Chris is a partner specialising in international arbitration.
Chris has acted as counsel and advocate in ad hoc and institutional arbitrations in a number of jurisdictions and under various governing laws. He has broad experience of advising on international disputes, particularly in the energy, life sciences and mining sectors. He was appointed as Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel) in March 2022.
Chris is Co-Head of our Pharmaceuticals sector team.
Accolades
"Chris Parker is fantastic. He is an excellent advocate, is smart and is able to translate that into practical advice and strategy to advance our position." Chambers 2025
"Chris is brilliant. He has the ability to grasp difficult concepts and translate them into simple propositions. He is strategic and calm. He is also an excellent team leader." Chambers 2025
‘Chris Parker KC is able to turn his hand to very different cases and is an able and agile advocate.’ Legal 500 2025
Chris Parker KC 'commands the respect and attention of the room' International Arbitration Legal 500 UK 2023
Listed as a Leading Individual for International Arbitration by Legal 500 UK 2023
Chris is a recommended lawyer for arbitration Who’s Who Legal Arbitration: 2021
“…Chis Parker bring[s] a wealth of talent to the team” Legal 500 UK 2020 – International Arbitration
Chris is a recommended lawyer for Life Sciences and Healthcare Legal 500 UK 2021
Legal 500 UK 2019 comments that Chris is a recommended lawyer for International Arbitration and Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Who's Who Legal Arbitration: Future Leaders 2018 describes Chris as 'a calm and effective presence'
Who's Who Legal Arbitration: Future Leaders 2019 notes that Chris Parker is 'a sophisticated and polished advocate' who sources would highly recommend for his “superb work” in both institutional and ad hoc proceedings. According to one peer, 'His cross-examination skills are otherworldly'
Named Rising Star at The American Lawyer's Transatlantic Legal Awards 2016
Recognised by Chambers & Partners as a Foreign Expert Based in UK for USA – International Arbitration and Foreign Expert for USA for UK – Dispute Resolution.
Background
Chris joined Herbert Smith's international arbitration group in London on qualification, having previously graduated from Cambridge University with a triple first in law. He has since spent time in the firm's arbitration teams in Shanghai and New York, returning to London from New York in 2015.
Experience & expertise
Selected matters
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an international pharmaceutical company in securing a favourable award in an ICC arbitration in Singapore with over US$0.5 billion in dispute concerning a co-promotion agreement
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a US energy major in arbitration proceedings under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules relating to a post M&A dispute concerning an offshore oil field in the North Sea
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a biotechnology company in an arbitration relating to one of the leading Covid-19 vaccines
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the owner of a LNG terminal in an ICC arbitration concerning a long term gas supply agreement relating to an offshore African field
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A global pharmaceuticals company in a significant victory in a SIAC arbitration in Singapore arising from licensing and research agreements, with a value in excess of US$ 300 million
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