One Essex Court in Chambers & Partners
This "out and out commercial set" has the necessary "intelligence, clout and finesse" to handle any high-valued dispute. It has an especially strong reputation in energy and natural resources, fraud and banking. A real one-stop shop, its members are as at home in arbitration as in litigation, and have the backing of colleagues in supporting areas such as forensic accountancy. For many clients, they are "the best in the business and the natural place to go "to get more bang for your buck" and "consistently good advice and results". The "bright, sensible, client-friendly and hard-working" lawyers are constructive and, "whilst realisitc, they sit on the fence less than most." Clients declare them "all up to the mark" and value the fact that "they all jump to it - they roll their sleeves up and do the job."
Chambers takes a commercial attitude that clients impute a strong leadership and good clerking: "Their lead silks' interest in business clients permeates the whole Chambers." Chambers head Lord Grabiner QC "inspires total confidence." Other renowned names at the set include the universally revered Laurence Rabinowitz QC and new silk Alain Choo Choy QC, a man with a glittering career as junior behind him.
Administrative & Public Law
Alan Griffiths of One Essex Court combines his renowned commercial expertise with a public law practice. Clients clients value his "technical prowess and commercially oriented advice," which he puts to especially good use on judicial reviews.
Banking & Finance
One Essex Court is one of the larger sets in London for commercial and banking issues, and wins praise for its "consistently high-quality barristers and especially user-friendly clerks." The talents of the "bright and reassuringly commercial" David Wolfson QC have been recognised again, since he has just taken silk. He has been acting for the hedge fund RAB in a judicial review of the nationalisation of Northern Rock. Confidence in the prowess of Laurence Rabinowitz QC in this area is not in dispute given his engagement for RBS on aspects of the OFT bank charges matter. Clients laud his "almost perfect blend of real intelligence combined with pragmatism and the ability to facilitate commercial solutions to really tough disputes." Sources describe deputy High Court judge Lord Grabiner QC as "a charismatic courtroom presence and a class act in banking disputes." He acted for the RAB hedge fund in a judicial review into the controversial nationalisation of Northern Rock. Stablemate Ian Glick QC has a general commercial practice but continues to receive acclaim for his "excellent courtroom style and clever views." As befits his regulatory expertise, he acts as counsel to the FSA and has also acted for RBS. Neil Kitchener QC acted for Ferrero Group in the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi v Baskan case concerning allegations of fraud in loan facilities. Clients have great admiration for his "clear analysis, eye for detail and diplomatic yet engaging advocacy skills." Michael Sullivan QC has made a smooth transition into silk. "Accurate tactical judgement and political sensitivity" characterised his efforts in the high-profile Zambia case, and he continues to be an obvious choice for the major cases. The "client-friendly, accessible and down-to-earth" Stephen Auld QC, meanwhile, is "a good choice for injunctions" and also "dynamite at trial." He "delivers what clients want as he is not afraid to mix it with the other side and take witnesses on." His recent sorties include leading the defence in Grosvenor Casinos v National Bank of Abu Dhabi, a case concerning an alleged breach of contract. Anthony de Garr Robinson QC's extensive banking practice sees him admitted to the Bars of England and the British Virgin Islands. He acted for Catalyst Investment Group in a multi-jurisdictional insolvency dispute, and is known for having a thorough understanding of a wide variety of financial products. Commentators note that he "is able to think laterally and is very responsive." Alain Choo Choy QC has recently joined him in silk and, according to one client, remains "a personal favourite for his communicative client manner and sound judgement." He acted in the Marlwood Commercial v Kozeny case concerning instruments issued by the government of Azerbaijan. Daniel Toledano QC has also taken silk this year. He acted for HSBC in the OFT bank charges litigation, as well as in the related PPI litigation. Clients regard him as "a bright and commercially minded professional who gets some of the best work." Among the juniors, Hannah Brown shows "a proficient grasp of technical banking issues, and is also good to work with." She has been involved in a number of matters related to Icelandic banking institutions, including acting for Equity Special Situations in a £12 million share dispute with Landsbanki.
Chancery: Commercial
Anthony de Garr Robinson QC of One Essex Court is "a great client pleaser with a dynamic, can-do attitude.” At the same set, Edmund Nourse remains widely respected for his involvement in the sector.
Chancery: Treasury Counsel
Edmund Nourse is recommended.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
"Highly responsive barristers stamped through and through with quality" are to be found at this commercial powerhouse. Such is its track record in the commercial litigation arena that it is an obvious port of call for solicitors with bet the company litigation. Its members, all of whom are noted for their keen commercial minds, tackle the heavyweight litigation of the day. By way of example, individuals from this set have been acting in Financial Services Compensation Scheme v Abbey National Treasury Services and NDF Administration, and the Northern Rock judicial review to name but two cases. One of the leading lawyers at the set is the “revered and hugely gifted” Laurence Rabinowitz QC. This innovative silk “manages to make clients feel like they are leaving the problem behind,” say solicitors of a man who recently exhibited all his skills while acting for RBS in the bank charges litigation. Commentators feel that one day he will have a reputation as legendary as that of Lord Grabiner QC, "an incomparable lawyer of undeniable star presence.” Grabiner has long been at the top of the profession and picks up some of the best litigation around. He recently appeared in the Buncefield litigation and also acted in Digicel v Cable & Wireless. Ian Glick QC recently displayed his skills in Virgin Media Communications v British Sky Broadcasting Group. When in court he "behaves with absolute charm and authority, mesmerising all around." One peer said of him: "Not only is he a commanding advocate, but he also has an intelligence one could only dream of." No fool himself, Jeffery Onions QC is praised for being "a deep thinker." He recently acted for the Post Office in a Court of Appeal case. Kenneth MacLean QC, meanwhile, was involved in Çukurova and the British Sky Broadcasting Group case mentioned above. Solicitors go to him as he offers "straightforward, practical advice with the minimum of fuss." They also seek out the "quiet but effective" John McCaughran QC. His matters of late include acting for the Tele2 group of companies in matters relating to the provision of phonecards and similar services. “Robust team player” Stephen Auld QC acted for the defendants in a dispute over the development of oilfields in Siberia. "Extremely approachable and hugely pragmatic, he gets the job done." Similar sentiments were expressed about Rhodri Davies QC, “a genuine team player” who successfully obtained an injunction in the multimillion-dollar case Alfa v Deutsche Bank. He wins support along with Charles Graham QC, who recently acted for the appellants in a successful appeal to the House of Lords in a Scottish law dispute over the sale of goods. Like Graham, Neil Kitchener QC is admired for his broad-ranging practice. “Very smart, good on his feet and excellent in an emergency," Kitchener is "a combatative brief who squares up to the other side effectively." Others who do well at the set include Anthony de Garr Robinson QC, “a superb all-rounder, who works very hard and really gets stuck in to everything he does.” Nicholas Strauss QC takes on work covering commercial litigation, banking, professional negligence and chancery litigation, along with financial services and regulatory work. He recently won approval acting for Ferrero Group Companies in a large commercial fraud and negligent misrepresentation claim. New silk Alain Choo Choy QC is lauded as “scarily bright, hard-working and tough.” He has been joined in silk by Daniel Toledano QC, who used his “thoroughness and superb intellect” in the case of OFT v HSBC & Others. Commentators feel he will do very well as a QC, something they also feel about the other new appointee, David Wolfson QC, “a lawyer well liked by clients as he fights for them tenaciously.” Wolfson was recently in the news for acting for RAB Capital in a judicial review being brought by former shareholders of Northern Rock against the decision to nationalise the bank. Among the notable juniors at One Essex Court, Benjamin Strong is “very rigorous with his analysis.” His previous experience as a solicitor enables him to gain a good understanding when taking instructions. The “very bright and unbelievably hard-working” James Goldsmith is deemed “a name for the future,” while Anna Boase is liked for her “approachable and easy to work with manner.” She recently acted in Satyam Computers Services Limited v Upaid Systems Limited. “Punchy in court and hideously bright,” David Cavender was counsel for the successful claimant company in Croftcall Ltd v Morgan & Another. Simon Colton, meanwhile, represented a major Italian company seeking repayment by an investment bank. He was described to interviewees as "a man who gives everything to the cause." Also fully committed to his cases is Steven Elliott, who acted in Littlewoods Retail Limited v HMRC. He has “a fabulous, insightful legal brain, and a wonderfully concise style.” Recently seen in Macquarie International Investments Ltd v Glencore, Michael Fealy is popular among solicitors, as is Clare Reffin, who was recently is involved in a prominent LCIA arbitration. She is favoured as she is "always able to see the bigger picture.” New to the table this year, Sa'ad Hossain “noticeably stands out from the crowd” for one of his call. He is “one to watch for the future,” a claim that was also made on behalf of Sebastian Isaac. Isaac acted for the defendants in a matter concerning a USD485 million corruption and fraud claim.
Company
"A pleasant opponent and a skilled advocate," Anthony de Garr Robinson QC covers a broad selection of commercial and chancery disciplines. Admired for his "relaxed manner," he advises on shareholder disputes and often acts in disputes between directors and their companies.
Competition / EU Law
One Essex Court is a set with depth of talent. As one interviewee put it, "other sets are hit and miss, but this one is uniformly good." Its edge when it comes to commercial litigation is also seen as providing it with an advantage in competition matters. The members here, all of whom are commercially minded, "go beyond the legal and really strive to understand the commercial aspects of a case." They include Thomas Sharpe QC, "a lawyer with a very affable manner who is good at cutting to the nub of the issue.” His practice spans competition law, utility regulation, judicial review and European law. Juniors at the set whom he can turn to include Matthew Cook, “a bright, persuasive advocate, who always catches on quickly.” He is acting as sole counsel for eight fixed-line operators in their appeal before the CAT over Ofcom’s ruling regarding mobile phone termination charges. Also present is Conall Patton, who practises in commercial litigation, energy and competition. According to one source, “he is a quick and organised thinker who consistently impresses
Energy & Natural Resources
One Essex Court sits firmly at the head of the energy and natural resources field, handling a larger portion of the work than any other set in the market. Its thorough grounding and extensive experience in the sector make it a popular destination among commentators: "In any truly high-value dispute, One Essex Court is the best in the business and the natural choice for any client." Laurence Rabinowitz QC, "the great and shining star of everything energy-related," remains the principal authority of the Energy Bar thanks to his "ability to form arguments that deliver when the chips are down." Sources applaud him for being "incredibly commercial, super-intelligent and capable of spotting things others don't." He recently advised IEL on the threatened strike action at the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland. The "technical brilliance" of Ian Glick QC is there for all to see, according to observers. His "spectacular intellect and superhuman diligence" on contractual matters mark him out. These qualities were recently exhibited when he acted for a major oil and gas producer based in Calgary in Canada, in a dispute involving operations in Peru. Lord Grabiner QC "has been at the top of the perch for years and years." The man for the big occasions, he "never hedges his bets and has courtroom presence and charisma that is simply unteachable." His manifold talents were on display in the Buncefield litigation, and he also acted for Nippon Oil Exploration & Production in its dispute with Stratic Energy. John McCaughran QC has "an uncanny ability to spot the common sense in a proposition." Once possessed of a brief, he "expertly selects the points to be made and advances them simply and unerringly," report sources. His recent work includes acting for BGTL/Centrica on the construction and operation of gas supply agreements in light of Network Code changes and postalisation in Northern Ireland. Another of the super silks on offer here, Jeffery Onions QC "will salami-slice a case into an incredible number of smaller issues before analysing and attacking each one brilliantly." His practice covers deepwater drilling operations; disputes involving oil rigs, floating production platforms and drilling vessels; electricity, oil and gas supply contracts; gas sales agreements; joint operating agreements; and oil and gas transportation contracts. Neil Kitchener QC is "by far and away one of the most commercial and intelligent silks around." Solicitors favour him because "he never disappoints when it comes to big and detailed cases." His recent efforts include acting for a European gas supplier in a dispute concerning tariffs charged for the transportation and processing of North Sea gas. Daniel Toledano QC is "a surefire bet to be a top-class silk, he just exudes quality," say observers. He regularly advises oil and gas majors and electricity generators, suppliers and traders. He has assisted BP on the interpretation of a contract involving production and transportation of crude oil and natural gas. Toledano was made silk in the last round, as was Alain Choo Choy QC. Choo Choy is making his name across a number of sectors, including energy and natural resources, and has been furthering his renown as "a lawyer of terrific intelligence and industry." Strong juniors abound at the set, and one whose reputation is growing fast is Sa'ad Hossain, who draws praise for his "brilliant mind and ability to become part of a really effective team." His recent highlights include working with Rabinowitz in advising IEL on the threatened strike action at the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland. Alan Griffiths is "someone you call upon when confronted with a ridiculously complex case." Faced with such matters, he applies his "extraordinary intellectual resources to solve the seemingly unsolveable." Solicitors rely on Griffiths' great commercial understanding of the associated regulatory, competition, EU law and environmental issues surrounding the energy and natural resources industry. He represented E.ON in successful proceedings before the Competition Commission concerning the arrangements for offtake of gas from the NTS. Assisting Griffiths on this case was Conall Patton, "an outstanding prospect" in the eyes of many. Great things are expected of him, as they are of Michael Fealy, "an excellent pleader and a real details man." Fealey "has a close understanding of the industry" and recently advised a French energy major on a range of issues, including pre-contract payments for the supply of gas.
Environment
Alan Griffiths of One Essex Court works closely with the energy sector, including the oil, gas, nuclear and renewables industries.
Financial Services
An “intellectual giant in the field of banking and financial services,” Lord Grabiner QC of One Essex Court “has an impeccable and instinctive understanding” of the wide range of matters he undertakes. At the same set, Ian Glick QC is lauded for his “masterly knowledge of the regulatory issues that a client faces, and how they fit into the commercial realities of a business.” He is highly respected as a long-term counsel of the FSA, and has played a central role in advising the regulator on various matters. He shares a set with Benjamin Strong, a junior whose high-profile workload reflects his increasingly strong presence in this area. He recently acted on behalf of NDF Administration in a case brought by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme on behalf of 1,800 precipice bond holders. He also advised the FSA on the bank charges litigation and the ongoing payment protection insurance investigations.
Fraud: Civil
Despite its size, this large set is particularly commended for its personalised service. At the pinnacle of the fraud practice, the pre-eminent Laurence Rabinowitz QC is an “Olympian figure whose towering intellect ensures he always has the ear of the court.” A “top performer and a QC who works at the cutting edge,” Lord Grabiner QC has been involved in the defence of Cable & Wireless in a claim concerning breach of statutory duty and conspiracy, a matter that also involves questions of telecommunications law across seven jurisdictions. Daniel Toledano QC was described by one eminent fraud silk at another set as "by far the best I've worked with outside my own chambers." That was in the days when he was a junior. Now a silk, "he is a great lawyer to have on your side as he is both an affable litigator and a man of tremendous flair." His advocacy is much sought after in high-value cases, such as the shipping matter in which he defended a USD100 million fraud claim arising out of undervalued charters. Also extremely popular, Anthony de Garr Robinson QC is prized for his commitment and dedication. Solicitors say that “he immerses himself so deeply in a case that it seems he is grafted to us.” He acts on both high-profile litigations and arbitrations, recently appearing in an arbitration against a former director of a fund management company who allegedly acted in fraudulent breach of his fiduciary duties. Richard Gillis QC has an “effective courtroom manner and judges tend to perk up and listen when he presents.” He scores well on a number of fronts, proving both “excellent on paper and quick to get to grips with difficult points.” Michael Sullivan QC displays similar traits and caught the eye of the market recently when conducting the Zambia case, which showcased his talents as “a fantastic trial advocate and a remarkable cross-examiner.” “When you need someone to pull together all the copious threads of evidence involved in a large dispute and present them in a tenacious manner, Neil Kitchener QC is your man.” In common with all the top silks at the set, he is instructed in sizeable matters, such as acting in defence of Ferrero Group in a claim brought by Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ for alleged fraud arising out of a loan facility. Sources were eager to highlight new silk Alain Choo Choy QC for his "unparalleled intelligence." He had a glittering career as a junior and is now "set fair for greatness" as a silk. His recent highlights include acting for several US investors on a USD200 million fraud claim involving investments issued by the Republic of Azerbaijan. The highly respected junior Orlando Gledhill has been working with Laurence Rabinowitz QC on a matter for Blenheim Properties Group, seeking to recover £15 million in trust assets held across ten jurisdictions. Assisting Lord Grabiner QC in the Cable & Wireless case, Edmund Nourse is "a junior of great drive and ambition." He focused on interim applications in the lead up to the substantive trial. Neil Kitchener QC led Steven Elliott in the case of Parabola Investments v Man Financial, acting for the claimants bringing a substantial claim against a stockbroker for alleged fraudulent misrepresentations.
Insurance
Andrew Lenon QC of One Essex Court covers a vast array of commercial litigation and arbitration matters, displaying particular strength in matters relating to banking, financial services and insolvency. Clients very much appreciate his “very intelligent approach and understated style.” Also at One Essex is the established commercial silk Jeffery Onions QC. He has a broad commercial practice that covers a wide range of sectors including insurance, energy, insolvency, sport and banking.
Intellectual Property
This notable commercial set features a number of IP talents, and is particularly well regarded in the soft IP space, thanks in no small part to the presence of Geoffrey Hobbs QC. Hobbs "is the cleverest man in the world for trade mark law - to call him encyclopaedic is unfair, because he knows more than most encyclopaedias," according to enthusiastic commentators. He is "the silk you'd go to for trade mark advice if you had to bet your own life on it," say sources, who add that he "relishes getting to grips with the really difficult technical points of trade mark law," and displays "compelling advocacy." His recent cases include acting for Direct Line in its opposition to esure's application to register a mouse on wheels in the Trade Mark Registry, Chancery Division and Court of Appeal. Guy Hollingworth is viewed as a "super junior" who is skilled in trade mark work. He "drafts well and is good in court." Emma Himsworth has been employing her "excellent eye for detail" to trade mark, copyright and comparative advertising cases of late, while Philip Roberts "knows his onions and is clever." He is particularly highly regarded for matters with an IT bent.
International Arbitration
The user-friendliness of this set was commented upon, as was its solid bench of advocates and arbitrators. There was agreement that “everyone has the same valuable quality of jumping to it, rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job.” The persuasive and charming Ian Glick QC is recognised for his expertise as both counsel and arbitrator. Over the year, he has chaired an ICC contractual dispute arbitration and been appointed as arbitrator in several ad hoc arbitrations. “His comprehensive understanding of the facts and the law means he can run proceedings smoothly and rapidly,” say sources. Peter Leaver QC is the current chairman of the LCIA Board of Directors and possesses “extremely well-attuned instincts as to how a tribunal is likely to react, which makes him a powerful member of any team.” Disputes within the banking and insurance markets are his forte. Stephen Auld QC is "someone you can always turn to for urgent matters.” He has arbitral experience in disputes across the UK, Middle East and Caribbean, and is a new addition to the table. Andrew Foyle’s profile continues to develop with his regular appointments in institutional and ad hoc arbitrations. He recently sat as sole arbitrator in disputes involving parties from the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Full-time arbitrator Alan Redfern is also equally experienced in both ad hoc arbitrations and those held under ICC, LCIA or UNCITRAL rules, making him “an ideal choice.” A new junior to earn recognition is Sa'ad Hossain, who is praised for his tactical awareness. “I have no hesitation in recommending him to others,” says one City firm partner.
Licensing
Susanna FitzGerald QC of One Essex Court specialises in e-commerce, Internet gambling, liquor, entertainment and gambling licensing and associated judicial reviews, as well as lotteries and prize competitions.
Professional Negligence
One Essex Court generally confines its efforts in the professional negligence field to participation in the larger cases that have a commercial angle to them. Charles Graham QC is a "hugely persuasive advocate," admired for his handling of claims against accountants, insurers and solicitors. He recently acted for a company in an intended action against its former actuaries, in connection with alleged errors in the valuation of the company’s pension fund. Also recommended, Laurence Rabinowitz QC is a true star in the commercial field and one of the leading barristers of his generation. His broad commercial practice takes in a substantial amount of negligence cases and he is particularly noted for his expertise in handling accountancy claims.
Insolvency
Anthony de Garr Robinson QC of One Essex Court is "commercial, responsive, persuasive and bright." His straightforward style appeals to clients.
Sport
Daniel Toledano QC of One Essex Court is regarded highly for his commercial litigation expertise, which he carries over to the sports sector. Peers suggest that “he fights his client's corner in a way any barrister would be proud of.” Toledano has been active across a variety of sports, most notably football, motor racing and boxing.
Tax
Malcolm Gammie QC of One Essex Court is a "greatly respected thinker," who has gained a great deal from his years as a tax partner at Linklaters. He advises major corporate clients on all aspects of business tax, particularly within an international context. Commentators note that his experience allows him to bring a wealth of practical knowledge to transactions involving highly detailed technical points. Also at One Essex Court, Ian Glick QC is a general commercial adviser and advocate, largely acting for HMRC. He is a "very clever man and a formidable opponent."