Elizabeth Blackburn KC
The 36 Group ‘Elizabeth has the rare talent of being user-friendly combined with the ability to absorb and process very complex information.’
Hailed as a ‘very well regarded set with in-depth ability from top to bottom’, The 36 Group fields a number of barristers specialised in shipping and handling numerous high-profile cases in the industry. Elizabeth Blackburn KC continues to be instructed in the Ever Given in a High Court salvage claim pertaining to the infamous vessel that ran aground in the Suez Canal in 2021, while the Nautical Challenge Ltd v Evergreen Marine (UK) Limited, which deals with the collision of two vessels near Dubai in 2015, is one of the matters recently handled by Mark Jones. Vasanti Selvaratnam KC’s busy shipping practice included the first case in which the responsibility for a collision in a precautionary area had to be considered by the English Admiralty Court, M/V Wilforce cw M/V Western Moscow.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are very user friendly and happy to discuss all aspects of the case.'
- 'Excellent service, clerks are responsive and efficient. The clerks' room is efficient, professional, and understands client needs. Particularly impressed with Billy Brett and Reiss Nott.'
- 'Very knowledgeable and helpful clerking team headed by Reiss Nott.'
- '36 Stone is a very well regarded set with in-depth ability from top to bottom. '
- '36 Group are an excellent set of chambers.'
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.
Vasanti Selvaratnam KC
The 36 Group ‘ Her individual strengths are great clarity in her written work and brilliance in her advocacy. She is very well respected by everyone at the shipping Bar and is seen as an overall star.’
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.
Ravi Aswani
The 36 Group ‘Clear, concise and prompt advice. Always ready to engage and listen to instructing solicitors’ views on a case.’
Rachel Toney
The 36 Group 
Charles Debattista
The 36 Group 'A highly skilled advocate with a calm demeanour in hearings, excelling at presenting complex arguments in a compelling way.'
Ishfaq Ahmed
The 36 Group ‘ Ishfaq fights hard for his client and is always thorough and meticulous in his preparation. User friendly and responsive.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Andrew Ng
The 36 Group ‘Andrew's advocacy is enhanced by his kindness, organisational prowess, composure, and precision. These qualities not only make him a formidable advocate but also a respected and valued team member.'
Emile Yusupoff
The 36 Group ‘Emile is very diligent and has a confidence beyond his years in practice.'