Region Area

Barristers

Clara Benn

Clara Benn

Position

Clara specialises in all aspects of commercial law, with a particular emphasis on private international law, insurance/reinsurance (including marine insurance), shipping, commodities, aviation and civil fraud. Since joining Chambers in 2014, she has appeared in the Supreme Court (twice), the Court of Appeal and the High Court, as well as in the DIFC Courts and LCIA, SIAC and LMAA arbitration. In 2022, Clara was appointed to the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel.

Clara is ranked in the directories in multiple practice areas and has been nominated by The Legal 500 as Shipping, Commodities and Aviation Junior of the Year 2023. The directories describe her as “fiercely intelligent, approachable and charming”, “invaluable on a practical/commercial level”; “awesome on her feet” and bringing “a joie de vivre to any case”.

Clara has acted in a number of high-profile cases, including Enka v Chubb [2020] UKSC 38 (governing law of arbitration agreements, anti-suit injunctions), described by The Lawyer as “a landmark judgment that is likely to become the leading authority in this area”, and the OW Bunker litigation [2016] UKSC 23 (sale of goods, retention of title clauses), described by Lloyd’s List as “the most spectacular shipping legal imbroglio so far this century”. She is instructed to appear in the Russian aviation insurance mega trial commencing in October 2024.

Clara is developing a busy practice as an arbitrator. She has received six appointments to date, including as chair, and welcomes new appointments.

Career

Called 2012; Lincoln’s Inn (Lord Bowen scholarship; Lord Denning scholarship; Sir Thomas Eastham scholarship; Buchanan Prize).

Clara joined 7 King’s Bench Walk on the successful completion of her pupillage in September 2014.

Memberships

COMBAR; BILA; YMP; Lincoln’s Inn Denning Society (committee member).

Education

University of Oxford (2005-2008 BA History – First class) City University (2010-2011 GDL – Distinction) BPP (2011-2012 BPTC – Outstanding, top of year) University of Oxford (2012-2013 BCL – Distinction)

Mentions

London Bar

Commercial litigation

Leading junior5
Clara Benn –7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Exceptional legal ability; exceptional judgement; real common sense. An unusual blend of skills that makes her a stand-out junior. A powerful barrister to have on your side.’
London Bar

Commodities

Leading junior2
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara is hugely impressive – astute and tremendously able.’
London Bar

Fraud: civil

Leading junior4
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk 'She is a very accomplished advocate.'
London Bar

Insurance and reinsurance

Leading junior3
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara has exceptional legal knowledge and good judgement. She excels at written advocacy, and is growing in confidence in oral advocacy as well.  She is measured, sensible and persuasive. It is not surprising that Insurers and solicitors love to instruct her.’   
London Bar

International arbitration: counsel

Leading junior3
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk 'Clara has many strengths. She writes extremely well and persuasively, making complex subjects seem simple. She is experienced at working with experts and helping them to express their opinions clearly and focused on the key points in relation to which their expertise is required.'
London Bar

Shipping

Leading junior2
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘It is striking that, when everyone is focussed on what only seems like the main issue in a case, she will often produce a masterly analysis of the actual essential issue which determines the case.’