Adam Woolnough

Professional practice

Adam has an established practice covering the full spectrum of substantial commercial litigation and arbitration disputes.

Adam has extensive trial experience having acted in many multi-week trials in arbitration and the Business and Property Courts (including as a junior in a thirteen week fraud trial in the Commercial Court).

His practice covers all types of commercial disputes, including energy, mining & natural resources, arbitrations & related proceedings, shipping & sanctions, anti-suit injunctions, investment management, banking & finance, civil fraud and freezing injunctions.

Adam regularly appears in the Business and Property Courts (appearing in many reported judgments) and he has acted in arbitrations conducted pursuant to LCIA, LMAA, ICC, UNCITRAL and SIAC Rules, as well as multiple ad hoc arbitrations. Adam frequently works on cases with a foreign applicable law, as well as cases raising jurisdictional issues.

Examples of recent cases

Examples of cases which are typical of Adam’s practice include acting as:

Junior counsel (to Joe Smouha KC and Siddharth Dhar KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding an option agreement [2023].
Junior counsel (to Joe Smouha KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding management agreements, giving rise to issues of, inter alia, a claim for an account, liens and set-off [2023].
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in four related arbitrations under contracts of affreightment for the transportation of fish, giving rise to issues of, inter alia, rectification and illegality [2023].
Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in advising on and preparing to obtain anti-suit relief in support of an exclusive English law and jurisdiction clause [2023].
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in a LCIA arbitration regarding a decennial liability claim for c. $130m+ in respect of a defective oil pipeline [2023];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence and counterclaim of a c. US$100m arbitration claim arising out of a sanctions clause in long-term bareboat charterparties for VLCCs [2022];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in an appeal to the Supreme Court (following a s.69 challenge in the Commercial Court and an appeal in the Court of Appeal) regarding the reasonable endeavours provision in a force majeure clause ([2022] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 522 and [2022] EWCA Civ 1406);
Sole counsel for the Defendant obtaining reverse summary judgment in relation to a claim for consideration under a share sale and purchase agreement [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence of s.68 and s.69 challenges in relation to case management decisions and res judicata [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence / claim as the middle party in a charterparty claim regarding dangerous cargo (including the scope of demurrage following the Eternal Bliss) [2022];
Sole counsel advising on the legitimacy of a COVID Bounce Back loan application [2022];
Junior counsel (to James Willian KC) in the jurisdictional challenge in Bourlakova v Bourlakov [2022] 4 W.L.R. 79;
Junior counsel (to Philippa Hopkins KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding a wide range of hedge fund management issues [2021];
Junior counsel (to Paul Key KC) in a two-week LCIA arbitration arising out of a share sale and purchase agreement in a phosphate mining company (and related s.68 proceedings) [2021];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful one-week arbitration for bareboat charter hire and OPEX of a detained vessel, including related s.68 and 69 proceedings [2020];
Sole counsel for BP Plc in a successful application to set aside an order made pursuant to a letter of request [2020];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in a one-week arbitration relating to the application of US sanctions to a COA [2020];
Junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in a series of LMAA arbitrations arising out of the sale and purchase of jack-up drilling rigs, which included the successful defence of a s.67 challenge in the Commercial Court [2020];
Junior counsel (to Sam Wordsworth KC and Siddharth Dhar) in an investor state dispute relating to an alumina mining and refinery project [2020];
Junior counsel (to Joe Smouha KC and Jeremy Brier KC) in a dispute involving investment management services and artificial intelligence / quantitative trading [2019];
Junior counsel (to Daniel Oudkerk KC) in a one day appeal to the Court of Appeal, following a two week Chancery Division trial relating to the transfer of a sub-fund within an OEIC via a Scheme of Arrangement and other employment issues arising from the deferral and forfeiture of remuneration, with claims and counterclaims amounting to circa £40 million [2019] EWCA Civ 158;
Junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in a six day valuation hearing in the Chancery Division relating to assets found to have been held on constructive trust by a defaulting fiduciary following a liability hearing and an enquiry into the fiduciary’s account and obtaining permission to appeal from the Court of Appeal [2019];
Sole counsel advising on a commission agreement relating to the sale and purchase of a super-yacht [2019];
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC and Jern-Fei Ng KC) in the interlocutory disputes of a US$87 million claim for breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, unlawful means conspiracy and knowing receipt [2018];
Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in a three week First-Tier Tribunal (Tax) trial relating to an alleged £9 million tax fraud [2018] S.T.I. 2366;
Junior counsel for the Claimant successfully obtaining a freezing injunction relating to assets held in a Cayman STAR Trust [2018];
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in a one week Commercial Court trial. A US$20 million dispute regarding financing arrangements in the oil industry and a claim for rectification [2018];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in an arbitration regarding delay under a superyacht construction contract [2018];
Sole counsel for the respondent to an application for an injunction to prevent the presentation of a winding up petition in the Companies Court [2018];
Sole counsel for the Defendant in a s.67 jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court [2018];
Sole counsel for the Claimant in a QBD matter concerning allegations of procurement of a breach of contract and conversion [2018];
Junior counsel (to Andrew Twigger KC and Anna Dilnot KC) for the defendants in a thirteen week civil fraud trial in the Commercial Court worth over US$400 million [2017];
Sole counsel for the claimant in a Chancery Division claim arising out of an agreement governed by German law relating to share options [2016];
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in a Commercial Court matter relating to guarantees worth over US$300 million connection with a major construction project [2016];
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in an ICC arbitration relating to a real estate development in Dubai [2016];
Junior counsel (to Sam Wordsworth KC) for the respondent State in an ad hoc international commercial arbitration [2016];

What Others Say

Legal 500 2024, Shipping:

“Very high quality junior and pleasant to work with.”

Legal 500 2023, Shipping:

“Promising junior and pleasant to work with”.

Arbitration (including arbitration related issues)

Adam has considerable experience in arbitration and related court applications. He has advised and acted either as sole or junior counsel in arbitrations conducted in London and abroad, including ad hoc arbitrations and arbitrations conducted under the LCIA, ICC, SIAC, LMAA and UNCITRAL Rules.

Adam is co-author of the chapter on arbitration in Bullen and Leake’s, Precedents of Pleadings.

Examples of Adam’s experience in this area include:

Junior counsel (to Joe Smouha KC and Siddharth Dhar KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding an option agreement [2023].
Junior counsel (to Joe Smouha KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding management agreements, giving rise to issues of, inter alia, a claim for an account, liens and set-off [2023].
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in four related arbitrations under contracts of affreightment for the transportation of fish, giving rise to issues of, inter alia, rectification and illegality [2023]
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in an on-going LCIA arbitration regarding a decennial liability claim for c. $130m+ in respect of a defective oil pipeline [2023];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence and counterclaim of a c. US$100m arbitration claim arising out of a sanctions clause in long-term bareboat charterparties for VLCCs [2022];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in an appeal to the Supreme Court (following a s.69 challenge in the Commercial Court and an appeal in the Court of Appeal) regarding the reasonable endeavours provision in a force majeure clause ([2022] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 522 and [2022] EWCA Civ 1406);
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence of s.68 and s.69 challenges in relation to case management decisions and res judicata [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence / claim as the middle party in a charterparty claim regarding dangerous cargo (including the scope of demurrage following the Eternal Bliss) [2022];
Junior counsel (to Philippa Hopkins KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding a wide range of hedge fund management [2021];
Junior counsel (to Paul Key KC) in a two-week LCIA arbitration arising out of a share sale and purchase agreement in a phosphate mining company (and related s.68 proceedings) [2021];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful one-week arbitration for bareboat charter hire and OPEX of a detained vessel, including related 6.68 and s.69 proceedings [2020];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in a one-week arbitration relating to the application of US sanctions to a COA [2020];
Junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in a series of LMAA arbitrations arising out of the sale and purchase of jack-up drilling rigs, which included the successful defence of a s.67 jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court [2020];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in an arbitration regarding delay under a superyacht construction contract [2018];
Sole counsel for the Defendant in a s.67 jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court;
Sole, and then junior, counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in an ICC arbitration relating to a real estate development in Dubai, which included a challenge to the Tribunal’s jurisdiction;
Junior counsel (to Sam Wordsworth KC) for the respondent State in an ad hoc international commercial arbitration;
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in a preliminary issues hearing in an ad hoc shipping arbitration and related s.69 appeals;
Sole counsel in relation to an ad hoc dispute regarding a joint venture agreement to be performed in Singapore;
Junior counsel (to Charles Priday) in an ad hoc shipping arbitration;
Junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in an ad hoc international sale of goods arbitration located
in Singapore, successfully challenging the Tribunal’s jurisdiction;
Junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in a SIAC arbitration relating to a failed Foreign Law
Alliance under Singapore law;
Advising as junior counsel (to Toby Landau KC) in a SIAC arbitration regarding oil and gas
production sharing contracts;
Advising as junior counsel in an Energy Charter Treaty claim and a related LCIA claim;
Sole counsel in an LMAA arbitration;
Advising as junior counsel in relation to the setting aside of awards under sections 67, 68 and
69 of the Arbitration Act 1996;
Advising as junior counsel (to Toby Landau KC) in relation to the setting aside of orders and resisting enforcement of arbitration awards.

Banking & Finance

Adam has considerable trial experience in cases involving investment management services, including:

Sole counsel advising on the legitimacy of a COVID Bounce Back loan application [2022];
Junior counsel (to Philippa Hopkins KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding a wide range of hedge fund management issues [2021];
Junior counsel (to Joe Smouha KC and Jeremy Brier KC) in a dispute involving investment management services and artificial intelligence / quantitative trading [2019];
Junior counsel (to Daniel Oudkerk KC) in a one day appeal to the Court of Appeal, following a two week Chancery Division trial relating to the transfer of a sub-fund within an OEIC via a Scheme of Arrangement and other employment issues arising from the deferral and forfeiture of remuneration, with claims and counterclaims amounting to circa £40 million [2019] EWCA Civ 158;
Sole counsel for the claimant in a Chancery Division claim arising out of an agreement governed by German law relating to share options [2016].

Civil Fraud

Adam has considerable experience of civil fraud work. He has acted in a variety of different types of civil fraud cases, including:

Junior counsel (to James Willian KC) in the jurisdictional challenge in Bourlakova v Bourlakov [2022] 4 W.L.R. 79;
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC and Jern-Fei Ng KC) in the interlocutory disputes of a US$ 87 million claim for breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, unlawful means conspiracy and knowing receipt [2018];
Junior counsel for the Claimant successfully obtaining a freezing injunction relating to assets held in a Cayman STAR Trust [2018];
Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in a three week First-Tier Tribunal (Tax) trial relating to tax fraud [2018];
Junior counsel in a thirteen week Commercial Court trial (with several related interim applications), led by Andrew Twigger KC and Anna Dilnot, acting for the defendants in a multi-million pound civil fraud claim;
Junior counsel (to Nathan Pillow KC) for the Claimant in a QBD claim concerning allegations of diverting corporate opportunities and passing off;
Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in a MTIC VAT fraud case in the First-Tier Tribunal. While completing his pupillage with David Scorey KC, Adam also gained experience in a number of other MTIC disputes;
Junior counsel (to David Davies) in a case before the London Mercantile Court relating to misrepresentations in relation to a large investment into an offshore fund.

Commercial chancery disputes

Examples of Adam’s work in the Chancery Division include:

Junior counsel (to James Willian KC) in the jurisdictional challenge in Bourlakova v Bourlakov [2022] 4 W.L.R. 79;
junior counsel (to Daniel Oudkerk KC) in a one day appeal to the Court of Appeal, following a two week Chancery Division trial relating to the transfer of a sub-fund within an OEIC via a Scheme of Arrangement and other employment issues arising from the deferral and forfeiture of remuneration, with claims and counterclaims amounting to circa £40 million [2019] EWCA Civ 158;
junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in a six day valuation hearing in the Chancery Division relating to assets found to have been held on constructive trust by a defaulting fiduciary following a liability hearing and an enquiry into the fiduciary’s account and obtaining permission to appeal from the Court of Appeal [2019];
sole counsel for the respondent to an application for an injunction to prevent the presentation of a winding up petition in the Companies Court;
junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) acting for an opposing creditor in a scheme of arrangement;
sole counsel for the claimant in a Chancery Division claim arising out of an agreement (governed by German law) relating to share options;
appearances as sole counsel in a variety of other matters in the Companies Court;
Adam also has experience in providing advice as junior counsel in relation to the interpretation of wills and pension provisions.

Commercial dispute resolution

Commercial dispute resolution, in both litigation and arbitration, is at the core of Adam’s practice. He has advised and acted in relation to a wide range of commercial disputes both as sole and junior counsel. Adam’s examples of recent cases listed above shows the strength of his practice in this area.

Adam has made numerous appearances as sole counsel in the high court and the county courts and undertakes work across the full spectrum of commercial disputes.

Adam has considerable experience in various interim applications, including applications for strike out and summary judgment, specific disclosure, security for costs and extensions of time.

Examples of Adam’s work include:

Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in an on-going LCIA arbitration regarding a decennial liability claim for c. $130m+ in respect of a defective oil pipeline [2023];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence and counterclaim of a c. US$100m arbitration claim arising out of a sanctions clause in long-term bareboat charterparties for VLCCs [2022];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in an appeal to the Supreme Court (following a s.69 challenge in the Commercial Court and an appeal in the Court of Appeal) regarding the reasonable endeavours provision in a force majeure clause ([2022] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 522 and [2022] EWCA Civ 1406);
Sole counsel for the Defendant obtaining reverse summary judgment in relation to a claim for consideration under a share sale and purchase agreement [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence of s.68 and s.69 challenges in relation to case management decisions and res judicata [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence / claim as the middle party in a charterparty claim regarding dangerous cargo (including the scope of demurrage following the Eternal Bliss) [2022];
Sole counsel advising on the legitimacy of a COVID Bounce Back loan application [2022];
Junior counsel (to James Willian KC) in the jurisdictional challenge in Bourlakova v Bourlakov [2022] 4 W.L.R. 79;
Junior counsel (to Philippa Hopkins KC) in an LCIA arbitration regarding multiple aspects of hedge fund management [2021];
Junior counsel (to Paul Key KC) in a two-week LCIA arbitration arising out of a share sale and purchase agreement in a phosphate mining company [2021];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful one-week arbitration for bareboat charter hire and OPEX of a detained vessel [2020];
Sole counsel for BP Plc in a successful application to set aside an order made pursuant to a letter of request [2020];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in a one-week arbitration relating to US sanctions [2020]; Junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in a series of LMAA arbitrations arising out of the sale and purchase of jack-up drilling rigs, which included the successful defence of a section 67, Arbitration Act 1996, challenge in the Commercial Court [2020];
Junior counsel (to Daniel Oudkerk KC) in a one day appeal to the Court of Appeal, following a two week Chancery Division trial relating to the transfer of a sub-fund within an OEIC via a Scheme of Arrangement and other employment issues arising from the deferral and forfeiture of remuneration, with claims and counterclaims amounting to circa £40 million [2019] EWCA Civ 158;Junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in a six day valuation hearing in the Chancery Division relating to assets found to have been held on constructive trust by a defaulting fiduciary following a liability hearing and an enquiry into the fiduciary’s account [2019];
Sole counsel advising on a commission agreement relating to the sale and purchase of a super-yacht [2019];
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC and Jern-Fei Ng KC) in the interlocutory disputes of a US$ 87 million claim for breach of fiduciary duty, dishonest assistance, unlawful means conspiracy and knowing receipt [2018];
Junior counsel for the Claimant successfully obtaining a freezing injunction relating to assets held in a Cayman STAR Trust [2018];
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in a one week Commercial Court trial. A US$ 20 million dispute regarding financing arrangements in the oil industry [2018];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in an arbitration regarding delay under a superyacht construction contract [2018];
Sole counsel for the Defendant in a section 67 jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court [2018];
Sole counsel for the Claimant in a QBD matter concerning allegations of procurement of a breach of contract and conversion [2018];
Junior counsel (to Andrew Twigger KC and Anna Dilnot KC) for the defendants in a thirteen week civil fraud trial in the Commercial Court worth over US$ 400 million [2017];
Sole counsel for the claimant in a Chancery Division claim arising out of an agreement governed by German law relating to share options [2016];
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in a Commercial Court matter relating to guarantees worth over US$ 300 million connection with a major construction project [2016];
Junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in an ICC arbitration relating to a real estate development in Dubai [2016].

Conflict of laws & private international law

The international nature of Adam’s practice means that he is regularly required to advise on private international law issues.

Adam has been involved in a number of cases with a foreign governing law, including the laws of the Kuwait, UAE, Germany, the Isle of Man, Colorado, New York, Kazakhstan, Russia, Singapore and Pakistan.

His practice also means that he frequently advises on and litigates issues relating to jurisdiction, including anti-suit and anti-enforcement injunctions in support of jurisdiction or arbitration agreements.

Energy, Mining & Natural Resources

Adam has frequently been involved in an advisory capacity and as junior counsel in relation to oil and gas disputes. These include gas pricing disputes, disputes arising out of share sale and purchase agreements of oil and gas companies and disputes arising out of production and sharing contracts in Kenya, India and Indonesia.

Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in an on-going LCIA arbitration regarding a decennial liability claim for c. $130m+ in respect of a defective oil pipeline [2023];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence and counterclaim of a c. US$100m arbitration claim arising out of a sanctions clause in long-term bareboat charterparties for VLCCs [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence / claim as the middle party in a charterparty claim regarding dangerous cargoes of alumina (including the scope of demurrage following the Eternal Bliss) [2022];
Junior counsel (to Paul Key KC) in a two-week LCIA arbitration arising out of a share sale and purchase agreement in a phosphate mining company [2021];
Junior counsel (to Sam Wordsworth KC and Siddharth Dhar) in an investor state dispute relating to an alumina mining and refinery project [2020];
Adam has recently been involved as junior counsel (to Richard Millett KC) in a six day valuation hearing in the Chancery Division. The opportunity that was at the heart of the dispute related to technology designed to increase production and enhance productivity in oil and gas wells [2019];
Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC and Jern-Fei Ng KC) in the interlocutory disputes of a US$ 87 million claim relating to the purchase of an oil rig in Iran [2018];
Adam was junior counsel (to Vernon Flynn KC) in a one week, US$ 20 million, Commercial Court trial relating to financing arrangements in the oil industry [2018].

Injunctions

Adam is the author of the chapter on anti-suit injunctions in support of arbitration in Bullen & Leake. Examples of Adam’s recent work involving injunctions includes the following:

Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in advising on and preparing to obtain anti-suit relief in support of an exclusive English law and jurisdiction clause.
Junior counsel for the Claimant successfully obtaining a freezing injunction relating to assets held in a Cayman STAR Trust [2018];
Sole counsel for the respondent to an application for an injunction to prevent the presentation of a winding up petition in the Companies Court [2018];
Junior counsel (to Andrew Twigger KC and Anna Dilnot KC) for the defendants in a thirteen week civil fraud trial in the Commercial Court worth over US$ 400 million, where freezing injunctions had been obtained [2017].

Insurance & reinsurance

Adam was involved in a wide variety of insurance and reinsurance work, and in particular Bermuda Form work, during his pupillage with David Scorey KC. Following his pupillage, Adam has continued to gain experience, including as:

Junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in advising on and preparing to obtain anti-suit relief in support of an exclusive English law and jurisdiction clause in relation to a claim for business interruption and property damage indemnities.
Junior counsel (to Sara Cockerill KC (as she then was)) in a reinsurance dispute before the commercial court; and
Sole counsel advising in relation to a reinsurance matter arising from the Piper Alpha disaster.

International trade, transport & commodities

Examples of Adam’s practice in this area include:

junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in four related arbitrations under contracts of affreightment for the transportation of fish, giving rise to issues of, inter alia, rectification and illegality [2023].
junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence and counterclaim of a c. US$100m arbitration claim arising out of a sanctions clause in long-term bareboat charterparties [2021];
junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful one-week arbitration for bareboat charter hire and OPEX of a detained vessel [2020]
junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in a one-week arbitration relating to the application of US sanctions to a COA [2020];
junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in an arbitration under the SIAC Rules relating to a shipment of coal;
sole counsel in a High Court commercial dispute relating to the sale and installation of industrial kitchen equipment;
advice and assistance in a Singapore High Court dispute, relating to bunker supplies, including issues related to freezing injunctions and enforcement proceedings. Adam has also advised in relation to the recovery of payments in relation to other bunker supply disputes.

Investor-State Arbitration

Adam studied Public International Law during his degree and has continued to work in this area throughout his time in practice. He has advised and acted on behalf of States and State entities and has worked with Sam Wordsworth KC in relation to several PIL advices.

In practice, Adam was counsel in the following disputes:

Junior counsel (to Sam Wordsworth KC and Siddharth Dhar) in an on-going investor state dispute relating to an alumina mining and refinery project [2020];
Junior counsel (to Sam Wordsworth KC) for the respondent State in an ad hoc international commercial arbitration [2016];

Revenue law (including VAT, IPT, duties & excise)

Adam has advised on a range of VAT issues and has been instructed as both sole and junior counsel. Adam has contributed to the De Voil’s Indirect Tax Intelligence publication and spoken at the Essex Court / Pump Court Tax VAT Conference. Examples of his work include:

junior counsel (to David Scorey KC) in a three week MTIC VAT fraud case in the First-Tier Tribunal which relates to a platinum refinery. While completing his pupillage with David Scorey KC, Adam also gained experience in a number of other MTIC and VAT disputes.
sole counsel in a dispute concerning import VAT and claims under the 13th VAT Directive currently before the First-Tier Tribunal;
junior counsel (to Roderick Cordara KC) seeking permission to appeal a decision on customs duty to the Supreme Court;
junior counsel (to Roderick Cordara KC and Edmund King) in a judicial review of an assessment for VAT, including issues of legitimate expectation.

Shipping & admiralty

Examples of work Adam has undertaken in the field of shipping include the following:

Junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in four related arbitrations under contracts of affreightment for the transportation of fish, giving rise to issues of, inter alia, rectification and illegality [2023].
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence and counterclaim of a c. US$100m arbitration claim arising out of a sanctions clause in long-term bareboat charterparties for VLCCs [2022];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in an appeal to the Supreme Court (following a s.69 challenge in the Commercial Court and an appeal in the Court of Appeal) regarding the reasonable endeavours provision in a force majeure clause ([2022] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 522 and [2022] EWCA Civ 1406);
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence of s.68 and s.69 challenges in relation to case management decisions and res judicata [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful defence / claim as the middle party in a charterparty claim regarding dangerous cargo (including the scope of demurrage following the Eternal Bliss) [2022];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in a successful one-week arbitration for bareboat charter hire and OPEX of a detained vessel [2020];
Junior counsel (to Nigel Eaton KC) in a one-week arbitration relating to the application of US sanctions to a COA [2020];
Junior counsel (to Jern-Fei Ng KC) in a series of LMAA arbitrations arising out of the sale and purchase of jack-up drilling rigs, which included the successful defence of a s.67 challenge in the Commercial Court [2020];
sole counsel advising on a commission agreement relating to the sale and purchase of a super-yacht [2019];
Junior counsel (to Steven Berry KC) in an arbitration regarding delay under a superyacht construction contract [2018];
sole counsel for the Defendant in a section 67 jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court arising out of an arbitration regarding disputed demurrage payments;
junior counsel (to Graham Dunning KC) in a preliminary issues hearing in an ad hoc shipping arbitration and related section 69 appeals;
Junior counsel (to Charles Priday) in an ad hoc shipping arbitration;
advising as junior counsel (to Chris Smith KC) in relation to general average allowances; assistance to (to David Davies KC) in relation to an opinion on the enforcement of an arbitration award against an ownership interest in a vessel that had allegedly been transferred pursuant to a sham transaction;
sole counsel in a successful application to the Commercial Court for an unless order related to a ship finance guarantee dispute.

Career

2013 Tenant at Essex Court Chambers, following completion of pupillage with David Scorey KC
2012 Called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn)
2012 Writer of headnotes for European Human Rights Reports
2011 Commercial experience working at Liberty Wines

Education

2011-2012 BPTC, BPP (Outstanding)

2007-2010 BA (Hons) Law, Jesus College, Cambridge (First Class in each year, ranked 4th in final year)

Awards

2012 Buchanan Prize (Lincoln’s Inn)
2011 Denning Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)
2011 Hardwicke Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)
2010 Benefactor’s (2004) Prize (Jesus College, Cambridge)
2010 Russell Vick Prize for Part II Law (Jesus College, Cambridge)
2010 Scholarship (Jesus College, Cambridge)
2009 Rebecca Flower Squire Scholarship (Law Faculty, Cambridge)
2009 Scholarship (Jesus College, Cambridge)
2008 Glanville Williams Prize for first year lawyers (Jesus College, Cambridge)
2008 Foundation Exhibition (Jesus College, Cambridge)

Barrister at Essex Court Chambers

Professional practice