Paul Key KC
Essex Court Chambers ‘A shining star of the London Bar. He has a transcendent intellect.’
Essex Court Chambers is ‘very strong in offshore energy and oil and gas disputes, and claims involving complex commercial contracts’. The team regularly acts in high-value energy disputes and arbitration cases, often representing clients in the nuclear, renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. Paul Key KC is acting as lead counsel for Petrochemical Holdings in a multibillion-dollar claim against Romania concerning the redevelopment of petrochemicals plants. Anton Dudnikov is a highly regarded junior, with a solid track record in advising on challenges to arbitral awards, and Paul Wee stands out as ‘a rising star in this area and a future leader’. Tariq Baloch joined from 3 Verulam Buildings in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are responsive, helpful and willing to discuss counsel availability and brief fees in a direct and reasonable manner.'
- 'The clerks are very responsive, efficient and pleasant to deal with.'
- 'The clerks were always very helpful.'
- 'Essex Court has unrivalled strength-in-depth in energy at all levels of seniority.'
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.
David Mildon KC
Essex Court Chambers ‘David can simplify complex legal issues and always gets to the heart of them.’
Philippa Hopkins KC
Essex Court Chambers ‘Philippa is a formidable leading counsel and makes light work of the most mind-bendingly difficult points.’
2023 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.
Siddharth Dhar KC
Essex Court Chambers ‘He provides thoughtful and cerebral advice, especially in novel areas of law. A first-rate advocate.’
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.
Anton Dudnikov
Essex Court Chambers ‘Very responsive and considered, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with.’
Paul Wee
Essex Court Chambers ‘Paul is extremely bright, driven, and masters huge amounts of complex material very quickly. A favourite with clients.'
Ciaran Keller
Essex Court Chambers ‘Ciaran's ability to present complex and intricate arguments compellingly is extraordinary.’
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