Anson Cheung’s practice encompasses the full range of commercial disputes, including international arbitration, general commercial litigation, construction, shipping and commodities, pensions and financial services

Anson has particular experience with litigation in the GCC region, having spent six months on secondment to a leading firm in Dubai. Anson’s cases frequently involve multi-jurisdictional elements, and she has rights of audience before the DIFC and the ADGM Courts.

 Education and Previous Experience 

Anson was awarded a full-ride merit-based scholarship, the Swire Scholarship, for her undergraduate degree, and graduated from the University of Oxford with a First in Jurisprudence. She then achieved a Distinction on the BCL at Oxford.

During her studies, Anson represented the University of Oxford twice in international moots, and won the Herbert Smith Freehills Oxford Disability Mooting Championship 2017. She was a research assistant to Professor Timothy Endicott and contributed to comparative law reports that were submitted to the US Supreme Court, as organised by Oxford Pro Bono Publico.   

Prior to starting the BPTC, Anson worked in the Legal Office of the UN World Food Programme in Rome.   

For the BPTC, Anson was awarded the most prestigious scholarship at Gray’s Inn, the Bedingfield Scholarship, and an Advocacy Award for aptitude in advocacy from BPP University. She was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 2019.  

Expertise

Anson has a thriving commercial litigation practice, often with a focus on international dispute resolution and the Middle East region. She has spent time on secondment to Clyde & Co LLP (Dubai office) and Mishcon de Reya LLP and has experience working as sole counsel or as part of a team.

Recent Commercial cases


  • Union Properties P.J.S.C & Anor. v. Trinkler & Partners Ltd & Ors Case No. ADGMCFI-2022-265: Led by Patrick Dillon-Malone SC in the ADGM Courts on behalf of a UAE property developer in a successful interim application for freezing injunctions and ancillary relief against its directors as well as its former Swiss asset managers amid allegations of fraud worth approximately USD 70 million. Claims involves breaches of fiduciary duty, contract obligations, knowing receipt and dishonest assistance, as well as the tort of deceit. Anson was involved in both the application for the worldwide freezing injunction and drafting the pleadings for the claim issued against the defendants.
  • Mimo Connect Limited v Matthew Buley, Grace Wilsher, M/Y Connect Maritime Limited [2023] EWCA Civ 909: Led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC in the Court of Appeal and the High Court on behalf of a telecommunications company against its former and current directors and successfully obtaining injunctions enforcing restrictive covenants in a shareholders’ agreement, confidentiality and imaging orders. Claims included breach of directors’ and fiduciary duties, breach of contract, conspiracy, deceit and other intentional torts, as well as breaches of their equitable duties of confidence.
  • Dwyer (UK Franchising) Ltd v Fredbar Ltd & Bartlett [2022] EWCA Civ 889: Led by David Grant KC on behalf of the successful respondents in the Court of Appeal, which handed down significant and detailed consideration of the enforceability of post-termination restrictions in franchise agreements, as well as assisting (as a pupil) in the court below.
  • Led by Farhaz Khan KC and Chloë Bell of 3 Verulam Buildings on behalf of Lloyd’s of London in ground-breaking proceedings before the Enforcement Board against Atrium Underwriting Limited relating to non-financial misconduct by employees and the failures by Atrium in its response to allegations of misconduct (Notice of Censure Y5369).
  • Qatar Reinsurance Company Limited v Orient Insurance PJSC and Orient YNB Takaful PJSC and Fenchurch Faris Limited DIFC CFI 009/2022: With Clyde & Co LLP, drafted the defence and counterclaim on behalf of the insurer against the reinsurer, as well as the additional claim against the insurance brokers in a claim worth approx. USD 10 million.
  • Al Buhaira National Insurance Company & Ors v Al Buhaira International Shipping Inc DIFC CFI 098/2021: Drafted witness statements and applications for joinder and an anti-suit injunction on behalf of insurers restraining the insured shipping company from continuing parallel proceedings in the Sharjah Courts with Clyde & Co LLP.
  • ISSEE Limited v Gannon & Ors Claim No. KB-2023-003679 (ongoing): Led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC in the High Court on behalf of defence contractors in obtaining injunctive relief against its former director and senior employees in a claim for breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy arising from the misuse of confidential information.
  • FiMbank PC v Bhatia Trading Co LLC & Ors DIFC CFI 024/2021: drafted pleadings on behalf of a bank in respect of a guarantee claiming damages in the sum of USD 2 million with Clyde & Co LLP.
  • Alexander Reuter & Or v Wellness United & Ors DIFC CFI 107/2021 and 108/2021: acting (unled) on behalf of the defendants in interim applications for amendment of pleadings and security for costs arising out of loan agreements and guarantees for approximately USD 700,000.
  • Acting as sole counsel successfully defending the supplier in trial in its supply of Covid tests and the effect of a no oral modification clause.
  • Advising a media holding company on various unauthorised loans and payments by its CEO to connected parties worth approx. USD 5 million and the general duties of the board of directors in light of whistleblowing allegations against its CEO (as part of a Mishcon team).
  • Drafted a letter before action on behalf of the architect/ supplier in the construction of a luxury resort in Saudi Arabia in the context of a contract worth approx. USD 28 million (as part of a Mishcon team).
  • Drafted a letter before action on behalf of trustees of a pension scheme in a professional negligence claim worth approx. £6 million against asset managers for mismanagement of a liability-driven investment scheme (as part of a Farrer & Co team).
  • Assisted Justina Stewart with advice in a claim worth approx. £7 million regarding the acquisition of a wholesale business. Allegations included fraudulent misrepresentation, breach of directors’ duties, and breach of warranty.
  • Assisted Justina Stewart (as a pupil) with advice in a claim worth approx. USD 21 million regarding the failed establishment of an investment fund. Allegations included fraudulent misrepresentation, the tort of deceit, the proper interpretation of NDAs and confidentiality obligations.
  • Assisted Michael Uberoi (as a pupil) in advising an international businessman in a claim for undue influence and breach of fiduciary duty against his former lawyer, resulting in the loss of his controlling shareholding in a successful company worth over £1 million.
  • Acting (unled) for insurance brokers concerned with a claim of approx. £800,000 regarding the supply of allegedly defective data recording devices.
  • Acting (unled) for a UK-domiciled customer against a Lebanese bank in a claim for payment of their foreign currency deposit and obtained favourable settlement.
  • Acting (unled) on behalf of a businessman in an agency agreement relating to the introduction of opportunities to a property developer in a claim amount worth approx. £200,000.
  • Acting (unled) on behalf of an angel investor on the prospects of an unfair prejudice petition in relation to the dilution of his shareholding in a technology start-up, worth approx. £300,000.

Anson has acted in relation to high value commercial arbitrations, and advised on the merits and strategy in relation to complex arbitral disputes. She is rapidly gaining specialist expertise in shipping and commodities and construction matters. She has experience of arbitration cases in accordance with LMAA, DIAC, LCIA, ADCCAC, ICC rules.

Recent International Arbitration experience


  • (ADCCAC): Led by Stephen Doherty, acting for the main contractor in a suite of arbitral disputes concerning delay, prolongation and payment obligations exceeding USD $100 million surrounding a large greenfield project.
  • (Ad hoc): Acting in a case management conference against a leading insurance silk on behalf of a services provider in relation to unpaid sums worth approx. USD 6 million (while on secondment to Clyde & Co).
  • (LCIA) Acting on behalf of a UAE dry dock facility in security for costs and security for claim applications, as well as underlying claims and counterclaims of approx. USD 2 million in relation to improper application of anti-foul coating and the alleged wrongful encashment of a guarantee (as part of a Clyde & Co team).
  • (LMAA): Drafted a security for costs application where the underlying claim of USD 5 million related to the misappropriation of cargo (as part of a Clyde & Co team).
  • (LMAA): With LCI Law, drafting submissions on behalf of the supplier in relation to cargo claims and the mitigation of losses (if any).
  • (ICSID): Led by Andrew Spink KC, advising a company in relation to a potential investment treaty arbitration worth approx. USD 80 million against Saudi Arabia.
  • (LMAA): Led by Roderick Cordara KC with Mishcon de Reya, acting on behalf of the yacht owner in claims and counterclaims concerning demurrage and damaged cargo in West Africa
  • Advising an international swimming league on the prospects of enforcement of a potential arbitral award in England and Switzerland, and the rights of appeal in English law against an arbitral award.
  • With Clyde & Co LLP, advised an insurer in relation to a jurisdictional challenge to a potential arbitration where the specified arbitral institute no longer existed.
  • (Ad hoc): Assisting Justina Stewart in the advice of a sports analytics and wagering company in relation to a prospective arbitral claim for the fraudulent misappropriation of approx. USD 1 million.
  • (As a pupil) Drafted skeleton arguments in an ICC arbitration arising from a delays dispute relating to an airport in the Middle East.

Anson is rapidly gaining specialist expertise in shipping and commodities matters. She has advised on the construction of charterparty clauses, CIF contracts and drafted submissions for charterparty and cargo disputes.

Recent Shipping and Commodities experience

  • (LCIA) Acting on behalf of a UAE dry dock facility in security for costs and security for claim applications, as well as underlying claims and counterclaims of approx. USD 2 million in relation to improper application of anti-foul coating and the alleged wrongful encashment of a guarantee (as part of a Clyde & Co team).
  • (LMAA): With Clyde & Co LLP, drafted a security for costs application where the underlying claim of USD 5 million related to the misappropriation of cargo.
  • (LMAA): With LCI Law, advising a bareboat charterer on competing claims of repudiatory breach of the charterparty and a claim for relief from forfeiture against the owners of the vessel.
  • (LMAA): With LCI Law, drafting submissions on behalf of the supplier in relation to cargo claims and the mitigation of losses (if any).
  • (LMAA): With LCI Law, settling arbitration submissions in hire and other disputes arising from time and voyage charterparties.
  • (LMAA): Led by Roderick Cordara KC with Mishcon de Reya, acting on behalf of the yacht owner in claims and counterclaims concerning demurrage and damaged cargo in West Africa.

Anson has experience acting in construction litigation and arbitrations both in the domestic courts and internationally. Anson previously completed pupillage at Atkin Chambers, and worked on cases involving the JCT, FIDIC, NEC3 standard form contracts, as well as bespoke construction contracts and turnkey agreements. This work has spanned both litigation and international arbitrations.

Recent Construction cases


  •  (ADCCAC): Led by Stephen Doherty, acting for the Abu Dhabi-based main contractor in a suite of arbitral disputes concerning delay, prolongation and payment obligations exceeding USD $100 million surrounding a large greenfield project.
  • Drafted a letter before action on behalf of the architect/ supplier in the construction of a luxury resort in Saudi Arabia in the context of a contract worth approx. USD 28 million (as part of a Mishcon team).
  • (Ongoing) Sole counsel in claims against a structural engineer and the builder for negligent design and defective workmanship in the design and construction of an extension to a residential home.
  • (Ongoing) Sole counsel on behalf of a contractor in relation to claims of defective workmanship in the construction of an extension and other home improvements to a residential home.
  • Acting (unled) in a claim regarding defective design and workmanship at a residential development (settled before trial).
  • Acting (unled) in a claim on behalf of a subcontractor against the main contractor involving the application of pay-when-paid clauses in the context of insolvency (settled before trial).
  • While in pupillage at Atkin Chambers:
    • Drafted skeleton arguments in an ICC arbitration arising from a delays dispute relating to an airport in the Middle East.
    • Advised on the effects of an assignment clause in a dispute concerning a tripartite agreement between three multinational oil companies.
    • Advised on limitation and claims for professional negligence regarding defective design and workmanship at a residential development (JCT contract).
    • Drafted skeleton arguments in an application for pre-action disclosure in the context of a claim for professional negligence in the audits of an insolvent construction empire.

Anson has particular experience in commercial employment and business protection matters both in England and the DIFC, particularly those concerning the misuse of confidential information, unlawful means conspiracy and breach of restrictive covenants. She has experience of injunctive work and she has appeared twice in the Court of Appeal in relation to such matters.

Recent Employment cases

  • Mimo Connect Limited v Matthew Buley, Grace Wilsher, M/Y Connect Maritime Limited [2023] EWCA Civ 909: Led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC in the High Court and Court of Appeal on behalf of a telecommunications company against its former and current directors and successfully obtaining injunctions enforcing restrictive covenants in a shareholders’ agreement, confidentiality and imaging orders. Claims included allegations of breach of directors’ and fiduciary duties, breach of contract, conspiracy, deceit and other intentional torts, as well as breaches of their equitable duties of confidence.
  • Dwyer (UK Franchising) Ltd v Fredbar Ltd & Bartlett [2022] EWCA Civ 889: Led by David Grant KC on behalf of the successful respondents in the Court of Appeal, which handed down significant and detailed consideration of the enforceability of post-termination restrictions in franchise agreements, as well as assisting (as a pupil) in the court below.
  • ISSEE Limited v Gannon & Ors Claim No. KB-2023-003679 (ongoing): Led by Mohinderpal Sethi KC in the High Court on behalf of defence contractors in obtaining injunctive relief against its former director and senior employees in a claim for breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy arising from the misuse of confidential information.
  • Copala Restaurant Limited v Adan Morales Naranjo DIFC SCT 23/2023: advising the defendant in a claim for injunctive relief in relation to alleged breaches of contractual post-termination restrictions and damages.
  • Advising a senior executive in a DIFC company of the appropriate jurisdiction of any proceedings by his former employer and the enforceability of restrictive covenants in his contract of employment.
  • Advising a senior executive in a DIFC-based bank on claims for breach of contract amid alleged retaliation for whistleblowing allegations.

Anson gained experience in a variety of matters relating to pensions and trusts law as a pupil, under the supervision of Nicholas Hill, and continues to work on a range of pensions cases whether as sole counsel or as part of a team:

Recent Pensions cases


  • James Cropper Plc & Entrust Pension Limited v Aviva Life and Pensions UK Limited (Claim No. E30MA250) (instructed by Squire Patton Boggs): Led by Richard Hitchcock KC on behalf of the employer & trustee in relation to a professional negligence claim in connection with the equalisation of the normal retirement dates in the employer’s pension scheme.
  • Watson v NASUWT  (Claim No. H4QZ92Q6): (settled before trial) Acting as sole counsel on behalf of a teachers’ union in relation to a professional negligence claim in consequence of pensions advice.
  • Assisted Andrew Spink KC in advice on behalf of the trustees of a large pensions scheme regarding attribution in the context of constructive knowledge under s14A of the Limitation Act 1980.
  • Acting as sole counsel on behalf of a wealth management firm in relation to a pensions liberations scam allegedly perpetuated by an independent financial advisor.
  • Advising on prospects of a potential judicial review regarding the entitlement to a deceased unmarried but cohabiting partner’s pension.
  • In pupillage, assisting Nicholas Hill in the draft of a Warning Notice on behalf of the Pensions Regulator against a pharmaceutical giant with a complex corporate structure.

Recent Bank & Financial Services cases


  • Led by Michael Uberoi, Gus Baker, and Henry Reid, acting for a financial advisor in proceedings brought by the FCA seeking the disgorgement of commission payments obtained in consequence of advice given to members of the British Steel pension scheme. Anson appeared with other members of the counsel team before the FCA’s Regulatory Decisions Committee.
  • Drafted a letter before action on behalf of trustees of a pension scheme in a professional negligence claim worth approx. £6 million against asset managers for mismanagement of a liability-driven investment scheme.
  • Acting (unled) for a UK-domiciled customer against a Lebanese bank in a claim for payment of their foreign currency deposits and obtained favourable settlement.
  • Assisting Justina Stewart in advising a UK company on the requirements of a listing in a Guernsey-based stock exchange.
  • (As a pupil) Assisting Justina Stewart in advising in the context of a professional negligence claim as to whether potential investment losses in offshore bonds were unforeseeable or too remote.
  • (As a pupil) Assisting Justina Stewart in advising on the regulatory framework in relation to the sale of complex derivatives to a ‘professional client’.

As part of her work under commercial, pensions and construction litigation, Anson has gained experience in professional negligence matters.

Recent Professional Negligence experience


  • Produced advices relating to professional negligence by solicitors in fraudulent property transactions
  • Drafted particulars of claim regarding a professional negligence claim concerning the defective design of concrete
  • Drafted a defence for a professional negligence claim against a surveyor
  • Drafted skeleton arguments in an application for pre-action disclosure involving the allegedly negligent audits of a now-insolvent construction empire
  • Drafted a defence and counterclaim in a case concerning a professional negligence claim regarding defective design and poor workmanship at a boarding school

Related updates

Anson Cheung is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please click here.

"She did an excellent job in the recent instructions I sent her.  It was obvious she fully understood the law and the procedure involved. … She achieved an excellent result."

"Additionally she displayed a great deal of maturity, not expected of someone just starting her career and analysed the issues in her instructions and reported back to me of any likely issues that could arise at the hearing. This enabled me to report back to my client and meant that there would be no surprises."

To find out more, contact Sam Carter on +44 (0)203 989 6669 or George Bennett on +44 (0)207 427 0807 for a confidential discussion.

Our dedicated practice management team can help you identify the right barrister for your case.

  • Cantonese (native)(spoken)
  • Mandarin (fluent)(spoken and written)

  • Justina Stewart, Lucian Ilie, Anson Cheung and Hanif Virji, ‘Credit Suisse, AT1 bonds and taking the BIT between the teeth‘, (May 2023) JIBFL
  • Anson Cheung ‘Case Comment: IGPL General Trading v Hortin Holdings & Ors’, The MENA Business Law Review No. 03/2022 (LexisNexis)
  • David Grant KC and Anson Cheung, ‘Restraint of trade and inequality of bargaining power’, ELA Briefing Vol. 29, no. 9, 10-12
  • Awarded joint first prize in the Society of Construction Law Hudson Prize 2019 for the essay entitled ‘Triple Point Technology – pointing to confusion’; then published in The International Construction Law Review ([2020] I.C.L.R. 130)

  • Bedingfield Scholarship from Gray’s Inn
  • Joint first prize in the Society of Construction Law Hudson Prize 2019
  • BPP Advocacy Award
  • The Swire Scholarship for University College from the Swire Educational Trust
  • Scholar of University College, Oxford (2015-2017)

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