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.

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 JUNIORS5
Clara Benn –7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara is one of the cleverest barristers clients could hope to meet, but wears it lightly - she never makes clients feel they have asked a silly question and adds value to every question she is asked. She is also very good on paper.'
London Bar

Commodities

LEADING JUNIORS2
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Hardworking, diligent and sensible, Clara is excellent on the law, on the facts, with the clients and with the court, and her maturity outstrips her seniority by a long way.’
London Bar

Fraud: civil

LEADING JUNIORS4
Clara Benn - 7 King's Bench Walk 'Clara is a consummate advocate. Great attention to detail and relishes working through detailed documents concerning underlying transactions in complex fraud cases.'
London Bar

Insurance and reinsurance

LEADING JUNIORS3
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Excellent on the law, and on the facts, with solicitors and with the clients.  Just excellent all-round.’  
London Bar

International arbitration: counsel

LEADING JUNIORS3
Clara Benn  – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Clara is brilliant. A joy to work with - she is approachable, very sharp, and has a good sense of how to bring out the best in a case for the client, especially in terms of written advocacy. Her pleadings and submissions for this case are very well-written.'
London Bar

Shipping

LEADING JUNIORS2
Clara Benn – 7 King’s Bench Walk ‘Excellent on the law, on the facts, with the clients and with the court or tribunal. One to watch.’