Smith leaves Field Court for Essex Court

Leading shipping and professional negligence barrister Chris Smith ismoving to "magic

circle" commercial set Essex Court Chambers.His departure will be a blow to Steven Gee

QC, formerly of One Essex Courtand the incoming head of Smith's former chambers at 4

Field Court.However, Smith stresses that the decision to move is unconnected to

Gee'sarrival, but acknowledges that he was unhappy at 4 Field Court.His departure echoes

that of former co-tenants at 4 Field Court, AndrewHochhauser QC and Martin Griffiths who

also left for Essex Court.Smith was involved at first instance in the leading case on

assessingdamages for valuer's negligence, BBL v Eagle Star, and several majorshipping

cases."Our principal interest is the additional strength he will bring to ourwet and dry

shipping team, but as Chris is also recognised for hisprofessional negligence work we

are fortunate to profit twice from hisarrival," says David Grief, senior clerk at Essex

Court Chambers.