Essex Court Chambers

Essex Court Chambers is praised for being 'approachable and always ready to assist' and stands out as one of the top commercial shipping sets at the Bar. Christopher Smith KC remains involved in the SS Tilawa case, representing the Republic of South Africa, where the Supreme Court confirmed that it was entitled to state immunity from the in rem claim concerning a vessel which was sunk by Japanese torpedos while carrying sixty tonnes of silver bullion during WWII, much of which was raised in 2017 by a salvage company owned by Sir Paul Marshall. He also appears in the MSC Flaminia litigation, working alongside 2025 silk David Walsh KC, who leads on issues likely to shape the future development of liability limitations. In FIMBank p.l.c v KCH Shipping Co Ltd, Helen Morton successfully acted in a case where the court held that both The Hague Rules and the Hague-Visby Rules time bars apply to misdelivery claims arising after discharge—leading to the dismissal of the appeal. Meanwhile, in RTI Ltd v Mur Shipping BV, Nigel Eaton KC leads Adam Woolnough in a high-profile case addressing U.S. sanctions and the operation of force majeure clauses in commercial contracts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

"I think the standards at Essex Court Chambers are exceptionally high."
"Very good chambers - approachable and always ready to assist."
"The clerks’ team is very good and approachable, always willing and able to help."
"They are a pre-eminent set, with someone of high quality always available."
"Very switched on and quick to respond – they identify problems quickly and offer practical solutions."

Lawyers

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.

Steven Berry KC

‘Steven has encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, he is a fierce cross-examiner and brilliant strategist.’

Christopher Smith KC

‘Chris is without doubt the most proactive and team focussed KC many solicitors have worked with. ’

Graham Dunning KC

'Graham is a very creative and effective advocate - able to masterfully distil complex and vast matters into simple, yet powerful, submissions. '

Nigel Eaton KC

Philippa Hopkins KC

‘ If there is something that needs serious firepower, Philippa would be the first person to ask. ’

Nathan Pillow KC

'Nathan is outstanding, and ought to be recognised as one of the very best silks at the top of the market. '

Jeremy Brier KC

‘ Excellent oral advocacy that comes with a great deal of thought and precision. Clients love him and his manner.’

Neil Hart KC

2025 Silks

David Walsh KC

‘Very bright and an excellent advocate.’

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.