Arbitrators

Commodities/Shipping/Shipbuilding

• Chairman of LMAA arbitration relating to dispute as to length of charterparty
• Arbitrator in LCIA arbitration relating to an alleged long-term arrangement for the purchase of coal from Australia where the claim exceeds $100 million
• Arbitrator in a SIAC arbitration in respect of claims arising out of 3 alleged contracts for the sale and purchase of gasoil
• Chairman of an ICC Tribunal where the claim involved complex legal issues in the law of marine insurance
• Member of an arbitration tribunal determining claims arising out a collision between vessels in Port Klang, Malaysia.
• Party appointed arbitrator in long running dispute between South American Buyers and Chinese builders of two rigs. Allegations of misrepresentation inducing the conclusion of shipbuilding contracts.

Insurance/Reinsurance

• Arbitrator in an LCIA arbitration in a respect of a claim under a War Risks Insurance Policy for the loss of fuel to the Taliban in Afghanistan in August 2021.
• Considerable experience in Bermuda Form disputes e.g., breast implants, asbestosis, masks, and respirators involving ACE, XL and mutuals such as OIL.
• Considerable experience of Business interruption claims arising from COVID- 19 Pandemic, both disease clauses, prevention of access cover and aggregation.
• Arbitrator in an LCIA arbitration where claim under a D&O insurance policy is resisted on the ground that payment of the claim would be in breach of US sanctions.
• Chairman of an ICC Tribunal where the claim involved complex legal issues in the law of marine insurance
• Arbitrator in LCIA arbitration brought by a law firm against an insurer arising out of a cyber attack
• Sole arbitrator in a claim by 2 solicitors accused of dishonesty by professional indemnity insurers.
• LCIA arbitration concerning claim under a political risks insurance policy in respect of the disappearance of oil in Kenya.
• Chairman of tribunal in respect of dispute between US insurer and Bermudian reinsurer involving complex issues of the law of the State of Washington.
• Sole arbitrator in dispute where a professional indemnity insurer sought to refuse an indemnity to the insureds on the grounds of dishonesty.
• Sole arbitrator in dispute where professional indemnity insurers sought to avoid cover for IFA in respect of liability for collapsed fund on grounds of misrepresentation/non-disclosure.
• Party Appointed Arbitrator in dispute where the discretion of a P&I board of directors was challenged.
• Chairman of arbitration panel hearing a major political risks insurance dispute concerning avoidance of contracts reinsuring confiscation policies.

Joint Venture Disputes

• Party appointed arbitrator in major dispute relating to termination of drug licensing agreement for alleged material breach
• Arbitrator in ICC arbitration concerning a joint venture between a state entity and private investors concerning an investment in a luxury jeweler and the purchase of diamonds from an African state.
• Sole arbitrator in an ICC arbitration seated in Tel Aviv concerning claims for commission and wrongful termination by an Israeli agent against European principal.
• Arbitrator in 2 LCIA arbitrations arising out of a joint venture in respect of a copper mine.
• Party appointed Arbitrator under UNCITRAL rules in respect of dispute arising from collapse of joint venture in Eastern Europe.
• Chairman of SIAC Tribunal in respect of dispute between an Indian licensee and an Italian licensor.

Mining/Oil

• Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration concerning claims between a mine owner and contractor in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Arbitrator in 2 LCIA arbitrations arising out of a joint venture in respect of a copper mine.
• Party Appointed Arbitrator in UNCITRAL arbitration (Zurich seat but held in London) where oil company claimed against Eastern European state for alleged wrongful termination of concession
• Party appointed arbitrator in LCIA arbitration concerning disputes under a Joint Operating Agreement

Company/Commercial

• Chairman of an LCIA tribunal in respect disputes arising from the takeover of a consumer chain in Moscow and St Petersburg.
• Sole arbitrator in major LCIA expedited arbitration in respect of a claim for breach of confidence arising out of takeover of major airport
• Chairman of an LCIA tribunal where claims for rent in respect of a Russian logistics park were resisted on the grounds of illegality

Banking

• Arbitrator in LCIA arbitration brought by banks against guarantors to recover in excess of $240 million.
• LCIA arbitration in Zurich concerning a claim for a share of commission arising for financial services provided to a Libyan Bank post Gaddafi

Fraud/Corruption

• Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration which involve allegations of fraud and bribery in connection with the acquisition of capital equipment by a state owned entity.
• Swiss Chamber Arbitration in Zurich considering a claim in fraud arising out of the abortive sinking of a shaft for a phosphate mine in Russia.
• LCIA arbitration in Geneva concerning a claim for a share of commission arising for financial services provided to a Libyan Bank post Gaddafi
• Sole arbitrator in a claim by 2 solicitors accused of dishonesty by professional indemnity insurers.

Jeffrey Gruder KC is consistently recommended in both the Legal 500 and Chambers Directories. Recent comments include:

Chambers UK Bar Guide

Distinguished for his expertise in acting as an arbitrator in a number of high-value international disputes both in an ad hoc context and governed by the rules of the Swiss Chamber, UNCITRAL and the LCIA. He has recently been appointed in tribunals with seats in Zürich, Geneva, Singapore and Toronto handling claims relating to insurance policies, shipbuilding contracts and patent licensing, amongst others. Strengths: “Extremely impartial, efficient, on the ball and very well prepared.”

Chambers Directory 

“Leading observers hold Gruder’s talents in the highest esteem, praising his “astounding intellect and great mastery of technical matters.” “…Extremely able and thorough…with an extraordinary knowledge of the law.” “The very epitome of dependability.”
“Strong work ethic, client dedication and concise presentation skills.” “Top-notch” in disputes hinging on complicated contractual issues and is “hugely popular with clients.” “Very experienced and very bright.”

“Recommended for his “painstaking attention to detail,” his ability to swiftly master his brief,” and above all for his “calmness under fire and willingness to be a real team player.” Sources enthuse that the “wise” and “user-friendly” Gruder “adds value throughout.”

Legal 500 

“First Class.” “Does not sit on the fence and gives a straight answer.” “Great Silk” and commends his “soft, steely approach”. “Very competent, well established and client-friendly” and an “excellent team player“. “Highly intelligent and excellent in complex banking disputes.”

• Arbitration & related court applications
• Aviation
• Art Law
• Banking & financial services
• Complex Commercial Contractual Disputes
• Commercial dispute resolution
• Commercial fraud / asset recovery
• Commodity disputes
• Company law
• Conflict of laws & private international law
• Construction & engineering
• COVI-19 Business Interruption claims
• Energy & natural resources
• Information Technology
• Injunctions, interim relief
• Insurance & reinsurance
• International trade, transport & commodities
• Oil & Gas
• Media, Entertainment and Sports Law
• Professional negligence
• Shipping & admiralty
• Shipbuilding

1997:  Silk
1977:  Call: Middle Temple
2007: Bencher of the Middle Temple

1976: MA (Law) (First Class with Distinction), Trinity Hall, Cambridge University

• London Court of international Arbitration
• Panel of Arbitrators of Singapore International Arbitration Centre
• Panel of Arbitrators of Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration
• Insurance and Reinsurance Arbitration Society (ARIAS) (UK)
• London Maritime Arbitrators Association
• Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre
• Commercial Bar Association
• Chancery Bar Association
• Abu Dhabi Global Market Arbitration Centre

If you require further information, please contact: [email protected] or alternatively by telephone +44 20 7147 7233.