel in application to Court of Appeal for permission to appeal in ZZ v Home Secretary (concerning Art 8 ECHR and EU Citizenship Directive and involving an application by respondent for interim relief).

While working at the Supreme Court, Peter gained considerable experience of public law matters, being involved in such cases as Al Rawi v Security Service / Tariq v Home Office (Article 6 ECHR), Cadder v Her Majesty’s Advocate (Article 6 ECHR), London Borough of Hounslow v Powell (Article 8 ECHR), Adams v Secretary of State for Justice (Article 14(6) ICCPR), McCaughey & Anr (Re an application for judicial review) (Article 2 ECHR), Brent LBC v Risk Management Partners (EU public procurement rules), Patmalniece v SoS for Work and Pensions (discrimination and compatibility of “right to reside” test with EU law).

Public international law

Peter has an extensive practice in international law, both before international fora (including in respect of State-to-State claims) and before domestic courts and tribunals.

He has particular expertise in respect of privileges / immunities / act of State issues, human rights / international humanitarian law, sanctions, treaty interpretation, and other matters, as well as a very substantial practice in international investment law and arbitration, which he teaches at Kings’ College, London.

His clients include private parties, foreign governments, as well as UK or foreign public bodies and a non-governmental organisation.

Examples of Peter’s work in this field before domestic courts and tribunals include:

Re AG (A Child): junior counsel for London Borough of Barnet (led by Hannah Markham KC, and previously also Dan Sarooshi KC) in case concerning whether the grant of diplomatic immunity in respect of child-care proceedings infringes Article 3 ECHR and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Peter conducted oral advocacy before both the Divisional Court ([2021] EWHC 1253 (Fam)) and the Court of Appeal ([2022] EWCA Civ 1505). The case raised various issues of the approach where there is a so-called “norm-conflict” between the European Convention on Human Rights and other international law instruments.
Hard & Locke v Kuwait Investment Office: junior counsel (led by Prof Dan Sarooshi KC) for respondent in proceedings regarding state and diplomatic immunity, including: appeals to EAT ([2022] ICR 1111) and Court of Appeal; an application to have the ET reconsider a judgment; and numerous hearings before the ET.
Act of State advice: urgent advice as sole counsel to party to substantial English commercial and arbitration proceedings regarding issues of immunity and Act of State
Immunity advice: advising a State in relation to immunities issues before the English courts.
Immunity advice: advising (junior to Sam Wordsworth KC) private party in connection with potential for claims in England against foreign state official.
Employees v Libyan Embassy: sole counsel in respect of various Employment Tribunal claims against Libyan embassy.
Uzbek Forum v Secretary of State for International Trade: junior counsel (led by Hugh Mercer KC and Alison Macdonald KC, alongside Prof Panos Koutrakos) in application for permission for judicial review in respect of rules regarding cotton imports from Uzbekistan. The case raised various international law issues regarding imports from, and trade agreements with, countries where there is an issue with forced labour.
Heiser v Iran: junior counsel (to Prof Dan Sarooshi KC) in an action to enforce substantial US judgments relating to terrorism. The claim raised various State immunity issues, including (i) submission to jurisdiction, (ii) scope of the tort exception to immunity and its application to terrorist attacks and (iii) immunity in respect of enforcement of judgments.
Janah v Libya [2015] EWCA Civ 33: junior counsel to Toby Landau KC and Prof Dan Sarooshi in Court of Appeal; case concerned whether UK law regarding state immunity from employment claims was compatible with the ECHR and EU law. The case was subsequently appealed to the UKSC as the leading case of Benkharbouche v Sudan.

His international advocacy and advisory experience includes:

Azerbaijan v Armenia; Armenia v Azerbaijan: acting (led by Malcolm Shaw KC) in respect of a numerous claims before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights relating to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. These raise complex jurisdictional and admissibility issues and involve claims under a large number of substantive provisions of the European Convention as well as issues of international humanitarian law and have also involved various interim measures (“Rule 39”) applications.
Advised (as junior to Sam Wordsworth KC) in respect of potential claims regarding host State action towards petroleum concession contracts.
Various opinions, as junior counsel, in respect of State immunity issues, including urgent advice to foreign State regarding sensitive immunity matter relating to seizure of State property.
Junior counsel in respect of opinion concerning the effect of sanctions on a ship purchase contract.
Assisting Sam Wordsworth KC with opinion in respect of interpretation of Paris Convention on Protection of Industrial Property.
Sole counsel advising in respect of legality of an asset freeze in respect of alleged funding of terrorist activity.
Advising (as junior to Sam Wordsworth KC) in respect of potential international law claims in respect of revocation of a pharmaceutical patent.
Assisting leading international law counsel with the preparation of an opinion regarding the extent to which a third State could give effect to foreign judgments and respond to requests for mutual legal assistance given the findings of an arbitral award. This matter raised various complex questions of international law, including: questions of issue estoppel and res judicata; whether one State would breach international law if it failed to give effect to the award and instead gave effect to other judgments rendered in the State against which the award was made; and the extent to which proceedings in absentia are compatible with Article 14 ICCPR.

Peter also has substantial experience in respect of international law governing foreign investment: for details, please see “Investment Law and Arbitration” section, above.

Shipping & admiralty

Peter gained a good deal of experience during pupillage (with Nigel Eaton KC) in dry shipping matters and related insurance law points and has continued to practise in the field as part of his overall commercial disputes practice.

His experience includes:

Sole counsel in application for anti-suit to enforce arbitration agreement in bill of lading: ZHD v SQO [2021] EWHC 1262 (Comm), [2021] 2 CLC 91.
Sole counsel advising regarding dispute under charterparty, raising issues of “off-hire”, safe ports requirement and warranty regarding performance.
Sole counsel advising regarding quantum of damages, in particular remoteness and need to give credit applying The World Beauty
Sole counsel advising regarding application of exemption clause to damages claim following collision.
Junior counsel in respect if LMAA arbitration regarding claims regarding defective equipment on ship which caused a fire.
Acting in respect of application to challenge to English courts’ jurisdiction to hear claim under bunkering contract.
Advised as sole counsel in respect of potential claims for misrepresentation and/or breach of charter-party following refusal to call at particular ports due to US sanctions and the effect of foreign law illegality on the charter-party.
Various advices, as sole counsel, such as in respect of (i) an off-hire dispute, (ii) lien over sub-freights, (iii) warranties as to condition of vessel.
Acting, as sole counsel, in application to enforce arbitration award before English courts and obtain related freezing relief.
Advised, as junior counsel, in respect of potential frustration of a ship purchase contract because of EU sanctions.
Assisted with the preparation of submissions in respect of a preliminary issue regarding the jurisdiction of a tribunal in a dispute arising under various ship management contracts.
Advice as sole counsel in respect of remoteness of damages and mitigation following a collision.

Career

2012 – 2013 Pupillage at Essex Court Chambers (with Nigel Eaton KC)

2012 Called to the Bar, Lincoln’s Inn

2011 – 2012 Associate, International Disputes team of Baker Botts (UK) LLP, London

2010 – 2011 Judicial Assistant to Lord Hope of Craighead and Lord Walker of Gestingthorpe, UK Supreme Court

2008 – 2010 Trainee Solicitor, Brodies LLP (Edinburgh) with a particular focus on commercial dispute resolution and employment law

2004 – 2010 Part-time tutor and lecturer at the Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde (2009) in commercial, company and contract law

Education

2008 Ph D, The University of Edinburgh

2007 Dip LP, The University of Edinburgh

2004 LL B (Hons), First Class, The University of Edinburgh

Awards

2012 Shelford Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)

2008 Munkman Prize (for public international law)

2005 – 2007 Arts and Humanities Research Council award (to fund Ph D)

2004 – 2007 Edinburgh Legal Education Trust Scholarship (to fund Ph D)

2000 – 2004 A variety of academic prizes, including:

Lord President Cooper Memorial Prize Scholarship (awarded to law student graduating top of year)
First John Hastie Scholarship (for best performance in first and second year subjects)
Tods Murray Prize (for commercial law)
McGrigor Donald Prize (for commercial law)
Margaret Balfour Keith Prize (for constitutional law).

Barrister at Essex Court Chambers

Professional practice