Essex Court Chambers is pleased to announce that members of Chambers have been involved in a number of cases shortlisted for Most Important Decision of the Year at the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Awards 2026.
The shortlist recognises landmark decisions from courts and tribunals around the world that have made a significant impact on international arbitration and public international law.
The shortlisted cases involving Essex Court Chambers members are:
Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change (ICJ Advisory Opinion)
The International Court of Justice held that states have binding obligations under treaties and customary international law to prevent climate harm.
- Albania – Lucas Bastin KC
- Belize – Sam Wordsworth KC; Amy Sander; Sean Aughey; Naomi Hart
- Kuwait – Prof. Dan Sarooshi KC
- Maldives – Jessica Wells; Naomi Hart; Camille Boileau
- New Zealand – Gretta Schumacher
- Pakistan – Sean Aughey
- United Kingdom – Ben Juratowitch KC
Sony Interactive v Neill and Others
The Court of Appeal of England and Wales upheld the validity of litigation funding agreements that allow a funder to recover a multiple of its investment rather than a percentage of damages.
Star Hydro Power v National Transmission and Despatch Company
The Court of Appeal in London restrained a “pre-emptive” challenge to an arbitral award before the Pakistani courts.
- Ricky Diwan KC (appearing in the Commercial Court)
- Tariq Baloch KC
GreenX Metals v Poland
The Singapore International Commercial Court upheld a £183 million Energy Charter Treaty award against Poland – the first time the court addressed an “intra-EU” objection.
Operafund v Spain
The Commercial Court in London found that awards rendered under the ICSID Convention or the Energy Charter Treaty are not assignable.
The winners will be announced at the GAR Awards ceremony in Paris on 26 March 2026, during Paris Arbitration Week. Further information about the GAR Awards is available here.
