Arbitrators

Ciaran acts in international arbitrations across a wide range of commercial and chancery disputes under various institutional rules (LCIA, SIAC, UNCITRAL, DIFC-LCIA) as well ad hoc arbitrations. Ciaran also has expertise in claims to enforce or resist enforcement of foreign awards (including against states and state entities) in England and multi-jurisdictional litigation to enforce English awards overseas.

Notable cases include:

LCIA arbitration – acting for the claimant in seven consolidated LCIA arbitrations in relation to a multi-million dollar dispute regarding the ownership and control of a power plant in Uganda.

DIFC LCIA arbitration – acting for the claimant bringing unfair prejudice and other claims in relation to an online delivery business in Saudi Arabia worth in excess of US$1 billion.

LCIA arbitration – acting for the claimant on claims relating to the ownership and control of a Cypriot company and Russian financing business. (ongoing)

SIAC arbitration – acting for the respondent to a multi-million dollar claim in relation to the ownership of a global media content creator, producer and distributor.

LCIA arbitration. Acting for various companies defending claims for more than $300 million in relation to a copper mine in Armenia.

LCIA arbitration. Acting for an individual in relation to $150 million claims and counterclaims for alleged breach of an option agreement

UNCITRAL arbitration. Acting for an Egyptian company in relation to $150 million claims relating to the sale and distribution of ammonium nitrate.

LCIA arbitration. Acting for a minority shareholder in claims for breaches of a shareholders’ agreement, articles of association and the Companies Act 2006, and for relief from unfair prejudice, in connection with management of an internet services provider.

Ad hoc arbitration. Acting for the claimant on claims for declaratory and other relief in relation to the construction of a long-term contract for the maintenance of infrastructure.

Maximov v Novolipetsk Steel acting for NLMK, one of the largest steel companies in Russia, successfully defending claims by a Russian billionaire for the enforcement in England of a c.US$150 million arbitration award set aside by the Russian courts.

RCB v Bakay. Acting for a Cypriot bank seeking to enforce an LCIA award in various jurisdictions, including successful applications for freezing orders and the appointment of a receiver over shares in a company beneficially owned by the award debtor.

LCIA arbitration. Successful claims for damages for breach of an agreement relating to the ownership of a Ukrainian automotive business, and successfully resisting a s.68 challenge.

Ad hoc arbitration. Acting for the defendant to claims for alleged breaches of a partnership agreement and duties owed as a partner in two traditional accountancy partnerships.

Yukos Capital Sarl v OJSC Rosneft Oil Company – preliminary issues on the enforceability of annulled arbitral awards and the power to order post-award interest in enforcement actions.

LCIA arbitration. Successful claims to recover loans to a BVI company, defended on the basis that they were shams or had been waived or varied.

Yukos Capital Sarl v OJSC Rosneft Oil Company – successful appeal against an order that Rosneft was issue estopped from asserting that certain Russian judgments were not the result of a partial and dependent judicial process.

IPCO (Nigeria) Ltd v Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation – successfully resisting an appeal against the part enforcement of a New York Convention arbitration award.

Pertamina litigation – resisting the enforcement of an award against the Indonesian state oil company and bringing cross-claims in the Cayman Islands.

Commercial Dispute Resolution/Commercial Litigation 

“Ciaran Keller is assertive in a charming and diplomatic way. He is also enormously intelligent.” “Ciaran shows great judgement and self-possession.” “Ciaran Keller is absolutely phenomenal and has excellent judgement.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“A really formidable courtroom performer who also produces absolutely top-draw paperwork” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“Ciaran is a superstar. He cuts to the heart of the case and provides clear, precise advise. He is a fantastic strategist and has a great feel for how a Court will react to an argument. His written work is exceptional. He is always available and is super responsive.” (Legal 500 2023)

“Smart and very efficient, he has fine strategic judgement and is excellent technically.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“A future leader in the field.” (The Legal 500 2022)

“His work ethic is incredible and he is an exceptional advocate who will get the result the client wants.” “Ciaran is hugely clever, all over the detail and very user-friendly.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“Ciaran is one of my “go-to” barristers for commercial disputes, I would readily engage him rather than involving a silk on all of my matters.” (The Legal 500 2021)

“His written work is exceptional, he’s super responsive and he’s incredibly easy to deal with. On top of this he has a razor-sharp intellect.” (Chambers Global 2020)

“Very bright and responsive, a pleasure to work with” (Legal 500 2020) “Certainly one of the stars of the market.” (Legal 500 2018)

“His pleadings and tactical judgement are really impressive.” “An exceptional defence barrister who’s really dogged, exceptionally efficient and someone whose written work is very clear and extremely persuasive.” (Chambers UK 2018)

“A brilliant junior.” (Legal 500 2017)

“Unpretentious, unflappable and very bright.” (Chambers UK 2017) “A sublime junior; he deserves silk soon.” (Legal 500 2016)

“Ciaran is outstanding. His ability to grasp technically difficult issues sets him apart from other barristers at his level. He is also a pleasure to work with.” (Chambers Global 2016)

“An excellent all-rounder.” (Chambers Global 2016)

Chancery: Commercial

“Exceptionally bright and able to break down legal complex arguments into digestible, compelling arguments. He can weave difficult concepts into his submissions and impress the court.” “Absolutely great, he is an excellent, technical lawyer, who is also very practical and hardworking. He’s a really smooth and efficient lawyer, who’s a really good drafter.” “A barrister of great reason and judgement, he is absolutely phenomenal. He’s also very humble and is just a pleasure to work with.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“A big player in the market” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“He’s very clever and really good at dissecting factually and legally complicated issues” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“Super smart, very efficient, and someone with excellent strategic judgement. He is excellent technically and a real star.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“A very, very hard-working and thorough barrister.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“A great person to work with. He’s super smart and has a really good way with the clients.” (Chambers Global 2020)

“He works insanely hard and is very thorough, extremely determined and resilient.” (Chambers UK 2020)

“All over the detail in a case and can turn his mind to complex legal and accounting issues.” (Chambers UK 2018)

“He is very thorough, very tough, and not someone who gives in easily. He is a very strong character.” (Chambers UK 2018)

“Excellent to work with – he was unflappable, very unpretentious, very bright and really on top of it.” (Chambers UK 2017)

“He is willing to go the extra mile” (Chambers Global 2016)

Energy

“He cuts to the heart of the case and provides clear, precise advice, and he is a fantastic strategist with a great feel for how a Court will react to an argument.” (Legal 500 2023)

“Ciaran has a sharp mind, responds quickly to new facts and is skilled at rigorously putting the client’s best case” (The Legal 500 2022)

“Extremely efficient, highly responsive and insightful, he is one of the very best juniors at the commercial bar” (The Legal 500 2021)

“One of the very best juniors at the commercial Bar, he will no doubt be a star for many years to come.” (Legal 500 2020)

“Bright, efficient and has a tremendous insight into the key issues.” (Chambers UK 2016)

Fraud: Civil

“Ciaran is exceptionally bright and able to break down complex legal matters into digestible, compelling arguments.” “Ciaran is forensic in his analysis and yet commercial in his approach.” “He is particularly good with cross-jurisdictional matters, a very good team player and very authoritative.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“He is one of the top juniors working at the Bar and is first choice for any meaty fraud dispute. He is destined for greatness. He is also a pleasure to deal with.” (Legal 500 2023)

“Ciaran is enormously hard working with great tactical awareness” (Chambers & Partners 2023)

“Ciaran Keller is a real expert in claims involving fraud and fraudulent misrepresentation in the context of the misuse of corporate funds” (Who’s Who Legal, UK Bar 2022)

“Possibly the most promising junior in the country.” (The Legal 500 2022)

“He’s super smart, very efficient and has excellent strategic judgement.” “He’s always available, very considered in his advice and excellent at handling clients.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“an outstanding junior, one of the very best at the commercial bar.” (The Legal 500 2021)

“A star junior who will be a star silk.” (Legal 500 2020)

“Stands out for his strong expertise and impressive work in high-value civil fraud litigation” (Who’s Who Legal 2020)

“Cuts through the detail and manages not to lose sight of the bigger commercial picture.” (Legal 500 2018)

“Technically excellent and very bright” (Who’s Who Legal 2018)

“…highly collaborative approach in preparing for trial on both submissions and cross- examination” (Who’s Who Legal 2018)

“Approachable and very responsive.” (Legal 500 2017)

“He is very responsive, approachable and succinct, and has the ability to think laterally.” (Legal 500 2016)

Banking & Finance

“An excellent draftsman; he writes beautifully. It is very clear and analytical.” “Ciaran is an excellent, technical barrister, but also very practical and hard-working.” “Ciaran Keller is a dogged fighter for his client; he is very smart, unbelievably efficient, user-friendly and super responsive.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)

“Excellent technical ability and very responsive, he provides clear pragmatic and timely advice.” (Legal 500 2023)

“Excellent in the banking and finance arena.” (Legal 500 2022)

“He is a complete all-rounder: super bright, all over the detail, calm under pressure, clear and confident with clients, very easy to work with and forms an integral part of our team.” (Legal 500 2021)

“Very bright, commercial, accessible, a good team player and a pleasure to work with.” (Legal 500 2020)

“Down to earth and a pleasure to work with.” (Legal 500 2018)

“An outstanding barrister and a pleasure to work with.” (Legal 500 2017)

“Ciaran has got a first-class intellect. His analytical skills are impeccable, his judgement is spot- on and he is very user-friendly.” (Chambers UK 2018)

“An excellent barrister who is technically outstanding and brilliant to work with.” (Chambers UK 2018)

“Extremely intelligent, incredibly user-friendly, responsive, practical and really good on paper: he always manages to fit everything in.” (Chambers UK 2017)

“An excellent and hugely competent leading junior.” (Chambers UK 2017)

“The best junior we’ve used; he is very sharp, very bright, very versatile and very easy to work with. He’s particularly good for large, complex, cross-jurisdictional, high-value matters.” (Chambers UK 2016)

“‘Very bright and his written work is exceptional.” (Legal 500 2018) ‘A strong lateral thinker.’ (Legal 500 2017)

“Recommended for cases with an international or state sovereignty aspect.” (Legal 500 2016)

Offshore

“Ciaran is an excellent advocate and a joy to work with.” “Ciaran Keller is an outstanding defence barrister. He’s a dogged fighter for his clients, very smart, unbelievably efficient, and super responsive. He’s all in all a super impressive performer.”(Chambers & Partners 2024)

“He is extremely sharp and easy to work with, and he is an excellent draftsman.” “He’s very bright and a good advocate – he’s the complete package.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)

“A deep thinker with an enormous brain and capacity for cutting through complex legal issues to provide clear and effective advice.” (Legal 500 2022)

“Extremely efficient and highly responsive, he provides insightful to-the-point advice.” (Legal 500 2021)

“He has been called to the Bar of the BVI and is a noted presence in other offshore jurisdictions. He is an expert in cases involving breach of trust, insolvency and freezing order proceedings, and has a strong client roster that includes a number of international financial corporations.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“He is incredibly bright, and fiercely intelligent” (Legal 500 2020)

“He is incredibly user-friendly and his written work is excellent.” (Chambers UK 2020) “Extremely bright and hard-working,” (Chambers UK 2018)

“He’s a charming, low-maintenance barrister who is practical and very easy to work with.” (Chambers UK 2018)

“Instructed in offshore funds cases.” (Legal 500 2018)

Partnership

“A really smooth and efficient performer who is both practical and hard-working. He’s a really good drafter who offers highly technical advice.” (Chambers & Partners UK 2024)

“Ciaran is a superstar. He cuts to the heart of the case and provides clear, precise advise” (Legal 500 2023)

“Absolutely superb: he gets through material quickly and gets to the point in a very impressive way.” “He is a practical and sensible lawyer who is comfortable handling difficult theoretical legal

issues and always keen to be involved in case management issues.” “Ciaran is excellent at handling clients and gives frank and fair advice.” (Chambers & Partners UK 2022)

“Very user-friendly and highly accessible, he is able to distil complex points into simple propositions.” “Clients absolutely love him because he has such clarity of thought and speed of response.” “He is very practical in the way he gives his advice.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

“Extremely switched-on” and both “very responsive and excellent technically.” (Chambers UK 2020)

“He is incredibly bright, and fiercely intelligent.” (Legal 500 2020)

“Outstanding – his ability to grasp technically difficult issues sets him apart.” (Legal 500 2016)

Real Estate/Property Litigation

“A very mature thinker who not only gets to the root issues but also provides creative solutions; confidence-inspiring.” (Legal 500 2015)

2016 on:             Essex Court Chambers

2004-2016:       Maitland Chambers

2013:                  Admitted as a member of the bar of the British Virgin Islands

1998-2002:       HM Diplomatic Service, fast-stream diplomat, serving at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London and overseas at the United Nations in New York and the British Embassy in Lisbon

• 2004       Bar Vocational Course, Inns of Court School of Law, Outstanding
• 2003       Diploma in Law, City University, Distinction
• 1995-8    Brasenose College, Oxford University BA, MA, First Class

• Megarry Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2004)
• Buchanan Prize, Lincoln’s Inn (2004)
• Sir Louis Gluckstein Advocacy Prize, Lincoln’s Inn (2004)
• Barstow Scholarship, Inns of Court School of Law (2004)
• Sweet & Maxwell Company Law Prize, Inns of Court School of Law (2004)
• Lord Haldane Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2003)
• Maitland Chambers Advocacy Prize (2003)
• Hardwicke Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2002)
• Gibbs Prize, Oxford University (1998)
• Shell Prize, Oxford University (1996)