1One Essex Court
‘A class outfit and a really strong chambers for all things energy and broader commercial work’, One Essex Court ’has extraordinary strength in depth.’ Members regularly appear in many of the main arbitral centres, representing clients in arbitration proceedings across a broad spectrum of industries, including aviation, construction and infrastructure, energy and mining, finance and banking as well as transport and telecoms. Recent examples include Hulley Enterprises Limited, Yukos Universal Limited and Veteran Petroleum Limited v The Russian Federation in which Laurence Rabinowitz KC, leading Henry Hoskins, acted for the Russian Federation in proceedings brought by the claimants in the Commercial Court for the recognition and enforcement of arbitration awards made in an international arbitration pursuant to the Energy Charter Treaty. Notable practitioners include Sa’ad Hossain KC on the senior end – Henry Forbes Smith KC and Marcos Dracos KC joined the silk ranks in March 2023. Nehali Shah, Michelle Menashy and Rachel Oakeshott are strong and sought-after juniors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They set the standard for clerking that other chambers try to match.'
- 'Clerking at One Essex Court is highly efficient and effective. The clerks are quick to get to grips with the needs of a case, and propose appropriate counsel. Clerks are adept at managing counsel's availability, and are highly responsive.'
- 'Very strong set, with great offering at all levels.'
- 'One Essex Court are a fantastic set for commercial work. Their barristers are uniformly highly capable, hard working, and committed.'
- 'Reliable and responsive juniors on complex commercial cases.'
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.
1
1Hall of fameOne Essex Court
'Very bright, responsive and user friendly. The top choice for complex financial and valuation cases.'
Hall of fameOne Essex Court
‘Alain is extremely clever and easy to work with. He has the ability to analyse complex issues in a clear and efficient way.’
2
2Hall of fameOne Essex Court
‘David is undoubtedly one of the best barristers practising at the commercial Bar right now. Calm and collected, with a wonderful manner, he always has the ear of the court. He is the ultimate team player, and is very effective at running large teams in very high stakes cases. Clients trust and appreciate his impeccable judgement and the ability to always see the woods from the trees and his oral advocacy is amongst the very best.’
Hall of fameOne Essex Court
‘Charles has outstanding team and client skills and a photographic memory, and provides a sensible and careful approach to tactical recommendations. He is clear in reasoning and logic.’
Hall of fameOne Essex Court
‘He is highly strategic and a brilliant advocate. Diligent and bright, he writes very impressively.’
2023 Silks
One Essex Court
‘Marcos has a formidable intellect which he combines with shrewd strategic acumen. His knowledge of arbitration is unrivalled and leaders benefit enormously from his assistance.’
One Essex Court
‘His strength and qualities are an encyclopedic knowledge of arbitration rules and related case law, and a sharp commercial mind. He is exceptionally pragmatic but also wonderfully intelligent and clients always comment on his comprehensive written work.’
One Essex Court
‘Henry has a first rate and astonishingly innovative legal mind, particularly on all issues concerning the conflict of laws.’
2024 Silks
One Essex Court
‘Nick is very in demand: a robust and assured advocate. His mastery of detail is most impressive and he takes on advocacy roles even in teams where he is led.'
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.
One Essex Court
‘Michelle is a superb advocate. Her strengths are attention to detail, a client-friendly style working incredibly well with associates of all levels and outstanding cross-examination skills.’
One Essex Court
‘Eleanor is thorough, responsive and with an excellent knowledge of the relevant legal principles and how best to use them. Her drafting is precise, and her advocacy is measured and persuasive.’
3One Essex Court
‘A highly experienced senior-junior with calm and measured judgement, clear and concise drafting skills, and persuasive advocacy - he knows arbitration inside out.’
One Essex Court
‘A brilliant mind who is hard working could not be either better or nicer. Absolutely top-class - an excellent choice for any arbitration that requires a top quality team.’
One Essex Court
‘Nehali is very bright, highly responsive, and a joy to work with. She provides carefully considered advice. A very impressive junior.’
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.
One Essex Court
‘Michelle is a superb advocate. Her strengths are attention to detail, a client-friendly style working incredibly well with associates of all levels and outstanding cross-examination skills.’
One Essex Court
‘Eleanor is thorough, responsive and with an excellent knowledge of the relevant legal principles and how best to use them. Her drafting is precise, and her advocacy is measured and persuasive.’
3One Essex Court
‘A highly experienced senior-junior with calm and measured judgement, clear and concise drafting skills, and persuasive advocacy - he knows arbitration inside out.’
One Essex Court
‘A brilliant mind who is hard working could not be either better or nicer. Absolutely top-class - an excellent choice for any arbitration that requires a top quality team.’
One Essex Court
‘Nehali is very bright, highly responsive, and a joy to work with. She provides carefully considered advice. A very impressive junior.’