Specialist International Arbitration Barristers in the UK
We represent multinational corporations and governments in complex, high profile and high value arbitrations. We are instructed internationally under leading institutional rules including: DIAC, ICSID, ICC, HKIC, LCIA, SIAC and UNCITRAL, advancing our clients’ commercial and strategic interests with specialist expertise and global reach.
Our barristers act for a wide range of clients engaged in international commerce and investment, including state entities, financial institutions, energy companies, construction firms, infrastructure developers, technology providers and global manufacturers. Their disputes span sectors such as energy and natural resources, engineering, mining, transportation, aviation, hospitality and finance, and are frequently cross-border in nature.
They also advise and advocate in arbitration-related court proceedings before the Commercial Court, Technology and Construction Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as international courts such as the DIFC Court and Singapore International Commercial Court.
Chris Jones
Senior Practice Manager (ADR)
Harvey Scott
Senior Practice Manager
What Our International Arbitration Counsel Covers
Our practice covers cases relating to:
- Commercial
- Commodities
- Company (shareholder and joint venture)
- Construction
- Infrastructure
- Defence
- Energy
- Financial services
- Health
- Media and entertainment
- Mining and natural resources
- Sports
- Technology
- Transport
- Telecommunications
- Investor-state disputes
What We Counsel On in International Arbitration
Our barristers are trusted to handle complex legal, commercial and jurisdictional issues with in-depth strategic insight and advocacy of the highest calibre.
Drawing on extensive arbitration experience in construction and commercial disputes, we tailor our advocacy to the legal and cultural expectations of international tribunals, whether testing evidence or making oral submissions, to drafting pleadings and memorials.
They act in sophisticated, high-value enforcement proceedings including supportive injunctions, challenges to awards and on enforcement. They also appear across key arbitral seats, including London, Singapore, Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, South Korea and India under rules such as ICSID, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, UNCITRAL and DIAC.
Clients benefit from our dedicated Arbitration Practice Management teams in London and Singapore for Counsel appointments. This structure ensures seamless coordination and effective conflict management across cases.
Who Are Our Specialist Arbitrators
39 Essex Chambers is also home to a distinguished group of full-time international arbitrators, many of whom are former senior judges from the UK, Australia, India and other jurisdictions. Recognised as a go-to set for arbitration work, our arbitrators are regulator appointed as sole, presiding or co-arbitrator from clients and institutions across leading seats such as London, Singapore, Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, South Korea and India.
They are appointed to disputes across an exceptionally wide spectrum of industries including: commercial, commodities, shareholder and joint-venture company matters, construction and infrastructure, defence, energy and natural resources, technology, transport, media and entertainment, sport, and investor-state disputes. Our arbitrators are also highly versed in institutional and ad hoc arbitration under all the major rules including the AAA, CAS, DIAC, HKIAC, ICC, ICSID, LCIA, LMAA, SIAC and UNCITRAL.
The dedicated ADR clerking team in London and Singapore offers a professional and approachable service, separate from the counsel clerking, to ensure confidentiality and impartiality in the support and administration.
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