Gavin Kealey is widely acknowledged to be one of England & Wales’s leading Commercial King’s Counsel practising at the English Bar both as counsel and as international arbitrator. He is a Deputy High Court Judge assigned to the Commercial Court in London, Head of Chambers at 7 King’s Bench Walk, and rated in Band 1 in either or both of Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 2022/3 for Insurance & Reinsurance, Aviation, International Arbitration (as counsel), International Arbitration (as arbitrator).  He is the Chambers & Partners Star Individual in Insurance.  He is the 2022 Legal 500 Financial Services Silk of the Year and the 2022 Chambers & Partners Insurance and Reinsurance Silk of the Year.

Principal areas of practice: shipping contracts, insurance contracts (marine and non-marine), shipbuilding and sale contract disputes, and jurisdiction and injunction disputes.

Tim has extensive experience as an advocate in the UK and overseas courts, and before arbitration tribunals. He has been recognised as a leading practitioner in editions of Chambers and Partners, the Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal and Legal Experts.

Jonathan Gaisman KC is named by Chambers and Partners 2023 as a Star at the Bar. He is a star individual in the Commercial Dispute Resolution section of Chambers and Partners 2023. He was Chambers’ Commercial Litigation Silk of the Year in 2009 and 2014 and shortlisted again in 2016. He was Chambers’ Insurance Silk of the Year in 2006.

Dominic Kendrick KC has stopped acting as counsel in large trials and focuses instead upon sitting as an arbitrator, and advising clients in consultation and in writing, although he will act as counsel in short cases. As a brief  snapshot, he is currently (June 2022) engaged in aviation insurance cases arising out of the Russia/Ukraine war, and is acting as arbitrator on: shipping disputes ; Business Interruption aggregation disputes arising out of Covid 19; trade credit insurance and ‘circular sales’ disputes: and disputes involving offshore construction in the oil and gas sector.

Alistair Schaff KC practises both as a barrister and as an arbitrator specialising in international commercial law. He is a leading commercial Silk, particularly in the fields of international arbitration, insurance and reinsurance, and shipping/international trade.

Stephen Hofmeyr KC is a leading commercial barrister with a wide-ranging international commercial law practice.

He is described in the leading legal directories as “one of the commercial Bar’s best all round counsel”with a “keen eye for detail”, “a heavyweight in this field” widely regarded as “one of the nicest insurance silks at the Bar” and one who “fights his corner very hard”. He is very much a “team player”, operates an informal “hands-on” approach and is very accessible.

In 2021 he was appointed Shipping Silk of the Year.

Adam acts as an advocate in Court and Arbitration work in the following core areas of practice: Insurance, Reinsurance, Professional Negligence, Shipping and Sale of Goods.

Stephen Kenny KC acts as an advocate in commercial litigation and arbitration, and advises on all stages of the conduct of such proceedings.  He also has a significant advisory practice, particularly in relation to insurance matters. He is ranked as a leading silk for Shipping and Commodities by Chambers and Partners (2022); and for Commodities, Insurance and Reinsurance;  and Shipping by The Legal 500 (2022). Stephen’s practice covers many areas within Chambers’ general expertise.

Richard Southern is first and foremost an advocate. He specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, including shipping, energy, commodities and international trade, professional negligence, marine and non-marine insurance, and reinsurance.

As a silk since 2006 Richard has advised and represented his clients in the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal, arbitrations under the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration, the London Maritime Arbitration Association and others, in mediations, and at a wide variety of other hearings.

David Bailey KC is one of the country’s leading commercial silks. He specialises in all aspects of commercial law and is regularly sought after for his expertise in shipping (including super-yacht), insurance and jurisdictional disputes. High profile cases in which David has recently appeared include leading for the appellants in Enka v Chubb and The Alexandros T in the Supreme Court, acting for Lloyds Bank in relation to PPI, The Atlantik Confidence, the SBM/MPOUstor and the West Tankers litigation. Much of David’s practice is in arbitration.

David Edwards specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, both as an advocate and as an advisor, in particular in insurance and reinsurance where he is acknowledged as one of the leading silks at the bar, banking and finance, professional negligence, commercial arbitration and shipping and international trade.

David Allen KC is consistently recognised as one of the English Bar’s most outstanding advocates. He is in high demand as leading counsel in all manner of commercial actions in the High Court and Court of Appeal as well as in international arbitrations. His practice is broad and includes fraud, shareholder disputes, company, share purchase agreement, banking, energy, infrastructure, shipping and insurance cases.

He is described in the independent legal directories as “a truly brilliant, top quality, heavyweight commercial silk” and an “extraordinarily excellent advocate”.  David is “widely respected for his capabilities in all manner of commercial disputes”, he “exudes confidence” and is “very user friendly.”

Stephen Phillips practices exclusively in commercial law, both as an advisor and at trial and appellate level, often leading large multi-disciplinary teams. Known for his cross-examination skills, he is acknowledged as one of the leading advocates in high value cases in both the Commercial Court and international arbitration, where much of his work lies. Extensively experienced in shipping, insurance and reinsurance, he was recently named as Barrister of the Week by The Lawyer following a lengthy Commercial Court trial involving long and complex cross-examination exposing a €27 million conspiracy.

Siobán practises commercial law including arbitration, insurance and reinsurance, international carriage of goods and commodities, shipping, professional negligence, conflict of laws and jurisdiction disputes, and banking.

Siobán acted for the lead Claimants in the litigation arising out of the Buncefield explosion and for the appellant reinsurers in Wasa v. Lexington, one of the last ever judgments to be given by the House of Lords.

Peter MacDonald Eggers KC is a “very user-friendly and commercial barrister” who specialises in all aspects of commercial law, with a particular focus on insurance and reinsurance , shipping and transport, energy, commodities and international trade, financial services, professional negligence, and international investment projects.

Andrew Wales is well known for insurance and reinsurance, energy, shipping and professional negligence.

He also has significant experience in civil fraud and general commercial cases.  His practice regularly involves issues of jurisdiction and conflict of laws. He regularly appears in the High Court and in arbitration and has also appeared several times in the Privy Council.

Rebecca is a leading English King’s Counsel. She has a wide ranging commercial practice, focussing particularly on insurance/reinsurance, accountants’ liability and general commercial disputes.

Rebecca is listed as a leading English silk in the 2022 Chambers & Partners UK and Global Directories and the 2022 Legal 500 Directory.

Richard specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, acting both as an advocate and in an advisory capacity. His practice covers all areas of commercial law, with an emphasis on insurance, reinsurance, shipping, civil fraud, banking and finance, energy, professional negligence and general commercial disputes. He has acted in a wide spectrum of cases of different types and sizes and has extensive experience of litigating in the commercial court and representing clients in all forms of arbitration.

Jawdat specialises in all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration, with a particular prominence in insurance and reinsurance disputes, where he has long been acknowledged as a leading practitioner at the bar.

James is highly sought-after as both advocate and adviser in all areas of commercial litigation, including conflicts of laws, energy and natural resources, product liability, banking and finance, international trade, and confidentiality and privilege.

He has a particularly prominent reputation in the areas of professional negligence, insurance and reinsurance, and commercial arbitration (often with an international element).

Michael specialises in all aspects of commercial law, including insurance and reinsurance, shipping and international trade, commercial fraud, professional negligence (including underwriting agents, brokers and solicitors), conflict of laws and jurisdiction disputes, as well as more general commercial disputes.  He appears regularly in the Commercial Court, and the Chancery Division of the High Court as well as in arbitration.

Jo specialises in insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, civil fraud, conflict of laws and jurisdiction and international arbitration. She is recommended as a new silk for insurance and commercial dispute resolution in Chambers & Partners and for commercial litigation, insurance and reinsurance and professional negligence in Legal 500, and has been described as “absolutely phenomenal”, “absolutely brilliant”, “very focused” and “ferociously hard-working”.  In 2021, prior to taking silk, Jo won Insurance Junior of the Year at the Chambers Bar Awards.

Noel Casey KC is an advocate and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

He acts in disputes arising out of a wide range of contracts, from share purchase agreements to reinsurance treaties, from charterparties to derivative instruments.  He also has extensive experience of contempt motions, enforcement proceedings, and applications for injunctive relief (including freezing injunctions, search orders and electronic disclosure orders).

Charles Priday was the recipient of the Shipping Junior of the Year award at the Chambers Bar Awards 2014.  He has also been voted one of the top 100 juniors at the UK Bar, out of more than 10,000.

Charles Priday specialises in all areas of commercial law, with a particular emphasis on shipping, shipbuilding, sale and carriage of goods, insurance, all aspects of international trade including banking, as well as general contractual disputes.

Gavin Geary’s practice encompasses most areas of commercial law seen in the Commercial Court and London arbitration, including shipping, trade, and carriage of goods, professional negligence, and insurance and reinsurance, as well as more general contractual disputes and general commercial law. He also accepts appointments as an arbitrator.

Tim has been practising as a commercial barrister since 1997 and specializes in a wide range of commercial disputes.

He acts in cases of all shapes and sizes, but has particular expertise in large-scale commercial litigation and is regularly instructed by major City law firms in high-value, high-profile cases.

John specialises in commercial law, in particular in the following areas: General Commercial Disputes, Insurance/Reinsurance, International Trade, Sale of Goods, Shipping, Carriage of Goods, Arbitration, Agency, Fraud, Professional Negligence (not medical).  He has extensive experience of disputes concerning a wide range of commercial contracts. In the context of those disputes, he has dealt with a wide range of ancillary issues, including the jurisdiction of the court or arbitral tribunal, and various forms of injunctive relief.

Charles specialises in commercial law. He has a broad practice which includes general commercial disputes, insurance and reinsurance, sale of goods, shipping, international trade and conflicts of law.

Charles has wide experience of shipping arbitrations, including both charterparty and shipbuilding disputes. He has also acted in a number of substantial insurance and reinsurance arbitrations. He has frequently appeared before the Commercial Court.

Simon is a barrister specialising in commercial law and all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration.  He advises and acts in commercial disputes in a broad range of areas, with particular expertise in insurance and reinsurance, shipping, energy and natural resources, and professional negligence, as well as general commercial disputes. Simon is listed in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading junior in insurance and reinsurance and in energy.

Benjamin Parker is a specialist commercial law barrister.

His breadth of experience and excellent reputation across a wide range of commercial disciplines are demonstrated by the fact that the legal directories rate him as a leading junior in all his practice areas—commercial law, insurance, shipping & commodities, and international arbitration. In those directories leading market participants describe him as a “class act” with “star quality”, who is “always a delight to work with”.

Anna specialises in all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration, with a particular emphasis on insurance and reinsurance.

Alexander specialises in all areas of commercial law practised at 7KBW, particularly international arbitration, energy, insurance and reinsurance, shipping and private international law.He is recommended in the legal directories as a leading junior in the fields of Commercial Litigation, International Arbitration, Insurance and Reinsurance, and Shipping.  The Legal 500 describes him as ‘one of the stars of the Bar’. Alexander won Insurance Junior of the Year in the Chambers Bar Awards 2018.

Jessica is consistently ranked as a leading junior in the directories. Jessica has been nominated as Junior Counsel of the year (shipping, commodities & aviation) and has been featured by The Lawyer as ‘Barrister of The Week’.

She has a wide-ranging commercial practice including shipping (particularly shipbuilding disputes), international trade, insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, professional regulatory work (auditors). She is regularly instructed in high value disputes involving complex legal and factual issues, often with competing systems of law.

Jessica regularly appears in Court and in International Arbitration proceedings (LCIA, LMAA, ARIAS, Bermuda Form and ad hoc arbitrations) and has been appointed as a sole and co-arbitrator by the LCIA and in ad hoc arbitrations.

Jessica is a supporting member of the LMAA, and a member of the LCIA. She is willing to accept appointments as arbitrator.

Marcus joined 7KBW in 2005. He specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration and is recognised by the directories as a leading junior.  Marcus won the “Junior of the Year” award for Shipping in the Legal 500 UK Awards 2018.  He was also shortlisted for International Arbitration “Junior of the Year” in the 2019 Legal 500 UK awards, and for “Shipping Junior of the Year” at the Chambers Bar Awards 2016.

Richard Sarll was called to the Bar in 2005 and specialises in disputes relating to commercial and admiralty law.  He is particularly well-known for his work in shipping, commodities, insurance and reinsurance, energy, and shipbuilding disputes.

Richard is ranked as a leading junior in the fields of Shipping, Commodities, and Insurance by Legal 500, who place him in their Tier 1 category of juniors for both Shipping and Commodities. He was named Shipping, Commodities, and Aviation Junior of the Year 2022 at the Legal 500 Bar Awards.

Emma Hilliard specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration with particular emphasis on various types of contractual disputes, having previously been a Supervisor in Contract Law at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge (2005-2006). She is currently ranked in Legal 500 in 3 categories – Aviation, Insurance and Reinsurance and Shipping – where she is described as “a highly intelligent advocate” (Legal 500 2022).

Sarah practises in all areas of commercial law including insurance and reinsurance; shipping; international trade; sale of goods; professional negligence and private international law. Sarah has acted in cases on her own, as a junior and as part of a team of counsel, appearing in the High Court, County Courts and in arbitration (both in London and in Singapore).

Sushma has a broad commercial practice with a particular emphasis on insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, shipping and international trade, and international arbitration.

She has been instructed in a wide variety of commercial disputes both as sole counsel and as a junior. Sushma has appeared in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Commercial Court, county courts and in many international arbitrations.

Sarah joined 7KBW in 2008, following the completion of her pupillage.

Sarah specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, and has appeared as sole counsel in the Commercial Court, the London Mercantile Court and the County Court. Her practice covers all areas of commercial law, with an emphasis on insurance, reinsurance, shipping, admiralty, fraud, professional negligence, and commodities.

Sandra has a broad commercial practice with particular focus on insurance, shipping, commodities and energy.

Sandra regularly appears in Court and in International Arbitration proceedings. She has experience acting as sole advocate and with leading counsel. Recent work includes appearing in the Supreme Court in the jurisdiction dispute between hull & machinery insurers and the mortgagee bank in Aspen Underwriting Ltd and others v Credit Europe Bank NV and others (the Atlantik Confidence) [2017].

Adam is an expert in commercial litigation and arbitration, acting for a broad range of UK and international clients. He has particular expertise in contractual disputes of all kinds; shipping and commodities; insurance and reinsurance; banking and finance; civil fraud; jurisdiction and the conflict of laws.

Liz’s practice covers a wide range of areas of commercial law, with particular emphasis on insurance and reinsurance, aviation, professional negligence and civil fraud. She acts both as an advocate and in an advisory role, both as sole counsel and as a junior, in court proceedings and in arbitration.

Tim joined 7KBW in October 2010. Before joining Chambers, Tim practised for 10 years as a solicitor and solicitor advocate in Clifford Chance LLP’s award winning Capital Markets and Litigation departments in London. Prior to joining Clifford Chance, Tim was the Judge’s Clerk to the Chief Justice of New Zealand, Dame Sian Elias.

Tim has extensive experience in cross-border commercial litigation and arbitration as a solicitor and barrister.

Jocelin’s practice covers all aspects of commercial litigation and arbitration, with a particular emphasis on shipping, private international law, insurance and reinsurance, banking and professional negligence.

Since joining Chambers in 2011, Jocelin has appeared at all levels of the court system, including the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom and the Court of Appeal.

Keir maintains a wide-ranging practice in commercial litigation and arbitration. He has particular expertise in insurance and reinsurance, civil fraud, shipping and international trade, and all aspects of private international law. He is ranked in multiple practice areas by Chambers UK and Legal 500, where he has been described as “one of the best juniors currently working at the commercial bar” and “ahead of any other junior of similar call”.

Michael Ryan is a commercial barrister whose practice encompasses cross-border disputes, banking and finance, energy disputes, company litigation, insurance and professional liability.

Michael is recognised in the directories as a leading junior in the following six fields: Commercial Dispute Resolution, Civil Fraud, Banking and Finance,  Insurance and Reinsurance, Energy and Professional Negligence.

Harry is a commercial barrister who specialises in (re)insurance, professional negligence, aviation, shipping & shipbuilding, and other commercial disputes. During 2020, he appeared in the FCA Test Case on business interruption insurance claims arising from Covid-19 (recently decided by the Supreme Court); a Supreme Court appeal in a professional negligence claim against auditors (Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton); a shipbuilding case currently on appeal to the Court of Appeal (Shanghai Shipyard v Reignwood); and in a heavy and valuable High Court insurance trial, acting for the broker (ABN Amro v RSA and others).

Stephen is an experienced practitioner in commercial litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus in insurance, shipping and commodities, and civil fraud. He has been described in the legal directories as “a rising star”, “exceptional”, having “a powerful intellect”, and having a “very quick and sharp strategical mind, but also commercially adept”.

As well as appearing before the English courts, Stephen has experience appearing before tribunals sitting in England, Hong Kong and Singapore. He is a fluent Chinese speaker, and is particularly sought for his language skills.

Jason has a thriving commercial practice and substantial trial and arbitration experience. He regularly appears as sole or junior counsel in both court and international arbitral proceedings, and has extensive experience of obtaining freezing injunctions and other urgent relief in the High Court.

Clara is ranked by the directories as a leading junior in several fields and was recognised for two years running as one of Legal 500’s top 10 barristers under 8 years’ call for commercial litigation. She maintains a busy and varied practice with an emphasis on commercial dispute resolution, private international law, civil fraud, insurance (including marine insurance), commodities and shipping. Since joining Chambers in 2014, she has appeared in the Supreme Court (twice), the Court of Appeal and the High Court, as well as in the DIFC Courts and LCIA, SIAC, ICC and LMAA arbitrations (both as counsel and as an arbitrator). Clara is on the Attorney General’s Panel and has experience of public law and employment matters.

Andrew has developed an impressive and diverse commercial practice.  He has a particular interest in civil fraud, as well as international trade, shipping, commodities, insurance and reinsurance.  Many of his cases concern very substantial sums of money. He is ranked in both directories.

James Goudkamp practises in all areas of commercial law although his principal interests are civil fraud, professional negligence and commercial tort law more generally. He regularly appears in the Commercial Court and has a growing appellate practice having appeared in the Supreme Court, Privy Council and Court of Appeal.

Philip maintains a broad practice encompassing shipping, insurance, civil fraud, and general commercial litigation. He has appeared as sole counsel in the Commercial Court and County Court, as well as being led in the Commercial Court and in arbitration. Current or recent instructions include (as junior counsel) a US$200m+ shipbuilding arbitration, a US$100m LCIA arbitration arising out of the repudiation of a coal offtake agreement, and a Bermuda Form arbitration arising out of extensive criminal wrongdoing in a prominent US religious organisation, as well as acting as sole counsel in several substantial LMAA shipping disputes. Most recently, Philip has been extensively involved in advising on the impact, principally in the insurance and reinsurance context, of the sanctions imposed in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Fred is a commercial barrister specialising in complex, high-value commercial litigation and arbitration. His broad practice has a particular focus on insurance and reinsurance, civil fraud, energy, shipping and commodities, international trade and professional negligence. He is used to appearing on his own as well as working as part of large multi-counsel teams. Fred has been recognised by The Legal 500 2023 as a ‘Rising Star’ (Tier 1) in relation to both Commercial Litigation and Civil Fraud.

Ralph practises across all areas of commercial law, with a particular focus on commercial disputes, jurisdiction and civil procedure, enforcement and contempt proceedings, wet and dry shipping, insurance, and professional negligence.

High-profile current or recent work includes limitation proceedings concerning the grounding of the “EVER GIVEN”, the successful challenge of jurisdiction in a multi-million-dollar fraud claim brought by the Libyan Investment Authority; and appearing for KPMG in FRC v KPMG, one of The Lawyer’s top 20 cases of 2022.

Ralph is recognised as a “Rising Star” in both shipping and commercial litigation by the Legal 500.

Henry is a commercial barrister specialising in complex disputes. He acts principally for corporate entities in heavy commercial litigation and international arbitration across the following practice areas: commercial disputes, energy, civil fraud, international trade, jurisdiction and procedure, insurance and reinsurance, and financial services.

Daniel is a barrister specialising in commercial litigation and arbitration. He has a broad commercial practice with experience in insurance and reinsurance; professional negligence; civil fraud; shipping and general commercial disputes.

Daniel has particular experience in insurance and reinsurance and has been recognised by the Legal 500 as a “rising star” in this field.

Henry has a broad commercial practice, encompassing a variety of practice areas including shipping, insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence and civil fraud.

Henry is regularly instructed in a variety of domestic and international commercial matters, both as sole counsel and as a junior. He has completed secondments at several leading City law firms and has appeared as sole counsel in arbitration, the High Court and the County Court and as a junior in the Commercial Court.

Douglas is a commercial barrister specialising in arbitration, insurance, civil fraud, commodities, shipping and general commercial disputes.

Douglas’ recent work includes Financial Conduct Authority v Arch Insurance (UK) Ltd and others [2021] UKSC 1, a leapfrog appeal to the Supreme Court concerning insurance cover for business interruption losses arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic; a US$30m claim under an offshore CAR insurance policy; and an LCIA arbitration between two Ukrainian businesspeople involving allegations of fraud and forgery.

After joining Chambers Douglas spent three months as a Judicial Assistant in the Commercial Court, where he assisted in an eight-week civil fraud trial involving allegations of misrepresentation, deceit and conspiracy in relation to the sale of a major Ukrainian corporation.

Rebecca has a broad commercial practice, with a particular focus on insurance and reinsurance, jurisdiction and conflicts of laws, commodities, shipping, civil fraud and general commercial disputes. She has been instructed in matters spanning the full range of Chambers’ work and is equally comfortable acting on her own and as part of a team. She has appeared led in the Court of Appeal, Commercial Court, Chancery Division and in international arbitrations and unled in the Commercial Court, Queen’s Bench Division and County Court.

Charlotte brings a unique commercial background to her cases. A former consultant in the mining industry, Charlotte has first-hand experience of the commercial world. This has given her valuable insight into the inner workings of the commercial sector and the implications of legal disputes. Charlotte has a broad commercial practice across 7KBW’s core areas, with a particular emphasis on insurance, shipping, professional negligence, civil fraud, and general commercial disputes.

Julia practises across all areas of commercial law, with a particular emphasis on insurance, civil fraud, professional negligence, jurisdiction / conflict of laws and shipping. Julia has been recognised by The Legal 500 2024 as a “rising star” in the field of insurance and reinsurance.

James practices in all areas of commercial law, including insurance and reinsurance, general commercial disputes, international arbitration, civil fraud, offshore litigation, shipping, company and partnership disputes, and professional negligence.

Adam has a broad practice across all areas of commercial law, including insurance and reinsurance, shipping and shipbuilding, international arbitration, commodities, jurisdiction and conflict of laws, civil fraud, energy and natural resources, professional negligence and aviation. Adam accepts instructions, led and unled, in all of 7KBW’s specialist practice areas.

Joshua is developing a busy practice and accepts instructions across all areas of commercial law including civil fraud, financial services, international trade, and professional negligence. He understands the commercial environment of the Asia-Pacific region and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese as well as business proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia. He is also called to the New York State Bar.

Emma joined 7KBW on successful completion of her pupillage in September 2022. Emma is developing a busy practice across the breadth of commercial law, including insurance, general commercial disputes, international arbitration, shipping, shipbuilding and civil fraud. Her current and recent instructions include being led in a multi-million euro arbitration involving the breach of a yacht construction agreement, being led in a civil fraud dispute concerning an unlawful means conspiracy and acting as sole counsel in an LMAA arbitration involving the constructive total loss of a yacht. Emma accepts instructions as sole counsel and as junior counsel in all of 7KBW’s specialist areas.

Sophie joined 7KBW on successful completion of her pupillage in September 2022.

Sophie is developing a broad practice across all areas of commercial law, including insurance and reinsurance, shipping and shipbuilding, international arbitration, commodities, jurisdiction and conflict of laws, civil fraud, energy and natural resources, professional negligence and aviation. Sophie accepts instructions in all of 7KBW’s practice areas.

Joseph Rich joined 7KBW following the completion of his pupillage at Chambers.

Joe has particular expertise in international arbitration and large-scale commercial disputes, having spent two years as an employed barrister in the international arbitration group of a leading US law firm prior to joining chambers. Joe acted as part of the counsel team on high-value arbitrations under ad hoc, LCIA, ICC and UNCITRAL Rules. He specialised in energy and natural resources cases, but also gained experience of mining and construction disputes.

Dave Barnard accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ areas of practice, including aviation, insurance and reinsurance, shipping, commodities, civil fraud, and professional negligence. He has a keen interest in shipping and insurance; he became an Associate of the Association of Average Adjusters in 2022, following his completion of exams concerning the Marine Insurance Act 1906 and the Insurance Act 2015.

Dave accepts unled instruction, and he has appeared alone in the County Court. He particularly enjoys instructions which seek injunctive or other interlocutory relief; he has previously been involved in obtaining freezing orders, third-party costs orders, and various forms of disclosure orders.

Charles joined 7KBW on successful completion of his pupillage in September 2023.

Charles is developing a busy practice across the breadth of commercial law, including insurance, general commercial disputes, international arbitration, shipping, commodities, and civil fraud. He accepts instructions as sole counsel and as junior counsel in all 7KBW’s specialist areas.

Before commencing pupillage, Charles worked as a legal researcher for counsel acting for Ukraine in ongoing litigation before the International Court of Justice. He maintains a keen interest in Public International Law.

Lord Mance was Deputy President of the Supreme Court. He sat from 1993 to 1999 as a Commercial Judge, was appointed to the Court of Appeal in 1999, and to the House of Lords in 2005 where he spent four years as a Law Lord before becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court on its formation in 2009 and its Deputy President in 2017-2018.

Since joining 7 King’s Bench Walk, Lord Mance has been appointed in a wide range of arbitrations (in a majority of cases as sole arbitrator or chair, but also as a wing arbitrator) under ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL and ICSID Rules and ad hoc in fields including insurance/reinsurance, energy, construction, international trade, joint venture and shareholder agreements and investment.

A former Head of Chambers, Sir Stephen Tomlinson was in practice as a barrister at 7 King’s Bench Walk from 1975 until 2000, appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1988.

In 2000 he was appointed a High Court Judge in the Queen’s Bench Division where he sat principally in the Commercial Court.  In 2010 he was appointed a Lord Justice of Appeal.

Sir Jeremy Cooke retired from the High Court Bench at Easter 2016, having been appointed in 2001. He sat regularly in the Commercial Court presiding over the full gamut of business conducted in that court and being the Judge in charge of that court from 2012 – 2014. He is now an international arbitrator and a Justice of the Dubai International Financial Court and an International Justice of the Singapore International Commercial Court.

James Drake KC is an experienced counsel, specialising in international commercial law, qualified in London, New York and Australia.  He is also an experienced arbitrator, specialising in commercial disputes but with a particular interest in international sports-related arbitrations.

Gavin Kealey is widely acknowledged to be one of England & Wales’s leading Commercial King’s Counsel practising at the English Bar both as counsel and as international arbitrator. He is a Deputy High Court Judge assigned to the Commercial Court in London, Head of Chambers at 7 King’s Bench Walk, and rated in Band 1 in either or both of Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 2022/3 for Insurance & Reinsurance, Aviation, International Arbitration (as counsel), International Arbitration (as arbitrator).  He is the Chambers & Partners Star Individual in Insurance.  He is the 2022 Legal 500 Financial Services Silk of the Year and the 2022 Chambers & Partners Insurance and Reinsurance Silk of the Year.

Principal areas of practice: shipping contracts, insurance contracts (marine and non-marine), shipbuilding and sale contract disputes, and jurisdiction and injunction disputes.

Tim has extensive experience as an advocate in the UK and overseas courts, and before arbitration tribunals. He has been recognised as a leading practitioner in editions of Chambers and Partners, the Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal and Legal Experts.

Jonathan Gaisman KC is named by Chambers and Partners 2023 as a Star at the Bar. He is a star individual in the Commercial Dispute Resolution section of Chambers and Partners 2023. He was Chambers’ Commercial Litigation Silk of the Year in 2009 and 2014 and shortlisted again in 2016. He was Chambers’ Insurance Silk of the Year in 2006.

Dominic Kendrick KC has stopped acting as counsel in large trials and focuses instead upon sitting as an arbitrator, and advising clients in consultation and in writing, although he will act as counsel in short cases. As a brief  snapshot, he is currently (June 2022) engaged in aviation insurance cases arising out of the Russia/Ukraine war, and is acting as arbitrator on: shipping disputes ; Business Interruption aggregation disputes arising out of Covid 19; trade credit insurance and ‘circular sales’ disputes: and disputes involving offshore construction in the oil and gas sector.

Alistair Schaff KC practises both as a barrister and as an arbitrator specialising in international commercial law. He is a leading commercial Silk, particularly in the fields of international arbitration, insurance and reinsurance, and shipping/international trade.

Stephen Hofmeyr KC is a leading commercial barrister with a wide-ranging international commercial law practice.

He is described in the leading legal directories as “one of the commercial Bar’s best all round counsel”with a “keen eye for detail”, “a heavyweight in this field” widely regarded as “one of the nicest insurance silks at the Bar” and one who “fights his corner very hard”. He is very much a “team player”, operates an informal “hands-on” approach and is very accessible.

In 2021 he was appointed Shipping Silk of the Year.

Adam acts as an advocate in Court and Arbitration work in the following core areas of practice: Insurance, Reinsurance, Professional Negligence, Shipping and Sale of Goods.

Stephen Kenny KC acts as an advocate in commercial litigation and arbitration, and advises on all stages of the conduct of such proceedings.  He also has a significant advisory practice, particularly in relation to insurance matters. He is ranked as a leading silk for Shipping and Commodities by Chambers and Partners (2022); and for Commodities, Insurance and Reinsurance;  and Shipping by The Legal 500 (2022). Stephen’s practice covers many areas within Chambers’ general expertise.

Richard Southern is first and foremost an advocate. He specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, including shipping, energy, commodities and international trade, professional negligence, marine and non-marine insurance, and reinsurance.

As a silk since 2006 Richard has advised and represented his clients in the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal, arbitrations under the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration, the London Maritime Arbitration Association and others, in mediations, and at a wide variety of other hearings.

David Bailey KC is one of the country’s leading commercial silks. He specialises in all aspects of commercial law and is regularly sought after for his expertise in shipping (including super-yacht), insurance and jurisdictional disputes. High profile cases in which David has recently appeared include leading for the appellants in Enka v Chubb and The Alexandros T in the Supreme Court, acting for Lloyds Bank in relation to PPI, The Atlantik Confidence, the SBM/MPOUstor and the West Tankers litigation. Much of David’s practice is in arbitration.

David Edwards specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, both as an advocate and as an advisor, in particular in insurance and reinsurance where he is acknowledged as one of the leading silks at the bar, banking and finance, professional negligence, commercial arbitration and shipping and international trade.

David Allen KC is consistently recognised as one of the English Bar’s most outstanding advocates. He is in high demand as leading counsel in all manner of commercial actions in the High Court and Court of Appeal as well as in international arbitrations. His practice is broad and includes fraud, shareholder disputes, company, share purchase agreement, banking, energy, infrastructure, shipping and insurance cases.

He is described in the independent legal directories as “a truly brilliant, top quality, heavyweight commercial silk” and an “extraordinarily excellent advocate”.  David is “widely respected for his capabilities in all manner of commercial disputes”, he “exudes confidence” and is “very user friendly.”

Stephen Phillips practices exclusively in commercial law, both as an advisor and at trial and appellate level, often leading large multi-disciplinary teams. Known for his cross-examination skills, he is acknowledged as one of the leading advocates in high value cases in both the Commercial Court and international arbitration, where much of his work lies. Extensively experienced in shipping, insurance and reinsurance, he was recently named as Barrister of the Week by The Lawyer following a lengthy Commercial Court trial involving long and complex cross-examination exposing a €27 million conspiracy.

Siobán practises commercial law including arbitration, insurance and reinsurance, international carriage of goods and commodities, shipping, professional negligence, conflict of laws and jurisdiction disputes, and banking.

Siobán acted for the lead Claimants in the litigation arising out of the Buncefield explosion and for the appellant reinsurers in Wasa v. Lexington, one of the last ever judgments to be given by the House of Lords.

Peter MacDonald Eggers KC is a “very user-friendly and commercial barrister” who specialises in all aspects of commercial law, with a particular focus on insurance and reinsurance , shipping and transport, energy, commodities and international trade, financial services, professional negligence, and international investment projects.

Andrew Wales is well known for insurance and reinsurance, energy, shipping and professional negligence.

He also has significant experience in civil fraud and general commercial cases.  His practice regularly involves issues of jurisdiction and conflict of laws. He regularly appears in the High Court and in arbitration and has also appeared several times in the Privy Council.

Rebecca is a leading English King’s Counsel. She has a wide ranging commercial practice, focussing particularly on insurance/reinsurance, accountants’ liability and general commercial disputes.

Rebecca is listed as a leading English silk in the 2022 Chambers & Partners UK and Global Directories and the 2022 Legal 500 Directory.

Michael specialises in all aspects of commercial law, including insurance and reinsurance, shipping and international trade, commercial fraud, professional negligence (including underwriting agents, brokers and solicitors), conflict of laws and jurisdiction disputes, as well as more general commercial disputes.  He appears regularly in the Commercial Court, and the Chancery Division of the High Court as well as in arbitration.

Jo specialises in insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, civil fraud, conflict of laws and jurisdiction and international arbitration. She is recommended as a new silk for insurance and commercial dispute resolution in Chambers & Partners and for commercial litigation, insurance and reinsurance and professional negligence in Legal 500, and has been described as “absolutely phenomenal”, “absolutely brilliant”, “very focused” and “ferociously hard-working”.  In 2021, prior to taking silk, Jo won Insurance Junior of the Year at the Chambers Bar Awards.

Noel Casey KC is an advocate and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

He acts in disputes arising out of a wide range of contracts, from share purchase agreements to reinsurance treaties, from charterparties to derivative instruments.  He also has extensive experience of contempt motions, enforcement proceedings, and applications for injunctive relief (including freezing injunctions, search orders and electronic disclosure orders).

Charles Priday was the recipient of the Shipping Junior of the Year award at the Chambers Bar Awards 2014.  He has also been voted one of the top 100 juniors at the UK Bar, out of more than 10,000.

Charles Priday specialises in all areas of commercial law, with a particular emphasis on shipping, shipbuilding, sale and carriage of goods, insurance, all aspects of international trade including banking, as well as general contractual disputes.

Gavin Geary’s practice encompasses most areas of commercial law seen in the Commercial Court and London arbitration, including shipping, trade, and carriage of goods, professional negligence, and insurance and reinsurance, as well as more general contractual disputes and general commercial law. He also accepts appointments as an arbitrator.

Tim has been practising as a commercial barrister since 1997 and specializes in a wide range of commercial disputes.

He acts in cases of all shapes and sizes, but has particular expertise in large-scale commercial litigation and is regularly instructed by major City law firms in high-value, high-profile cases.

Charles specialises in commercial law. He has a broad practice which includes general commercial disputes, insurance and reinsurance, sale of goods, shipping, international trade and conflicts of law.

Charles has wide experience of shipping arbitrations, including both charterparty and shipbuilding disputes. He has also acted in a number of substantial insurance and reinsurance arbitrations. He has frequently appeared before the Commercial Court.

Alexander specialises in all areas of commercial law practised at 7KBW, particularly international arbitration, energy, insurance and reinsurance, shipping and private international law.He is recommended in the legal directories as a leading junior in the fields of Commercial Litigation, International Arbitration, Insurance and Reinsurance, and Shipping.  The Legal 500 describes him as ‘one of the stars of the Bar’. Alexander won Insurance Junior of the Year in the Chambers Bar Awards 2018.

Jessica is consistently ranked as a leading junior in the directories. Jessica has been nominated as Junior Counsel of the year (shipping, commodities & aviation) and has been featured by The Lawyer as ‘Barrister of The Week’.

She has a wide-ranging commercial practice including shipping (particularly shipbuilding disputes), international trade, insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, professional regulatory work (auditors). She is regularly instructed in high value disputes involving complex legal and factual issues, often with competing systems of law.

Jessica regularly appears in Court and in International Arbitration proceedings (LCIA, LMAA, ARIAS, Bermuda Form and ad hoc arbitrations) and has been appointed as a sole and co-arbitrator by the LCIA and in ad hoc arbitrations.

Jessica is a supporting member of the LMAA, and a member of the LCIA. She is willing to accept appointments as arbitrator.

Sushma has a broad commercial practice with a particular emphasis on insurance and reinsurance, professional negligence, shipping and international trade, and international arbitration.

She has been instructed in a wide variety of commercial disputes both as sole counsel and as a junior. Sushma has appeared in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Commercial Court, county courts and in many international arbitrations.

Sandra has a broad commercial practice with particular focus on insurance, shipping, commodities and energy.

Sandra regularly appears in Court and in International Arbitration proceedings. She has experience acting as sole advocate and with leading counsel. Recent work includes appearing in the Supreme Court in the jurisdiction dispute between hull & machinery insurers and the mortgagee bank in Aspen Underwriting Ltd and others v Credit Europe Bank NV and others (the Atlantik Confidence) [2017].

Keir maintains a wide-ranging practice in commercial litigation and arbitration. He has particular expertise in insurance and reinsurance, civil fraud, shipping and international trade, and all aspects of private international law. He is ranked in multiple practice areas by Chambers UK and Legal 500, where he has been described as “one of the best juniors currently working at the commercial bar” and “ahead of any other junior of similar call”.

Jason has a thriving commercial practice and substantial trial and arbitration experience. He regularly appears as sole or junior counsel in both court and international arbitral proceedings, and has extensive experience of obtaining freezing injunctions and other urgent relief in the High Court.

Clara is ranked by the directories as a leading junior in several fields and was recognised for two years running as one of Legal 500’s top 10 barristers under 8 years’ call for commercial litigation. She maintains a busy and varied practice with an emphasis on commercial dispute resolution, private international law, civil fraud, insurance (including marine insurance), commodities and shipping. Since joining Chambers in 2014, she has appeared in the Supreme Court (twice), the Court of Appeal and the High Court, as well as in the DIFC Courts and LCIA, SIAC, ICC and LMAA arbitrations (both as counsel and as an arbitrator). Clara is on the Attorney General’s Panel and has experience of public law and employment matters.

Ritin started his career in 1998 as an Associate in the Business Practice Group of Jones Day in its Cleveland office before relocating to India to practice corporate law.  He transitioned to a disputes practice in 2004 when he joined the Chambers of Ashok H. Desai, a Senior Advocate and formerly Attorney General for India. Ritin has been designated a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 2019.