With ‘excellence across the board’, barristers at 7KBW offer clients a diverse set of expertise that covers both wet and dry shipping. The set remains a go-to choice for a variety of stakeholders in the maritime sector, including insurers, charterers, P&I clubs, and shipowners. One of the highlights for Stephen Hofmeyr KC in 2022 was the Argentum Exploration Limited v Silver, a case that decided the Republic of South Africa was not entitled to immunity from the jurisdiction of the court under the State Immunity Act 1978 regarding the salvage of silver from a ship sunk in the Indian Ocean in 1942. Alistair Schaff KC has a strong reputation regarding superyachts, while Dominic Kendrick KC acts in cases relating to sanctions, amongst others. Marcus Mander also had another strong year, acting in SK Shipping Europe PLC v. Capital Maritime & Trading Corp, a case that arose out of the charter of four crude carriers, opposite Christopher Smith KC. N G Casey KC took silk in 2023, and Robert Bright KC (as was) was appointed to the High Court bench at the beginning of the same year.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The clerks are very helpful. I have had many dealings with Gary Rose whom I consider particularly friendly, helpful and of great assistance.'
'Excellent, I trust Gary Rose and Greg Leyden completely - they are some of the best clerks in the market.'
'Clerks, especially Gary Rose, are superb.'
'7KBW are a preferred set when it comes to shipping. The counsel there are all very capable professionals and the clerks will do their best to come up with a suitable counsel for the needs of the case.'
'7KBW offers excellence across the board - there are no weak points. The emphasis on training pupils and more junior members pays off.'
'7KBW is a stellar set for shipping. The depth of knowledge available is profound, notably across levels of seniority.'
'7KBW are a preferred set when it comes to shipping. The counsel there are all very capable professionals and the clerks will do their best to come up with a suitable counsel for the needs of the case.'
'7KBW clerks are known for being straightforward and easy to deal with.'

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.

Dominic Kendrick

David Bailey

Alistair Schaff

David Allen

‘One of the best advocates available.'

Jonathan Gaisman

Stephen Hofmeyr

‘Incredibly strong on engineering and technical details. Clear, controlled and effective advocacy.’

Peter MacDonald Eggers

Richard Southern

'Intelligent and organised. Very good advocacy skills and good at cross-examination.'

Richard Waller

'Intelligent and organised. Gives very clear advice. Very good advocacy skills and good at cross-examination. Highly recommended.'

Siobán Healy

Jawdat Khurshid

‘Jawdat is a welcome addition to any legal team – he is an excellent advocate, thinks positively and commercially, and is focused on the big picture.’

2023 Silks

Noel Casey KC

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.

Charles Priday

‘Totally reliable.'

Richard Sarll

'Very bright and calm under pressure which gives a solicitor a lot of reassurance. Also very pleasant to work with.'

Marcus Mander

'Marcus is extremely approachable and a team player. He is an extremely effective and persuasive advocated, well-liked and respected by judges and arbitrators alike.'

Alexander MacDonald

Gavin Geary

'He provides very clear and succinct advice. His ability to spot and focus on the right issues is incomparable. '

Stephen Du

Clara Benn

‘Excellent on the law, on the facts, with the clients and with the court or tribunal. One to watch.’

Sandra Healy

‘A source of clear and insightful analysis, as well as high-quality drafting.’

Benjamin Parker

Adam Turner

‘He is extremely bright, drafts well, and also has an admirable work ethic. A future star of the Bar.’

Jason Robinson

‘He is an absolute star.'

Jocelin Gale

Jessica Sutherland

'Her written advocacy is good and persuasive.'

Sushma Ananda

‘Sushma has a very good depth of knowledge and is most thorough. Her written advice is always most comprehensive and well-written.’

Tim Jenns

‘Very user-friendly, good in court, good eye for detail and prepared to make new law.’

Sarah Martin

‘Sarah is an outstanding all-rounder – a razor-sharp legal mind combined with commercial acumen and vision.’

Charles Holroyd

'Charles is very thorough and diligent.'

Elizabeth Lindesay

'Elizabeth has a very good understanding of the end goal and she does not lose sight of that as a case develops.'

Philip Aspin

'Philip is very responsive and efficient. In terms of advocacy he has a clear and logical way of presenting his position.'

John Bignall

Andrew Pearson

'Responsive, adaptable, strong minded, knowledgeable. Always finds an angle.'