39 Essex Chambers is an ‘excellent set for international arbitration matters’, with the set’s arbitrators’ expertise extending across all sectors including construction, energy and commercial disputes, as well as in sports-related arbitrations, an area in which Lord Dyson is particularly active, and in investment treaty cases, an area where Peter Rees KC – known for his pre-Bar career as a law firm partner and as Shell’s top in-house lawyer – has increased his visibility. Those who sit alongside a counsel practice include Adrian Hughes KC, who has been involved in cases in the SIAC and across the Middle East and Marion Smith KC, who has extensive experience in construction and technology arbitrations. Richard Wilmot-Smith KC is a full-time arbitrator and has a global practice in this space.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Linsey Scott is outstanding in reaching out to clients and ensuring a good service is provided. A well-managed set.'
  • 'The service from the clerks' room was consistently excellent. The clerk demonstrated professionalism, attentiveness, responsiveness and a proactive approach.'
  • 'The clerks are a pleasure to deal with.'
  • 'All counsel were noted for their helpfulness, diligence, and dedication to their work, reflecting a high standard of professionalism within the organization.'
  • '39 Essex has very substantial strength in depth and is proactive in offering training programmes.'
  • 'Excellent set for international arbitration matters, both on the construction and commercial sides.'
  • '39 Essex Street is full of good, highly competent barristers.'
  • 'Excellent set of Chambers with an all-round offering of public law, personal injury and commercial and construction.'

Silks

Leading arbitrators
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.
Peter Rees KC
1
Peter Rees KC
39 Essex Chambers
'Peter is strong on the technical points and a good presiding arbitrator.'
Richard Wilmot-Smith KC
2
Richard Wilmot-Smith KC
39 Essex Chambers
'Richard is intelligent, adaptable, cooperative, good natured and innovative. He is a very good person to work with on a tribunal.'
2
Lord Dyson
39 Essex Chambers
‘John is one of the most intelligent, dedicated, experienced and fair arbitrators in sport today.’
Leading counsel as arbitrators
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.
Adrian Hughes KC
1
Adrian Hughes KC
39 Essex Chambers
'A careful, thoughtful, resourceful and efficient arbitrator. In the top flight.'
Marion Smith KC
2
Marion Smith KC
39 Essex Chambers
‘Level headed and attention to detail. A calming influence in fraught situations.’

Juniors