Atkin Chambers is praised as a 'premier set' dealing with complex cross-border disputes involving parties from multiple jurisdictions’, and the set stands out for its expertise in engineering and construction-related arbitrations. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC has a significant following in Asia and the Middle East, often working with Samar Abbas Kazmi. Stephen Dennison KC has recently acted in arbitrations related to energy infrastructure, while Camille Slow KC, who was made Silk in 2024, is active in major projects in the GCC region.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Andrew Burrows is very proactive and a pleasure to work with. David Barns is similarly talented individual. It is clear that Atkin Chambers have recruited high caliber clerks to work with their high caliber barristers.'
- 'The service provided by Atkin Chambers is top notch. The clerks are more than helpful and Rick Bulaitis in particular is the first to help in any way possible.'
- 'Very helpful, commercial and approachable clerks. Andrew Burrows and Freddie Buckle particularly helpful.'
- 'The clerks provide a good service. Justin Wilson, Andrew Burrows and Rob Bryant are particularly responsive and helpful.'
- 'Atkin is the best construction set in the business.'
- 'In terms of international work, Atkin Chambers is a “premier set” dealing with complex cross-border disputes involving parties from multiple jurisdictions. These disputes are often commercially and/or politically sensitive.'
- 'Atkin chambers have many experienced construction barristers. They have deep construction law experience.'
- 'Excellent offering in terms of expertise in construction disputes.'
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.
Manus McMullan KC
Atkin Chambers ‘No doubt Manus is top-notch and one of the very best in the field of oral advocacy, especially in complex high value disputes in the field of construction and engineering. His cross-examination is simply first-rate, excellent and truly outstanding.’
Stephen Dennison KC
Atkin Chambers 'Fantastic advocate; great with clients; good at getting to the heart of a case.'
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
Atkin Chambers 'She is an absolute star as an advocate in international arbitrations. She knows how to handle international arbitral tribunals and has a deep appreciation of how to put a client's case to them.'
Andrew Goddard KC
Atkin Chambers 'Andrew is one of the leading construction silks. He always rolls his sleeves up and gets into the detail.'
Riaz Hussain KC
Atkin Chambers 'Riaz is a leading silk. He quickly gets on top of the issues and his oral advocacy is excellent.'
James Howells KC
Atkin Chambers ‘Always calm and easily creates a rapport with the tribunal. He is able to easily and fluently change tack or approach as matters develop in the course of a trial. He is able to master foreign legal concepts quickly and debate these concepts with senior tribunal members who are well versed in the foreign law in question.’
Simon Lofthouse KC
Atkin Chambers ‘There are no weaknesses. He is simply better prepared than all his opponents and he has been up against the very best. He outworks them, and then he’s like the four horsemen of the apocalypse, but more courteous.’
Rupert Choat KC
Atkin Chambers 'Rupert is a brilliant lawyer, who knows how to integrate another counsel team and bring a real input. He is a great strategist and is amazing in cross examination. He is a real expert in construction law.'
Serena Cheng KC
Atkin Chambers 'Excellent attention to detail, very strong advocacy, presents clear advice, willing to deliver difficult messages.'
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Mark Chennells KC
Atkin Chambers 'Mark is very diligent and prepares his cases thoroughly. He masters the detail in each matter. He is also excellent in writing and brilliant as an advocate.'
2024 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.
Camille Slow KC
Atkin Chambers ‘Camille is very approachable and easy to work with. A great team player. Excellent with clients – very reassuring and clear. Good on technical detail. Able to see all the arguments and present them in a clear and persuasive way. Excellent advocate.’
Camille Slow KC
Atkin Chambers ‘Camille has a strong attention to detail, is extremely responsiveness and technically very sharp.’
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.
Samar Abbas Kazmi
Atkin Chambers 'Robust and succinct. Cuts to the heart of matters quickly and is a pleasure to work with.'
Andrew Fenn
Atkin Chambers 'Extremely client friendly. First class written advocacy based on mastering of the factual and technical case. The first draft from Andrew rarely requires amendment. Assured and compelling oral advocacy that rivals barristers that are many years his senior.'
Zulfikar Khayum
Atkin Chambers 'Zulf is hardworking, clever and detailed with his cross-examination.'
Simon Crawshaw
Atkin Chambers 'Simon possesses a remarkable ability to grasp complex legal issues swiftly and effectively. His analytical skills are exceptional, enabling him to dissect intricate legal as well as technical matters with precision. Additionally, his strong communication skills, both written and oral, greatly contribute to his effectiveness in presenting arguments persuasively.'
Shourav Lahiri
Atkin Chambers 'Attention to detail, in-depth review. His cross-examination of expert witnesses is a sight to behold.'
Lucie Briggs
Atkin Chambers ‘Very well-liked and effective member of the team. Her cross-examination is very thoroughly prepared, forensically focused and highly effective.’
Omar Eljadi
Atkin Chambers ‘Omar’s strengths include his deep expertise in construction matters, impressive fact-finding skills and strong attention to details. He has distinguished experience in handling construction disputes.’
