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Background

Rebecca Jacobs

Call: 2018

‘Rebecca is very responsive and approachable – it is very easy to establish a good working relationship. She provides good advice on tricky and novel areas of law, particularly orally.’

Legal 500 2026

‘Hardworking and a wonderful interface between the KC and the solicitor legal team. She also has a wonderful sense of humour, which is needed when very much at the coalface of trial or submission prep.’

Legal 500 2026

'Rebecca is extremely responsive and patient. She is willing to go above and beyond to assist and turns high quality work around very efficiently.'

Legal 500 2025

'Strong presentation and verbal advocacy skills. Also very strong drafting and advisory skills. No discernible weaknesses, and very easy to work with.'

Legal 500 2025
+44 (0)20 7910 8300
rjacobs@7kbw.co.uk
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Rebecca Jacobs has a broad commercial practice, including insurance and reinsurance, jurisdiction and conflicts of laws, commodities, shipping, civil fraud and general commercial disputes.

She has been instructed in matters spanning all areas of Chambers’ work and is equally comfortable acting on her own and as part of a counsel team. She has appeared as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, Commercial Court, Chancery Division and in international arbitrations, and regularly appears on her own in the Commercial Court and the County Court. Rebecca is ranked by the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior in insurance and reinsurance, and as a Rising Star in shipping.

Current and recent instructions include:

  • V Ships Limited v Luna [2025] EWHC 3329 (Comm): acted for successful claimant in an expedited Commercial Court trial concerning breach of an antisuit injunction.
  • Transworld Shipping Lines Limited v Globwin SA: obtained (as sole counsel) an interim mandatory injunction before Henshaw J in the Commercial Court compelling the provision of security under a letter of indemnity. In a subsequent hearing, Dias J awarded Rebecca’s clients their costs.
  • AerCap Ireland Ltd v AIG Europe SA & Ors (Russian Aircraft Lessor Policy Claims)[2025] EWHC 1430 (Comm): acted for a major insurer in three-month mega trial of claims under lessor policies arising out of aircraft stranded in Russia. Earlier in the proceedings, Rebecca’s client was successful in a joinder application (AerCap Ireland Limited v AIG and Others [2023] EWHC 96 (Comm)).
  • Unipolsai v Covea; Markel v General Reinsurance AG [2024] EWHC 253 (Comm): appeared in the first Covid-19 reinsurance case before the Commercial Court, determining issues of a major market importance concerning the application standard CAT XL wording to Covid BI losses.
  • Emirates Shipping Line v Gold Star Line [2023] EWHC 880 (Comm): acted as sole counsel for the successful defendant in Commercial Court challenge to an arbitration award on jurisdiction under s.67 Arbitration Act, before Dias J.
  • Junior counsel for the insured in a high value political risks insurance arbitration concerning the expropriation of the insured’s business in west Africa.
  • Acting as sole counsel for insureds (including a major energy company and a major construction company) in a number of complex public liability insurance claims.
  • Sole counsel for one of the largest luxury watchmakers in contractual claims worth over £1million arising out of the loss of 172 watches.
  • Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s Syndicates v Mr. Andre Ruzhnikov: acted as sole counsel for Lloyd’s syndicates in a claim against an international art dealer under a consignment agreement for the loss of a high value 19th century painting.
  • Afriquia Gaz v Gulf Petroleum and UBS: junior counsel for Moroccan gas companies in Commercial Court proceedings against UBS concerning mistaken payments.

Rebecca is also developing a practice in art and cultural property disputes and has been instructed as sole counsel in a number of contractual disputes in this area. She also has a specific interest in jurisdiction and conflicts of laws issues.

Rebecca accepts instructions, led or unled, in any commercial dispute. In appropriate cases, she is happy to accept pro bono instructions.

Expertise

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Rebecca has been instructed in a wide range of insurance and reinsurance disputes, including trade credit, liability, construction all risks, business interruption and marine insurance. She is ranked as a Leading Junior (tier 3) in this area in the Legal 500 2026. Highlights include:

  • Acting (led by Peter MacDonald Eggers KC) for the Insured in a high value political risks insurance arbitration, concerning the expropriation of the Insured’s business in West Africa.
  • Acting (led by Peter Macdonald Eggers KC) in proceedings under a new build/structural defects insurance policy arising from defects and non-compliance with safety regulations in a residential development, raising issues of misrepresentation and breach of warranty.
  • Acting (led by Michael Holmes KC) for a major international bank in claims under a commercial crime policy arising out of the provision of false accounting information by one of its clients.
  • Advising the Insured, a major construction company, on cover for third party claims arising out of significant injuries to an individual in the vicinity of one of its construction sites as a result of use of vehicle accident, with a particular focus on whether the claims fall within its public liability or motor insurance.
  • Acted as sole counsel for a major energy company in three claims under a public liability policy for costs arising from claims in nuisance made against the company, raising complex issues of coverage and notification. Rebecca drafted a number of letters to Insurers which secured a favourable settlement for her client.
  • Acting (led by Dominic Kendrick KC, Peter MacDonald Eggers KC and Tim Kenefick) for a major market insurer in the Russian aircraft insurance litigation (Lessor Policy claims), which was heard over 12 weeks in the Commercial Court. Rebecca’s client was successful in an application to be joined to the proceedings in the AerCap Action (AerCap Ireland Limited v AIG and others [2023] EWHC 96 (Comm)).
  • Appeared (led by Dominic Kendrick KC) for General Reinsurance AG in one of two conjoined s.69 appeals before Foxton J concerning claims for Covid-19 business interruption losses under CAT XL reinsurance policies (Covea v Unipol; Markel v Gen Re [2024] EWHC 253 (Comm)). The case is the first Covid-19 reinsurance judgment in the English Courts.
  • Acted as sole counsel for insured yacht owners in a claim against insurers arising out of defective and delayed repairs to a vessel following hurricane damage, listed for a five-day trial in 2025.
  • Acted as sole junior in two high value reinsurance arbitrations concerning coverage and aggregation of Covid-19 losses (led by Michael Holmes KC and by David Edwards KC respectively).
  • Acting as sole counsel for a luxury London hotel and restaurant group in a claim against insurers for flooding damage, raising issues of alleged non-disclosure and misrepresentation under the Insurance Act 2015.
  • Advising (with Peter Macdonald Eggers KC) several insured banks on the impact of sanctions against Russia on cover under a Mortgagee Interest Insurance Policy.
  • Acted as sole counsel for various Lloyd’s syndicates in a claim against an international art dealer under a consignment agreement for the loss of a high value painting (Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s Syndicates v Mr. Andre Ruzhnikov). The case settled shortly before trial.
  • Appeared (led by Sioban Healy KC and Anna Gotts) for the respondents in a multi-million-pound trade credit insurance arbitration under the LCIA rules, raising issues of coverage and breach of warranty.
  • Appeared (led by Gavin Kealey KC and Simon Goldstone) for the successful respondents in a 60-million-pound construction all risks LCIA arbitration concerning defective construction work at a major deep-water port.
  • Instructed (as sole counsel) to advise several insured businesses (including a gallery and an outdoor tourist attraction) on claims under business interruption policies for losses arising out of Covid-19.
  • Instructed as junior to advise on coverage in a very high value dispute under an offshore construction policy concerning alleged damage to a section of a subsea gas pipeline.
  • Advised (as sole counsel) a legal services company on a claim under a professional indemnity policy arising out of misappropriated funds, with a particular focus on the application of a dishonesty exclusion.

Rebecca has a wide range of experience of general commercial and contractual disputes:

  • Acting (led by James Turner KC) for a Moroccan commodities company in Commercial Court claims against a bank for the restitution of sums paid under a contract for the sale of commercial butane, raising issues of Swiss law (Afriquia Gaz v Gulf Petroleum and UBS).
  • Acted (led by Michael Ryan) for the successful claimant in an expedited contempt of court trial before the Commercial Court concerning breach of an anti-suit injunction, brought against a company and its de facto director: V Ships Limited v Luna Management Corporation [2025] EWHC 3329 (Comm)
  • Acting as sole counsel for a luxury watch maker in £1.5 million claims against a secure carrier arising out of the theft of 192 watches.
  • Acting as sole counsel for the three claimant companies in proceedings concerning alleged breaches and termination of an ATM management services agreement, to be heard over three days. Rebecca successfully resisted a security for costs application brought against her client.
  • Acted (led by Michael Ryan) for a Ukrainian state agency in DGF v Frick [2022] EWHC 2221 (Ch), a claim brought on behalf of the depositors of an insolvent Ukrainian bank against a Lichtenstein bank under s.423 of the Insolvency Act.
  • Acted (led by S.J Phillips KC) in a multi-million-dollar dispute arising out of an offshore geotechnical contract, both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal (Geoquip Marine AG v Tower Resources [2022] EWHC 531 (Comm), [2023] EWCA Civ 304). Rebecca represented the defendants unled at the CCMC against a QC.
  • Acted as sole counsel for the successful defendant in the trial of a claim by a bank under a guarantee, running a defence of undue influence (pro bono via Advocate).
  • Acted as sole counsel in Underwriting Members of Lloyd’s Syndicates v Mr. Andre Ruzhnikov a claim brought by Lloyd’s syndicates under a consignment agreement for the loss of a high value painting by the consignee.
  • Acted as sole counsel for a construction company in a dispute in the Circuit Commercial Court arising out of allegations of overcharging and breach of contract in relation to 1.5-million-pounds of unpaid invoices.
  • Obtained (as sole counsel) a Norwich Pharmacal Order in the High Court on behalf of a multinational pharmaceutical company.
  • Successfully resisted (as sole counsel) a jurisdiction challenge in the County Court in a claim arising out of a contract to repair classic cars. The hearing raised issues as to the application of the consumer provisions under the Brussels Recast Regulation.
  • Instructed (as sole counsel) on behalf of a Ghanaian music producer in claims against a recording and music publishing company for misrepresentation and breach of contract.
  • Successfully set aside default judgment under CPR Part 13 (as sole counsel), and subsequently drafted a defence, in a Euro 300,000 claim against two German companies for allegedly unpaid recruitment commission, involving issues of rectification and authority under English and German law.
  • Acted in a dispute concerning allegations of misrepresentation and fraudulent breach of duty in the context of investment in a 140-million-pound property regeneration scheme.

Rebecca has a particular interest in disputes raising conflict of laws issues and has advised on jurisdiction and choice of law in a range of commercial contexts. Highlights include:

  • Acted (as sole counsel) for the successful defendant in a challenge to an arbitration award on jurisdiction under s.67 Arbitration Act, before Dias J in the Commercial Court (Emirates Shipping Line v Gold Star Line [2023] EWHC 880 (Comm)). The application concerned whether the Claimant was a party to the contract containing the arbitration agreement by way of an express/implied agreement or an estoppel.
  • Advised on the applicable jurisdiction and governing law in claims for general average (under a general average bond, guarantee and bill of lading).
  • Successfully resisted (as sole counsel) a jurisdiction challenge in the County Court in a claim arising out of a contract to repair classic cars. The hearing raised issues as to the application of the consumer provisions under the Brussels Recast Regulation.
  • Advised on jurisdiction (under the Brussels Recast and Collision Jurisdiction Regulation) in a multi-million-euro claim arising out of a collision between a passenger vessel and a cruise ship on the Danube river.
  • Instructed to draft a reply addressing the jurisdiction of the English Court to hear a direct-action claim (arising out of an accident in Spain) pursuant to the insurance provisions of the Brussels Recast Regulation.
  • Assisted with giving advice on jurisdiction under the Brussels and common law regimes in a professional negligence claim against multiple potential defendants.
  • Conducted research into the English private international law rules on the proper law governing the payment of interest (as a pupil).
  • Assisted with giving advice on jurisdiction and choice of law under the EU regulations in a subrogated claim by marine hull insurers (as a pupil).

Rebecca has appeared as junior counsel in several very high value LCIA arbitrations, as well as being instructed in various LMAA, ARIAS and Ad Hoc matters. She also has experience of applications to the Commercial Court under s.67 and s.69 Arbitration Act 1996. Highlights include:

  • Acted (as sole counsel) for the successful defendant in a Commercial Court challenge to an arbitration award on jurisdiction under s.67 Arbitration Act, concerning whether the Claimant was a party to the contract containing the arbitration agreement (Emirates Shipping Line v Gold Star Line [2023] EWHC 880 (Comm)).
  • Acting (led by Dominic Kendrick KC) for the reinsurer in a s.69 Arbitration Act appeal to the Commercial Court concerning aggregation for Covid-19 losses under a Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance policy.
  • Sole counsel in an arbitration concerning the enforceability of a Himalaya clause and its effect on claims for damage to cargo, which involves a challenge to the arbitrators’ jurisdiction.
  • Acting as sole junior in two high value reinsurance arbitrations concerning coverage and aggregation of Covid-19 losses (led by Michael Holmes KC and by David Edwards KC respectively).
  • Acting (led by Robert Bright KC) in an LCIA arbitration concerning the alleged defective supply of coal under an FOB sales contract.
  • Appeared (led by Sioban Healy KC and Anna Gotts) for the respondents in a multi-million-pound trade credit insurance arbitration under the LCIA rules.
  • Appeared (led by Gavin Kealey KC and Simon Goldstone) for the successful respondents in a 60-million-pound contractors’ all risks LCIA arbitration concerning defective construction work at a major deep-water port.
  • Instructed (led by Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC) on behalf of owners in an LMAA arbitration arising out of the breakdown and towage of a vessel, raising issues of the construction of various charter party clauses.
  • Advised and drafted pleadings as sole counsel in a broad range of LMAA matters, include in a charterparty dispute raising Iranian sanctions issues and a dispute concerning late redelivery.
  • Drafted (as sole counsel) an application to dismiss a claim for inordinate delay under s.41(3) Arbitration Act 1996.
  • Drafted an application concerning the scope of disclosure in a 2.5-million-dollar ad hoc arbitration arising out of a collateral management agreement.
  • Instructed to assist in a liability insurance arbitration concerning coverage for mass tort claims arising out of the use of medical equipment.

Rebecca has acted in a wide range of disputes concerning shipping and commodities, including disputes under charter parties, bills of lading and overseas sales contracts. She is ranked by the Legal 500 as a rising star in shipping. Highlights include:

  • Obtained (as sole counsel) an interim mandatory injunction before Henshaw J on behalf of owners compelling the provision of security by charterers under a letter of indemnity. Following a further hearing, Rebecca also obtained a costs order from Dias J (which is unusual for interim injunction applications).
  • Acting (led by Stephen Kennedy KC) in an arbitration concerning a major fire on board a vessel.
  • Acting (led by James Turner KC) for a Moroccan commodities company in Commercial Court claims against a bank for the restitution of sums paid under a contract for the sale of commercial butane, raising issues of Swiss law (Afriquia Gaz v Gulf Petroleum and UBS).
  • Sole counsel in an arbitration concerning the enforceability of a Himalaya clause and its effect on claims for damage to cargo, which involves a challenge to the arbitrators’ jurisdiction.
  • Advised on the applicable jurisdiction and governing in law in claims for general average (under a general average bond, guarantee and bill of lading).
  • Acting in a dispute concerning an alleged fraudulent amendment to the freight terms of a voyage charterparty.
  • Acting as sole counsel in a USD1.5 million arbitration concerning liabilities for demurrage and additional war risks premium.
  • Instructed (led by Robert Bright KC) in an LCIA arbitration concerning the alleged defective supply of coal under an FOB sales contract.
  • Appeared (as sole counsel) for the successful defendant in a trial of claims for alleged breaches of various freight forwarding agreements under the BIFA terms and conditions.
  • Instructed (led by Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC) on behalf of Owners in an LMAA arbitration under a time charterparty arising out of the breakdown and towage of a vessel, raising various issues of charterparty construction.
  • Acting (as sole counsel) in a collision claim in the Admiralty Court arising out of a collision which occurred when vessels were moored during heavy weather. The dispute has been submitted to early neutral evaluation.
  • Instructed to advise (as sole counsel) on time bar and package limitation in a high value cargo damage and short delivery claim where cargo had been transhipped following an explosion.
  • Instructed in a dispute under a time charterparty concerning the entitlement to refuse voyage orders as a result of Iranian sanctions risks.
  • Instructed (led by Stephen Kenny KC) in a Commercial Court dispute concerning the construction and validity of a settlement agreement arising out of a grounding of a vessel.
  • Instructed as junior in a two-million-dollar Admiralty Court claim concerning the quantum of damages payable as a result of a collision.

Rebecca is developing a practice in disputes concerning art and cultural property. Highlights include:

  • Acted for sole counsel for Lloyd’s syndicates in claims against an international art dealer under a consignment agreement for the loss of a high value 19th century painting, which settled shortly before a three-day trial.
  • Acted as sole counsel in claims arising out of a breach of an agreement to refabricate damage sculptures.
  • Acting as sole counsel for a luxury watch maker in £1.5 million claims against a secure carrier arising out of the theft of192 watches.
  • Acted (led by S.J Phillips KC) for the defendants in a multi-million-dollar dispute arising out of an offshore geotechnical contract both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal (Geoquip Marine AG v Tower Resources [2022] EWHC 531 (Comm), [2023] EWCA Civ 304). Rebecca represented th defendants unled at the first CMC against a QC.
  • Acting as sole counsel for a major energy company in three claims under a public liability policy for losses arising from allegations of nuisance made against the company by local councils.
  • Instructed in a dispute concerning coverage under an offshore construction insurance policy for alleged damage to a subsea gas pipeline.
  • Assisted with giving advice in a dispute arising out of a contract for the supply and installation of a biogas plant (as a pupil).
  • Assisted in a dispute concerning the construction of an oil rig (as a pupil).

What the directories say

  • ‘Hardworking and a wonderful interface between the KC and the solicitor legal team. She also has a wonderful sense of humour, which is needed when very much at the coalface of trial or submission prep.’

Shipping, The Legal 500 2026

  • ‘Rebecca is very responsive and approachable – it is very easy to establish a good working relationship. She provides good advice on tricky and novel areas of law, particularly orally.’

Insurance and Reinsurance, The Legal 500 2026

  • ‘Rebecca is extremely responsive and patient. She is willing to go above and beyond to assist and turns high quality work around very efficiently.’

Insurance and Reinsurance, The Legal 500 2025

  • ‘Strong presentation and verbal advocacy skills. Also very strong drafting and advisory skills. No discernible weaknesses, and very easy to work with.’

Shipping: ‘Rising Star’, The Legal 500 2025

Related content

+44 (0)20 7910 8300
rjacobs@7kbw.co.uk
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For more information
Contact our clerks for assistance with choosing the right barrister for your matter.

City University London: BPTC, Very Competent (2018)

City University London: GDL, Distinction (2017)

University of Cambridge: MPhil Renaissance Literature (2015)

Pembroke College Cambridge: BA English, Double First (2013)

Awards and Prizes

Foundation Scholarship (Pembroke College)

Foundress Prize (awarded for a very strong first-class performance)

College Prize (Pembroke College)

Winner, Maitland Advocacy Prize

Finalist, Lincoln’s Inn Internal Mooting Competition

Lord Bowen Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)

Lord Denning Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)

Levitt Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)

Additional Information

As a student, Rebecca volunteered for the Company Insolvency Pro Bono Scheme, which offers advice and representation to litigants in person in the Winding Up Court. She represented City University at the XXIV Willem C Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna.

Rebecca has written book reviews for the Times Literary Supplement, amongst other publications.

Get in touch

For more information please contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7910 8300 or [email protected]

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