Essex Court Chambers is ‘one of the top sets’ in the art and cultural property field and handles complex cases across the spectrum of the field. ’Great communicator and very strong advocate’ Joe Smouha KC continues to act in the litgation concerning the Bouvier affair, concerning an alleged defrauding of Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev by a Swiss art transporter, continuing in three separate jurisdictions. Claudia Renton has a particularly strong reputation for handling authenticity cases and ‘dealing with experts and very complex scientific evidence.’

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerking team is good, responsive and helpful.' 
  • 'Very strong clerking team and well led by Joe Ferrigno.'
  • 'A strong set with high quality commercial barristers across the board.'
  • 'Essex Court is always highly efficient.'
  • 'Essex Court is one of the top sets with whom we work.' 

Silks

Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Joe Smouha KC
Essex Court Chambers
'Joe is a great communicator and he is a very strong advocate with the ear of the court. He is immensely hard working and dedicated to the cause and a great team player.' 

Juniors

Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.