Robert Bright practises primarily as an advocate and case-leader with experience in a broad range of commercial litigation.
He is generally regarded as one of the Bar’s leading Silks in Shipping and Commodities and has a top-tier ranking in both fields (Chambers & Partners, Legal 500). Recent cases of note include successfully defending claims by ship owners in the Supreme Court in PST Energy 7 Shipping LLC v OW Bunker Malta [2016] UKSC 23, (sale of goods) described by Lloyds list as “the most spectacular shipping legal imbroglio so far this century”; Stolt Kestrel v Niyazi S [2015] EWCA Civ 1035 (shipping), now the leading case on Admiralty actions in rem; Great Elephant v Trafigura [2014] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 1 (international trade/energy) now the leading case on force majeure. Robert Bright enjoys engaging as a team-member with solicitors and other counsel and believes that the best advocates are prepared to listen as well as to speak.
He relishes having an active, hands-on role in developing the best possible strategy for the client’s particular needs, alongside the client and the other members of litigation team. He regards it as his duty to commit 100% to the client; having taken on a case he will focus unswervingly on that case and will not accept professional commitments which might detract from that focus and commitment. Much of Robert Bright’s work in recent years has been in arbitrations.
Recent and ongoing arbitrations include a very large number of LMAA arbitrations as well as several LCIA and ICC arbitrations, as well as appointments as arbitrator. Robert’s work as an advocate has included involvement in several international arbitrations taking place overseas, in Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Robert Bright’s practice involves a significant advisory component. He places emphasis on understanding the client’s commercial objectives, so as to be able to give advice that is both realistic and of practical use to the client. Robert Bright also regularly sits as an arbitrator both in London and overseas.
Robert is on the panel of approved SCMA arbitrators.
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