Essex Court Chambers
With ‘ the perfect combination of expertise and commercial awareness’, pre-eminent public international law set Essex Court Chambers fields an outstanding portfolio of commercial and academically accomplished barristers who are highly adept at handling the full spectrum of public international law matters with particular expertise in state-versus-state disputes, land and sea territorial disputes, international trade and investment arbitrations, and state immunity issues. Alison Macdonald KC who was recently asked by the Ukrainian government to join a high-profile working group on the seizure of Russian assets to provide reparations following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ben Juratowitch KC is representing the Gabonese government in its dispute with Equatorial Guinea in its boundary dispute over three islands. On the junior end, Amy Sander, Naomi Hart and Jackie McArthur stand out, forming parts of counsel teams in state-versus-state disputes. Thomas Sebastian, joined from Monckton Chambers in July 2023, bringing with him expertise on WTO matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Essex Court is an excellent Chambers for public international law.'
- 'Probably the strongest London set in public international law.'
- 'Really outstanding.'
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.
2Hall of fameEssex Court Chambers
‘Ben is a super silk in the making. He combines dedicated PIL expertise, with outstanding advocacy as well as excellent touch with clients.’
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32022 Silks
Essex Court Chambers
‘Lucas has developed an important practice in investment treaty arbitration, in which he has long practiced and has built up all the right skills and tools. He knows all the cases (he also teaches) and is an excellent advocate. His mastery of quantum issues is another plus that makes him stand out.’
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.
1Essex Court Chambers
'Amy's knowledge is first-rate and she is fast in mastering details of complex cases.'
2Essex Court Chambers
'Paul is exceedingly bright. His attention to detail is outstanding and his analysis is rigorous and forensic. He demonstrates mature judgement.'
3Essex Court Chambers
‘Naomi is a star – ferociously bright, very hard-working, a great team player and her analytical skills are exceptional. Her practice in PIL is growing quickly, she is excellent in the investor state dispute field, as well as in pure state-versus-state cases.’
3Essex Court Chambers
‘Best barrister in the market when it comes to international trade, but also a first-rate PIL generalist – in terms of both analytical and strategic thinking, he is one of the best senior juniors in PIL.’
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.
1Essex Court Chambers
'Amy's knowledge is first-rate and she is fast in mastering details of complex cases.'
2Essex Court Chambers
'Paul is exceedingly bright. His attention to detail is outstanding and his analysis is rigorous and forensic. He demonstrates mature judgement.'
3Essex Court Chambers
‘Naomi is a star – ferociously bright, very hard-working, a great team player and her analytical skills are exceptional. Her practice in PIL is growing quickly, she is excellent in the investor state dispute field, as well as in pure state-versus-state cases.’
3Essex Court Chambers
‘Best barrister in the market when it comes to international trade, but also a first-rate PIL generalist – in terms of both analytical and strategic thinking, he is one of the best senior juniors in PIL.’