Professor joins 'magic circle'

Thomas Wälde, Professor of International Economic, Natural Resources and Energy Law, and Jean-Monnet Chair of EU Energy Law, has taken up a 'tenancy' at Essex Court Chambers. This is one of the few 'magic circle' barristers' chambers in London and is renowned for domestic and international litigation and arbitration.

The term 'magic circle' refers to the small groups of elite firms of solicitors or barristers that are considered to be the best in the UK. 'Tenants' of Essex Court Chambers are non-resident academic or overseas specialists who are available to provide occasional advice. Thomas will be joining several of the UK’s leading professors in international and comparative law.

While continuing to be based at the CEPMLP, Thomas's expertise will complement that of the other members of the high ranked barristers' chambers, both in terms of the sector-specific expertise and the personal reputations of Essex Court Chambers' independent arbitrators worldwide.

A specialist in transnational mediation, international investment arbitration and international oil, gas, energy, mining and infra astructure investment, Thomas was previously Executive Director for the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP). Under his Directorship, the unit became an internationally renowned graduate school in natural resources, energy and international business transactions.

Thomas has also established OGEL, the global energy law portal, and the new TDM - transnational dispute-management internet-based intelligence and information service. He set up and moderates two influential internet-based global professional networks - ENATRES (energy-resources) and OGEMID (oil-gas-energy-mining-infrastructure and investment dispute management).