Members of chambers have been highly ranked in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2023, which was released today.
Members of Chambers hold 142 ranking across 24 practice areas including Cryptoassets, a new practice area for 2023. The set has been ranked in 12 practice areas, including Band 1 rankings in Commercial Dispute Resolution, Fraud, International Arbitration and Public International Law.
Special mention is given to the following members who have received a ‘Star at the Bar’ ranking: Roderick Cordara KC for Tax, Joe Smouha KC for Commercial Dispute Resolution, Vaughan Lowe KC for Public International Law, Tim Akkouh for Fraud: Civil and Siddharth Dhar for International Arbitration.
Across the board members have 35 improved rankings. Congratulations in particular to Naomi Hart who has been listed as ‘Up and coming’ in International Human Rights Law and Public International Law and Stuart Cribb in Commercial Dispute Resolution.
The set is ranked in the following categories:
- Commercial Dispute Resolution: Band 1
“Essex Court Chambers is regularly involved in some of the highest-value domestic and international commercial disputes.” - Fraud Civil: Band 1
“Essex Court Chambers houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are experienced in the handling of large fraud cases both in the UK and further afield.” - International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance: Band 1
“Essex Court Chambers has long enjoyed a reputation as the go-to set for international arbitration. Its barristers are consistently recognised for their truly international practices, receiving instructions from the Middle East, Europe and Africa and acting in some of the most significant and high-value disputes.” - Public International Law: Band 1
“Essex Court Chambers is a pre-eminent public international law set and remains at the forefront of the most cutting-edge international disputes.” - Offshore: Band 2
“Essex Court Chambers offers substantial expertise in a variety of offshore commercial disputes including fraud, shareholder actions, contentious liquidations and complex civil fraud matters.” - Chancery: Commercial: Band 2
“This set’s barristers are noted for their expert handling of complex and high-profile commercial chancery disputes, with the team offering significant strength in civil fraud and banking litigation.” - Employment: Band 2
“Essex Court Chambers is a formidable commercial set with substantial experience of employment litigation in the High Court and above, including on behalf of financial services clients.” - Energy and Natural Resources: Band 2
“Essex Court Chambers is a heavyweight set which draws upon particular strengths in international arbitration and commercial disputes to represent clients in a range of energy matters.” - Insurance: Band 2
“Essex Court Chambers offers impressive advocacy in the courtroom alongside considerable strengths handling international arbitrations.” - Shipping & Commodities: Band 2
“Adept across wet and dry shipping matters, members of Essex Court Chambers are regularly sought out by shipbuilders, ship owners, shipyards and insurers for their expert knowledge.” - Tax: Indirect Tax: Band 2
“A widely respected chambers recognised for the strength of its indirect tax expertise.” - Banking and Finance: Band 3
“Essex Court Chambers is an excellent choice for banking law matters and enjoys a strong reputation for its deft handling of high-profile international litigation.”
Members of chambers are also delighted to congratulate the clerking team on receiving outstanding praise from clients. The clerking team have received the following praise:
“A top-quality clerking team.” “On critical matters they will find you someone, no matter the day.” “The clerks run a very smooth operation.” “The clerking team at Essex Court is always responsive and a real pleasure to deal with.”“The clerks provide a high quality and personal service.” “The clerks at Essex Court offer a first-class, personal service and are very quick to respond to any questions.” “The clerks are prepared to be flexible when necessary and are a great team to work with.” “The clerks are efficient and on top of things.” “The clerks are very responsive and knowledgeable.” “They’re always responsive and will do anything to assist. It’s a very well-oiled machine”
Special mentions are given to:
Joe Ferrigno who is described as “a man of unquestioned experience and skill, leads a team with strength in depth”, “a star among clerks, he is very professional and feels like part of our team” and “a class act, very easy to get on with.”
Joe Ferrigno, Ben Perry and Jack Wood: “Senior clerk Joe Ferrigno is a class act and very easy to get on with, while Ben Perry and Jack Wood also impress”
Jack Wood: “Jack Wood and the clerking team are excellent.” “Jack wood has impressed.”
Ollie Butcher: “Very responsive, easy to deal with and very commercial.”
Kevin Grubb: “The clerks are always responsive and will do anything to assist and, thanks to Kevin Grubb in particular, we feel well thought of and taken care of” and “Always happy to pick up the phone.”
Charlotte Murkett-Lamb: “super responsive and really puts herself out to try and help.”
