3VB is delighted to have been shortlisted in 22 categories for the @UK_Legal500 Bar Awards 2026: We are particularly pleased to see recognition for so many of our members, as well as a nomination for Kathryn Paterson in the Chambers Leader of the Year category. For the full 3VB Shortlist please visit: 3vb.com/the-legal-500-uk-bar… Congratulations to all those shortlisted. #TheLegal500Awards

On 26 May 2026, Lords Reed, Hamblen and Richards gave permission for a rare ‘leapfrog’ appeal from an order of Mr Justice Jay. Mr Justice Jay permitted an unlawful means conspiracy claim to continue to trial based on an alleged breach of French law governed contractual duties owed by one of the defendants not to the claimant but rather to third parties: Felipe Massa v Formula One Management Ltd & Ors [2025] EWHC 3064 (KB). The claim arises out the notorious deliberate crash by Renault in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. The issues are whether the tort of unlawful means conspiracy can be founded on: ▪️ A civil wrong that is not independently actionable by the claimant ▪️ A breach of contract to which the claimant is not a party ▪️ A breach of foreign law ▪️ Conduct that the defendant did not know to be unlawful The leapfrog appeal was obtained on the basis that the Supreme Court should reconsider or clarify the House of Lords’ reasoning in Customs and Excise Commissioners v Total Network SL [2008] UKHL 19, if necessary by application of the 1966 Practice Statement. David Quest KC, Ewan McKendrick KC (Hon) and William Day act for the lead appellant, Bernie Ecclestone, instructed by Rachel Lidgate, Nick Clayton, Rebekah Dixon and Tanesha Sultan Singh of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Read full news item here: 3vb.com/uk-supreme-court-to-…

Viktoria Winzer and Jordan English have written an article for the July edition of the Law Quarterly Review, now available on Westlaw, on the question of the interpretation of oral contracts. One of the most fundamental principles of contract law is that parties’ rights and obligations are determined objectively. When interpreting written contracts, courts ask what a reasonable person in the position of the parties would have understood the contract to mean; the parties’ subjective beliefs are irrelevant. Yet a line of authorities appears to suggest that a different approach applies where a contract is oral or partly oral. In Thorner v Major [2009] 1 WLR 776, for example, Lord Neuberger stated that “the parties’ subjective understanding of what they were agreeing is admissible” and indeed “positively helpful” in interpreting an oral contract. The article examine the authorities said to support this proposition and considers whether there is any principled justification for an oral-contracts exception to the objectivity principle. Ultimately, Viktoria and Jordan argue that evidence of subjective understandings should be admissible only as evidence from which a court may infer what was communicated between the parties and therefore objectively agreed; it is not relevant or admissible to the interpretation of the terms of an oral contract itself. Read more and the article here: 3vb.com/viktoria-winzer-and-…

Yesterday 3VB hosted International Arbitration Day, part of London International Disputes Week 2026 (#LIDW26), at the Inner Temple, alongside our fellow hubs @Debevoise & Plimpton and @gibsondunn. We had the privilege of welcoming practitioners, academics, judges and clients from around the world. Lord Neuberger gave the keynote address and was followed by four superb panels on due process, innovation in arbitration, the future wave of disputes, and the defence sector. Our thanks to our moderators and panellists, and to everyone who joined us. International Arbitration Day has closed, but LIDW26 runs through the week, and members of 3VB are taking part in events across the programme. We look forward to seeing many of you over the coming days. Our remaining member-hosted events are listed here: lnkd.in/ea9mQv4C #LIDW26 #InternationalArbitration #InternationalDisputeResolution #Arbitration #CommercialLitigation #DisputeResolution #InternationalLaw #3VB Due Process Challenges: The Rt. Hon. Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, @Can_Yeginsu (3VB), Sir Andrew Henshaw (English Commercial Court), @philippa1110 (Twenty Essex), Jason Fry KC (Clifford Chance, Paris), Andrea Meier (Walder Wyss, Zurich), Masood Ahmed (University of Leicester) Three Bold Ideas: Caroline Zand-Korteweg, (Opus 2), Andrew T. Clarke (Arbitration Sciences Limited), Patrick W. Pearsall (Gibson Dunn), Mélida Hodgson, (Arnold & Porter, New York) Horizon Scanning: Nick Craig KC (3VB), Koh Swee Yen, S.C. (Wong Partnership, Singapore), Dharshini Prasad (Willkie Farr, London and New York), Marina Weiss, (Bredin Prat, Paris), Matthew Skinner (A&O Shearman, London), Chris Williams (Competition Economist Expert, HKA) Defence Sector Disputes: George Spalton KC (4 New Square), Aimy Roshan (White and Case Dubai), Prof Loukas Mistelis FCIArb (Clyde & Co, London), Gitanjali Bajaj (DLA Piper, Sydney), Jovana Crnčević (Faegre Drinker, New York), Mark Wassouf (3VB).

Members of 3VB are pleased to be taking part in several events across London International Disputes Week (@LIDW_) 2026, which takes place from Monday 1 June to Friday 5 June. Returning for its seventh year, the 2026 event focuses on the central theme: “Tradition, Trust and Transformation in International Dispute Resolution.” London International Disputes Week (LIDW) is the premier global forum for international dispute resolution, launched in 2019. Following record-breaking turnouts of over 8,000 participants from 100 countries, this year’s forum brings together legal professionals, corporate clients, and experts to examine the intersection of long-standing legal principles, shifting geopolitical risks, and technological disruption like AI. Across five days of core conferences, specialist congresses, and member-hosted events, LIDW fosters cross-border collaboration across arbitration, litigation, and mediation, while championing diversity, inclusion, and the rule of law. 3VB is proud to take centre stage as an official partner and hub host for International Arbitration Day at LIDW26. Marking a historic milestone, 3VB is the first barristers’ chambers to be selected as a flagship venue for the event. On Monday 1 June, we will host four panel sessions throughout the day, bringing together leading practitioners and experts to discuss some of the most significant developments in international arbitration. Throughout the week, our members will lead and contribute to critical debates on pressing commercial issues – ranging from tech-driven disruption and due process to high-stakes defence sector disputes. Details and registration for our individual member-hosted events can be found here: 3vb.com/london-international…

Concluding 3VB’s hosted panel sessions during International Arbitration Day at London International Disputes Week (@LIDW_) will be a session focused on disputes in the defence sector. “Arbitrating Defence Sector Disputes: Confidentiality, Sovereignty, and Strategy” will examine the challenge of balancing confidentiality, national sovereignty concerns and the commercial realities of high-stakes international conflicts. The discussion will be moderated by George Spalton KC of 4 New Square Chambers, with panellists: Gitanjali Bajaj (@DLA_Piper, Sydney) Aimy Roshan (@WhiteCase, Dubai) Jovana Crnčević (@Withers, New York) Prof Loukas Mistelis FCIArb (@ClydeCoNews) Mark Wassouf (3VB) Across four panels during the day, the programme at the 3VB hub will explore some of the most significant and fast-evolving issues in international arbitration - from due process challenges and bold new ideas in arbitration to horizon scanning for future disputes and the unique complexities of defence sector disputes. For further information about IAD please visit: register.lidw.co.uk/event/58… #InternationalArbitrationDay #IAD #LIDW26 #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #InternationalLaw

Insurance disputes in the DIFC Courts continue to develop alongside the region’s growing role as an international commercial hub. In Episode 13 of 3VB Speaks, Timothy Killen KC and Matthew Watson discuss the key issues arising in insurance and reinsurance disputes before the DIFC Courts, including recent case law, jurisdictional challenges, and emerging trends. Tim brings extensive experience in complex commercial disputes and international arbitrations, particularly in insurance and reinsurance matters across the Gulf region, including before the DIFC and ADGM Courts. Matthew draws on his broad commercial litigation practice and his recognised expertise in Middle East disputes and arbitration. 🎧 Listen to Episode 13: Insurance Disputes and the DIFC here: 3vb.com/3vb-speaks-episode-1…

The third of 3VB’s hosted panel sessions during International Arbitration Day at London International Disputes Week (@LIDW_) will focus on horizon scanning for the next wave of disputes. “What’s around the corner? Horizon scanning for the next disputes waves” will look beyond the usual focus on “tech” and emerging industrial developments to examine what future disputes are really likely to look like, and the geopolitical, commercial and regulatory forces that will shape them. The discussion will be moderated by Nick Craig KC of 3VB, with panellists: Koh Swee Yen, S.C. (@WongPartne2929, Singapore) Dharshini Prasad (@WillkieFarr, London and New York) Marina Weiss (Bredin Prat, Paris) Matthew Skinner (A&O Shearman) Chris Williams (HKA) Across the day, the programme at the 3VB hub will explore some of the most significant and fast-evolving issues in international arbitration - from due process challenges and bold new ideas in arbitration – to horizon scanning for future disputes and the unique complexities of defence sector disputes. For further information about IAD please visit: register.lidw.co.uk/event/58… #InternationalArbitrationDay #IAD #LIDW26 #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #InternationalLaw

Congratulations to our members and associate members, Ali Malek KC, Zachary Douglas KC, Gopal Subramanium, @sophienappert, @Can_Yeginsu and Nania Owusu-Ankomah, FCIArb, on being recognised in the 2026 edition of the @lawdragon_news 500 Leading Global Litigators guide in the fields of International Arbitration & Litigation, and Public & Private International Law. The guide, now in it’s fifth edition, recognises leading lawyers at the forefront of resolving complex global disputes and international legal challenges. All of the 3VB members and associate members featured in the guide have for many years been recognised in leading legal directories including Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500 and Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal). The full listings for 2026 can be seen here: 3vb.com/3vb-members-ranked-i…

The second of 3VB’s hosted panel sessions during International Arbitration Day at London International Disputes Week (@LIDW_) will explore the future of arbitration through fresh and ambitious thinking. “Reimagining Arbitration: Three Bold Ideas” will feature three short ‘mini-lectures’, with each speaker presenting a single idea for how arbitration could be improved. The session aims to spark innovative discussion from leading practitioners with both the vision and authority to challenge conventional thinking. The discussion will be moderated by Caroline Zand-Korteweg of @Opus2HQ, with panellists: Andrew Clarke (Arbitration Sciences Limited) Melida Hodgson (Arnold & Porter New York) Patrick W. Pearsall (@gibsondunn) Across the day, the programme at the 3VB hub will explore some of the most significant and fast-evolving issues in international arbitration - from due process challenges and bold new ideas in arbitration to horizon scanning for future disputes and the unique complexities of defence sector disputes. For further information about IAD please visit: register.lidw.co.uk/event/58… #InternationalArbitrationDay #IAD #LIDW26 #Arbitration #DisputeResolution #InternationalLaw

Jonathan Hilliard KC (sitting as Deputy Judge of the High Court) handed down judgment in Fay of London Ltd v Axis Specialty Europe SE [2026] EWHC 1243 (Ch) on 22 May 2026 dismissing Fay of London’s appeal from the decision of Master Pester who dismissed its application to amend its Particulars of Claim to substitute new claims based on fraudulent breach of trust. The appeal concerned the correct approach taken to an amendment application where a new claim for fraudulent breach of trust may be statute-barred. James Sharpe acted on behalf of AXIS instructed by Zoe Burge of CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP. Access the judgment here: 3vb.com/wp-content/uploads/2…

We are delighted to announce that 3 Verulam Buildings has won the @ChambersGuides Middle East Award 2026 for Middle East-Wide Dispute Resolution: Leading UK Barristers’ Set. Originally scheduled to take place in Dubai, the Chambers Middle East Awards 2026 ceremony was subsequently postponed and presented virtually on Thursday 21 May 2026. The awards recognise excellence across the legal profession in the Middle East region and are based on extensive independent research conducted by Chambers as part of the Chambers Global Guide. 3VB is ranked as a Band 1 set for commercial disputes in the Middle East in the Chambers Global Guide 2026, which states: “3 Verulam Buildings is a well-established London set which is regularly cited as one of the leading players for commercial disputes work in the DIFC. It is applauded for the immense expertise of its members, which covers major joint venture disputes as well as commercial fraud claims. Barristers at this set are well versed in representing government entities, financial institutions and accountancy firms.” This award reflects the strength and depth of 3VB’s international disputes practice and the exceptional work of our members across the Middle East market. We are grateful to our clients, instructing solicitors and peers for their continued trust and support. The full list of winners can be viewed here: 3vb.com/3vb-wins-chambers-mi…

The fifth edition of the Annual 3 Verulam Buildings & National University of Singapore Arbitration Lecture took place on Wednesday 13 May at the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. This year’s lecture, “Islands of Disagreement: Self-Determination in the Line of Fire”, explored some of the most pressing issues in international dispute resolution today. Our sincere thanks to Professor @WaibelM09 for his thought-provoking keynote address on the role of arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms in managing complex territorial disputes amid increasing geopolitical tensions. We are also grateful to Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE, CMG, KC for his insightful response, drawing on his unparalleled experience in public international law proceedings. It was a pleasure to welcome so many guests, both in person and virtually, and we thank everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success. Special thanks also to the principal organisers of the lecture series, Professor Stavros Brekoulakis, @Can_Yeginsu and Cameron Miles @cmiles3vb , for their continued leadership and support of this important initiative; to Catherine Drummond @CatherineDrum19 for expertly moderating the discussion; and to Professor Attila Tanzi for delivering the vote of thanks. We look forward to sharing details of the 2027 lecture soon. Further information about the 3VB/NUS Arbitration Lecture series can be found here: 3vb.com/events-resources/3vb…

In twin successes for Matthew Hardwick KC (instructed by @Conyers) in this complex, high value and attritional minority shareholder dispute arising out a palm oil business in Sumatra and Kalimantan, on 27 March 2026 the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal (ECCA) handed down separate judgments upholding each of the first instance judgments of Wallbank J. on liability (Soemarli Lie v (1) Ng Min Hong and (2) Success Overseas Finance Limited BVIHC (Com) 2020/147 (23 November 2021) and on quantum (BVIHC (Com) 2020/147 (25 October 2023)). It has been a long and arduous road. This Claim started eight years ago. Following a 4-week liability trial in the BVI Commercial Court in October 2020 Mr Lie was successful on all issues; and in the valuation trial that followed in October 2023 the Judge ordered the purchase of Mr Lie’s shares for USD 178m. Mr Ng appealed both judgments. The ECCA rejected the appeals in their entirety in what it described as a “remarkable case”, observing that “this is one of those cases where even the cold words of the transcripts raise doubt as to Mr Ng’s veracity as there is so much inconsistency, recanting and plain obstructiveness”. The judgment contains much that is of interest to BVI and English practitioners in this area (quasi-partnerships; information complaints; non-payment of dividends; rights issues; adverse inferences) and in particular for its rejection of Mr Ng’s argument that because the non-payment of tens of millions of dollars of dividends was at the level of the Indonesian subsidiary such conduct was not “the affairs of” the BVI holding company. The ECCA emphatically disagreed finding that there was ample evidence that Mr Ng was in control of both the subsidiary and holding companies and orchestrated the non-payment of dividends. Read the full news and access the ECCA judgment on the liability appeal and valuation appeal here: 3vb.com/matthew-hardwick-kc-…

3VB is delighted to share that our associate member Nania Owusu-Ankomah has been appointed Vice President of the LCIA Court, with effect from 20 May 2026. We warmly congratulate Nania on this well-deserved appointment. Having previously served as a Court Member, she has made a significant contribution to the LCIA’s work, including through her leadership of the African Users’ Council. Her promotion recognises both her outstanding expertise and her valued role within the institution. The LCIA has also announced the appointment of new LCIA Court Members: linkedin.com/posts/london-co… As noted by LCIA Director General Kevin Nash, these appointments strengthen the Court’s global reach and expertise, while LCIA Court President Professor Maxi Scherer highlighted their importance in maintaining excellence, diversity and institutional strength. The LCIA remains one of the world’s leading arbitral institutions, with a truly international caseload and a central role in the development of global arbitration practice. Commenting on her appointment, Nania said, “It is a privilege to take on the role of a Vice President of the LCIA Court. I look forward to continuing to support the LCIA’s important work and to contributing to the development of international arbitration across its global community.” Congratulations again to Nania on this significant achievement.

3VB is delighted to have been shortlisted for Chambers of the Year at the @LegalBusinessUK Awards 2026. The Legal Business Awards recognise excellence across the legal profession, celebrating outstanding achievement, innovation and performance. To be shortlisted in this category is a significant endorsement of the strength of 3VB’s practice, the quality of its members, and the continued success of Chambers across its core areas. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday 29 September 2026. To find out more about the awards, please click here: legalbusinessawards.com/ #LBAwards2026

Members of 3VB are delighted to return to Leeds to share insights on the latest legal developments in business and financial litigation. This seminar will cover key topics including group litigation and representative actions in retail banking, the evolving fraud landscape in financial services, lessons from motor commission claims, and recent developments in challenging reliance in misrepresentation claims. Chaired by Ian Wilson KC, join our panel of experts from 3VB for an insightful seminar discussing key developments in business, banking and finance litigation. Richard Hanke – Challenging reliance in misrepresentation claims Pia Dutton – The fraud dynamic in retail banking Anca Bunda – Lessons from motor commission claims Paul Bonner Hughes – Group litigation and representative actions in retail banking Date: Thursday 21st May 2026 Time: 5:30pm – 6:00pm: Registration 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Seminar 7:00pm – 8:00pm: Drinks reception Venue: John Charles Suite, The Queens Hotel, New Station Street, City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PJ Further detail and RSVP here: 3vb.com/event/3vbs-annual-le…

3VB is delighted to be one of three hub organisations hosting International Arbitration Day as part of London International Disputes Week this year, alongside @Debevoise & Plimpton and @gibsondunn . We are particularly proud to be the first set of chambers to host the event. With the Rt. Hon. Lord Neuberger as keynote speaker, the programme reflects the central role of the Bar in international arbitration, from advocacy and decision-making to shaping the development of arbitral practice. The day is designed to encourage thoughtful discussion and meaningful engagement on some of the most pressing issues facing the field. Across four panel sessions, we will explore topics including due process, defence sector disputes, and the future direction of international arbitration. Find out more about the programme and register here: 3vb.com/3vb-to-host-internat… #LIDW2026