39 Essex Chambers
‘Marion is an excellent advocate, with a profound grasp of how to simplify complicated scenarios and obtain an effective outcome for clients.'
With a ‘great breadth of expertise’ on display, 39 Essex Chambers tackles an array of construction and engineering issues on both domestic and international fronts. Marion Smith is acting for the defendant Buro Four Project Services Ltd in Standard Life Assurance Limited v Gleeds, a claim concerning the procurement, development, and design of a mixed-use retail and residential project in West Berkshire. In the international arena, David Brynmor Thomas KC is representing Vedanta against Baker Hughes, a significant dispute arising from the supply of drilling services and materials in India. Crossing over with the set's expertise in areas such as public law, Kate Grange KC is one of a significant number of members to have had involvement in the Grenfell Tower inquiry - she was part of the counsel to the inquiry team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Darcey Bourne is a clerk to watch.'
- 'There is strength in depth. They have counsel at every level for construction disputes.'
- '39 Essex Street is one of my first ports of call when looking for construction and arbitration counsel.'
- 'Excellent knowledge and expertise in construction and commercial matters.'
- 'Good set with great breadth of expertise in particular on arbitration, engineering and construction.'
- 'Outstanding expert in international construction law.'
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.
39 Essex Chambers
‘Karim is a wonderful advocate, with a particularly methodical and devastating cross-examination. His ability to learn a complex case, break it down into the key issues on which the matters actually turn and devise effective strategy is also particularly impressive.'
39 Essex Chambers
‘David's advice is very clear and easy to understand for those instructing and clients. He can distil several complex problems into straightforward answers.'
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.
39 Essex Chambers
‘An excellent junior, who is comfortable leading cases or working with KCs. Melissa’s detailed understanding of the technical and factual issues quickly earns her the respect and confidence of clients.'
39 Essex Chambers
‘Very intelligent, hardworking and well-liked by clients. Always on top of the detail.'
39 Essex Chambers
'Vivek is an expert in law - his ability to find novel legal solutions to some of the most difficult situations is remarkable. He is an excellent advocate - his ability to make simple arguments explaining complex points in both law and facts is a case winner. His cross-examination is effective.'
Leading Juniors
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
39 Essex Chambers
‘An excellent junior, who is comfortable leading cases or working with KCs. Melissa’s detailed understanding of the technical and factual issues quickly earns her the respect and confidence of clients.'
39 Essex Chambers
‘Very intelligent, hardworking and well-liked by clients. Always on top of the detail.'
39 Essex Chambers
'Vivek is an expert in law - his ability to find novel legal solutions to some of the most difficult situations is remarkable. He is an excellent advocate - his ability to make simple arguments explaining complex points in both law and facts is a case winner. His cross-examination is effective.'