England - London • Dispute resolution
HFW
HFW is known for ‘excellence in delivering practical and actionable advice across the team, particularly in respect of physical seaborne commodities’. The firm has a stellar roster of clients, among the BP Oil, Louis Dreyfus, Goldman Sachs and Vitol. Alistair Feeney, who is ‘clever, calm, and presents his advice clearly and succinctly’, leads the practice, which features a deep bench of talent. Damian Honey, whose broad portfolio of work for commodity traders, producers, financiers and insurers includes sales and disputes, ‘provides pragmatic, commercial advice’. He represented Vitol as claimant in a case concerning the breach of an SPA for the sale and purchase of propane. Standout litigator Brian Perrott acted for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in a high-value matter arising from the the collapse of high-profile bunker trading house Hin Leong and associated companies. Judith Prior has ‘vast knowledge of commodities arbitration, particularly in the sugar business’. International commodity trade and shipping specialist Sarah Taylor, up-and-coming partner Michael Buffham and ‘reliable, thorough and organised’ senior associate Stephanie Morton also play pivotal roles in the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team's great strength is its significant sector experience built on an impressive client base.'
'Damian Honey is particularly knowledgeable. He is always available and provides pragmatic, commercial advice.'
‘HFW are one of the only firms that has the expertise to advise us on numerous aspects of commodity trading and shipping. They know our business and understand its culture, which gives them the edge when it comes to advising on ways forward. What makes the team unique is a winning combination of sector-focused expertise on the one hand and disputes handling on the other. This means that they are extremely well-equipped to advise on both the legal position and the strategy to handle any legal action we may face or want to bring.'
'They can easily call on related support within the wider HFW network where needed, including on sanctions, trade finance and market regulation, as well as from other jurisdictions where specific trading advice may be needed. The team's key strengths lie in deep sector knowledge, expertise and skill in handling complex disputes, responsiveness and value for money.’
‘Alistair Feeney is a true pleasure to work with. He is always on hand when you need him. Alistair is extremely well-versed in all oil, LNG or shipping-related legal matters, whether transactional, advisory or disputes-related. He is clever, calm, and presents his advice clearly and succinctly.'
‘Judith Prior - vast knowledge of commodities arbitration, particularly in the sugar business.'
'Alistair Feeney, Rosie Harrison and Stephanie Morton work very well together. Both Rosie and Stephanie are reliable, thorough and organised, which is absolutely what is required when it comes to handling litigation and arbitration. Rosie in particular is very responsive and knowledgeable when it comes to sale contract advice or any procedural rules/guidance.'
Damian Honey is an expert in his field. His advice, particularly on transactional matters, is always relevant, clear and well-thought through.'
‘Strong, commercial advice. I trust their guidance. Robust legal analysis. Good understanding of billing sensitivity and always willing to have a transparent conversation around that.’
‘Excellence in delivering practical and actionable advice across the team, particularly in respect of physical seaborne commodities. Great collaboration with product and shipping teams to deliver holistic approach and manage disputes.’
‘Alistair Feeney is my go-to guy for all seaborne energy commodity disputes. His advice is specific and well-reasoned after grasping often complex factual circumstances. He has a good supporting cast as well.’
‘Very strong team. Unique individuals who have one thing in common: they are very good at what they do and usually win. Resources are readily available. One feels you have the "big guns". Trial prep is impressive - nothing left to chance.’
‘Brian Perrott and Stephanie Morton are highly skilled and strategic thinkers. Unfazed in the heat of battle.’
‘There is a strength in depth within the HFW team, with fantastic experience and knowledge at the top.'
Key clients
- BP Oil International Limited
- Hartree Partners
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- Vitol
- Qatargas
- ADNOC Trading
- ADNOC Global Trading
- Eni
- Goldman Sachs
- Louis Dreyfus
- OMV
Work highlights
- Acting for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in connection with the collapse of the high-profile bunker trading house Hin Leong and associated companies.
- Advising the Claimant, Vitol S.A., on its claim against Genser Energy Ghana Limited for breach of an SPA for the sale and purchase of propane and failure to make payment of a Settlement Amount of US$17,650,514.02 under the SPA's Event of Default provisions. Vitol also sought contractual interest pursuant to an addendum.
- Advising BP Oil International Limited on a claim in the Commercial Court in London against Glencore Energy UK Limited arising from the supply to BP of Russian Export Crude Oil that was contaminated with high levels of organic chlorides.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alistair Feeney