About me
I’m an English solicitor and a Partner in our Commodities team, specialising in international trade and commodities, energy and natural resources and international commercial arbitration.
My client portfolio is broad and diverse including commodity traders, oil and gas companies, mineral exploration and development companies, aerospace and defence companies, financial institutions, governments and state-owned entities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, technology companies, academic institutions and academics. I also count a number of martial artists among my clients, a case of being able to combine my legal expertise with a personal passion for the martial arts.
My approach with clients is to build trust and a good rapport from the start of the relationship, so I take time to understand a client’s business, goals and objectives and then look to offer solutions. My combination of in-house and private practice experience gives me valuable insight across both commercial, advisory and dispute resolution, which I use to problem-solve on behalf of my clients with the ultimate goal of helping them achieve their objectives.
My experience
- Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd and Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd -v- Xiang Da Marine Pte Ltd [2019] EWHC 2658 (Comm); [2019] EWHC 2284 (Comm); Uttam Galva Steels Ltd -v- Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd [2018] EWHC 1098 (Comm) – disputes under bills of exchange and scope of arbitration clause; The Chang Hang Guang Rong [2020] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 61 – obtained anti-suit injunction on vexatious and oppressive basis; The Miracle Hope [2020] EWHC 726, 805 and 995 (Comm) – injunctions and important guidance about IG standard LOI wording; The “Jag Ravi” [2011] EWHC 1372 (Comm); [2011] 1 Lloyd’s Rep Plus 65 – sale and purchase of coal and LOI claims
- Acting for an Asia-based oil trader in a multi-million-dollar SIAC arbitrations against a leading commodities trading group and French and UAE-based banks, in relation to claims arising under a contract for the sale and purchase of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel and Letters of Indemnity, lead advocate for interlocutory matters.
- Advising an Indian renewable energy company in connection with disputes arising out of contracts for the sale and purchase of biodiesel feedstock.
- Acting for a Singapore-based trading house in 4 LCIA arbitrations (London seat) in respect of its claims against an insolvent Russian bank for declaratory relief, breach of contract and indemnities in connection with receivables purchase agreements and defending cross claims under s.423 of the Insolvency Act 1986.
- Advising the international trading arm of a Chinese state-owned oil and gas producer in relation to a dispute with a UK-based energy trader involving the sale and purchase of biofuel (POMEME).
- Advising an ASX-listed exploration and development company on marketing agency agreement for a copper-zinc project in the Pilbara, Western Australia and acting for the same client in a SIAC arbitration relating to disputes arising out of a term sheet and convertible note subscription agreement.
Awards and accolades
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb).
- Fellow of the Centre for International Mediators and Arbitrators (FCIMArb).
- Awarded CIArb Global Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration.