Professional practice

Joe specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration. He frequently appears in M&A, energy, civil fraud, insurance and reinsurance and shipping disputes, acting both led and as sole counsel.

Recent and ongoing instructions include:

  • Sahara v Sonara [2024] EWHC 3163 (Comm), [2026] EWCA Civ 54, led by Timothy Young KC and Stephen Du – a case concerning the breach of various oil contracts and the construction and effect of a document signed following a reconciliation meeting between the parties. Joe conducted part of the oral advocacy before the Court of Appeal.
  • An LCIA arbitration, led by David Allen KC – a USD 500 million dispute involving non-delivery of cargo and conspiracy and bribery allegations to be heard over 4-6 weeks.
  • RSA v Equitas [2025] EWHC 2704 (Comm), led by Sushma Anada – a seminal reinsurance dispute concerning the construction and effect of follow the settlements and claims cooperation clauses.
  • An ad hoc arbitration, led by Jason Robinson KC – a 3-week arbitration concerning claims under an insurance policy in respect of damage to marine structures and resultant loss.
  • The Argo Fund v ArcelorMittal [2025] EWHC 581 (Comm), led by Noel Casey KC – an unlawful conspiracy claim.
  • A USD 50 million Commercial Court dispute concerning among other things frustration and sanctions in the context of guarantees in respect of performance under bareboat charters.

 

What Others Say

“Highly attentive to detail and able to review voluminous material quickly and effectively, he demonstrates strong analytical skills.”

Rising Star – Legal 500 (Commodities)

Arbitration & related court applications
  • Multiple high-value international commercial arbitrations under various arbitral rules.
  • Resisted a s.67 challenge in respect of a FOSFA award.
  • Acted for a major mining company in relation to a shareholder dispute.
  • Advised on possible challenges to an arbitration award under s.68 of the Arbitration Act 1996 in a construction dispute.
  • Advised on a challenge to the appointment of an arbitrator in ICC arbitration.
  • Acted as tribunal secretary in ICC and ICSID arbitrations.
Civil fraud & asset recovery
  • A c.USD 500 million arbitration involving conspiracy and bribery allegations, led by David Allen KC, to be heard over 3-4 weeks.
  • A complex, multi-jurisdictional, high-value insurance litigation involving fraud allegations.
  • The Argo Fund v ArcelorMittal [2025] EWHC 581 (Comm), an unlawful conspiracy claim, led by Noel Casey KC.
Commercial dispute resolution
  • Sahara v Sonara [2024] EWHC 3163 (Comm), [2026] EWCA Civ 54 – a USD 100 million plus Commercial Court claim for breach of various oil contracts, led by Timothy Young KC and Stephen Du.
  • ICC arbitration acting for a state-owned oil and gas company in relation to claims arising under a production sharing contract with over USD 300 million in dispute.
  • Two related USD 250 million ad hoc arbitrations against a state-owned entity regarding liability for gas curtailments and renewal entitlements under a series of gas supply agreements.
  • Acted for an oil and gas company in an ICC arbitration relating to contractual entitlements on termination of a contract for seismic analysis services.
  • USD 250 million-plus LNG arbitration, led by David Allen KC and Marcus Mander.
  • A one-week commercial arbitration concerning alleged non-delivery under diesel contracts, led by Michael Ryan.
  • Claims against a creative under a management agreement as sole counsel.
  • A c. USD 50 million claim concerning the provision of helicopter services.
Energy & natural resources
  • ICC arbitration acting for a state-owned oil and gas company in relation to claims arising under a production sharing contract with over USD 300 million in dispute.
  • Two related USD 250 million ad hoc arbitrations against a state-owned entity regarding liability for gas curtailments and renewal entitlements under a series of gas supply agreements.
  • Acted for an oil and gas company in an ICC arbitration relating to contractual entitlements on termination of a contract for seismic analysis services.
  • USD 250 million-plus LNG arbitration, led by David Allen KC and Marcus Mander.
  • A one-week commercial arbitration concerning alleged non-delivery under diesel contracts, led by Michael Ryan.
Insurance & reinsurance
  • RSA v Equitas [2025] EWHC 2704 (Comm) – a complex reinsurance dispute in the London Circuit Commercial Court, heard in June/July 2025. Led by Sushma Ananda.
  • The Russian aircraft insurance litigation (operator claims).
  • A complex, multi-jurisdictional, high-value insurance litigation.
  • A 3-week commercial arbitration concerning claims under an insurance policy in respect of damage to marine structures and resulting loss. Led by Jason Robinson KC.
Shipping & admiralty
  • Sahara v Sonara [2024] EWHC 3163 (Comm), [2026] EWCA Civ 54 – a USD 100 million plus Commercial Court claim for breach of various oil contracts, led by Timothy Young KC and Stephen Du.
  • A 3-day voyage charterparty trial in LMAA arbitration, as sole counsel.
  • A 3-day LMAA arbitration concerning allegations of breach of a time charter, led by Richard Sarll.
  • Multiple LMAA arbitrations as sole counsel.
  • A c.USD 50 million Commercial Court dispute concerning guarantees in respect of performance under bareboat charters. Led by David Allen KC.

Joe also has a busy yacht-related practice:

  • A USD 30 million plus superyacht dispute, led by David Allen KC and Jason Robinson.
  • A USD 2 million plus superyacht paint dispute, as sole counsel.
  • A luxury yacht-building dispute, as sole counsel.
  • A claim concerning sale of a non-conformant vessel, as sole counsel.
Career

Joe was called to the Bar in 2018.

Between 2019 and 2021, he spent two years as an associate in the international arbitration group at WilmerHale.

Education

2012-2016: MA French and Spanish, University of Cambridge (First Class).

2016-2017: GDL (Distinction).

2017-2018: BTPC (Outstanding).

Awards

Sunley Scholarship (2018/2019) – Lincoln’s Inn.

Buchanan Award (2018) – Lincoln’s Inn.

Denning Scholar (2017/2018) – Lincoln’s Inn.

McMahon Studentship (2017/2018) – St John’s College, Cambridge.

Hardwicke Entrance Scholarship (2016) – Lincoln’s Inn.

College Prize (2013, 2014, 2016) – St John’s College, Cambridge.

Whytehead Scholar (2013, 2014, 2016) – St John’s College, Cambridge.