Timothy Killen KC

Tim has very extensive experience as counsel in domestic and international arbitration proceedings, and has acted in disputes governed by many of the major institutional rules (including ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ARIAS, and ADCCAC), as well as ad hoc arbitrations under the UNCITRAL and IBA Rules. Tim also has considerable experience of applications to Court concerning arbitration proceedings (including challenges to awards, enforcement applications, and interim injunctions).

Tim is recommended in both of the legal directories as a leading silk for international arbitration.

Tim is also happy to consider appointments as arbitrator.

Notable cases

• Acted (leading James Partridge) in section 9 Arbitration Act and anti-arbitration relief proceedings arising out of facultative reinsurance arrangements placed on the London market in respect of a large US property loss (Commercial Court, and court of Appeal, London)
• Acted (leading Eswar Kalidasan) in an DIAC Arbitration concerning the supply and upgrade of a mobile land drilling rig (Dubai Seat, English law)
• Acted in an ADCAAC Arbitration concerning the provision of aerospace technology services (Abu Dhabi Seat, UAE law)
• Acted in DIFC-LCIA arbitration proceedings arising out of D&O insurance (DIFC Seat, DIFC law)
• Acted in injunction proceedings in support of a DIFC-LCIA arbitration arising out of oil bunkerage arrangements (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in contested enforcement proceedings for the recognition and enforcement of a DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Award, raising issues of waiver, requirements to administer oaths and tiered dispute resolution clauses under UAE law (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted for an arbitral institution in section 68 and section 69 proceedings in relation to an international trade dispute (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted in a DIFC-LCIA Arbitration concerning obligations under a construction project joint venture agreement (Dubai seat, UAE law)
• Acted in a DIFC-LCIA Arbitration concerning warehousing agreements (Dubai seat, UAE law)
• Acted (leading Ruth Kennedy) in a s.68 proceedings (challenge for procedural irregularity) in relation to an LCIA Arbitration concerning sale and supply of organic produce from Eastern Europe (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted in contested enforcement proceedings of a DIFC-LCIA arbitration award (Dubai Seat, UAE law) (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in an application for interim injunction in support of DIFC-LCIA Arbitration proceedings (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in linked DIFC-LCIA arbitration and DIFC court proceedings concerning an injunction to restrain a call on a performance bond
• Acted in ICC London arbitration concerning the operation of a power station in Qatar.
• Acted in linked LCIA arbitrations concerning the construction of a gas-fired power plant (Zurich seat, English law)
• Acted in s.24 (removal of arbitrator for bias) proceedings in support of an arbitration concerning long-tail reinsurance contracts (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted in Court proceedings in support of an ICC arbitration (Paris seat) concerning the construction of a biomass power station (TCC, London)
• Acted in an ad-hoc London-seated arbitration under the IBA Rules (English and Israeli company dispute over exclusive supply agreements)
• Acted for German, Luxemburg, Delaware and English companies in a multiparty ICC Arbitration arising out of a large property investment scheme (London seat, English law)
• Acted for a business interruption insurer in an ad-hoc arbitration (UNCITRAL rules) concerning coverage under a manufacturing policy
• Acted for a consortium of investment banks in an emergency application for injunctive relief in support of a DIFC-LCIA Arbitration arising out of security taken over an oil rig (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted for a major department store in a dispute concerning shop fit-out works (JCT/CIMAR)
• Advising on and acting in enforcement proceedings of various international arbitration awards (DIFC Courts, Dubai and Commercial Court, London)

Tim’s commercial practice encompasses a wide variety of complex contractual claims, cases involving share purchase agreements, the alleged mis-selling of structured financial products, the enforcement of sole agency agreements, joint venture agreements, international contracts for construction projects, commodities trading, the sale of goods, issues of jurisdiction and choice of law, and claims arising out of and in support of arbitration and adjudication proceedings. Tim also has extensive experience of a wide range of commercial interim relief applications, including freezing injunctions, search orders, Norwich Pharmacal orders, anti-suit injunctions, springboard injunctions, and delivery-up orders.

Tim is recommended in both of the legal directories as a leading silk for commercial disputes.

Notable cases

• Acted for a major Middle Eastern Insurance company in a dispute concerning an alleged agreement for third party administration services (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in a claim made by two Russian state-owned banks in relation to bond transactions. Claim alleged to be worth over US$500m (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted in a breach of contract claim concerning the management of golf tournaments in Dubai (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in a breach of contract claim against a hedge fund (ADGM Court, Abu Dhabi)
• Acted in enforcement proceedings to enforce a US Court Judgment against a London financial institution arising out of a motor racing sponsorship deal (Chancery Division, London)
• Acted in applications for “reflective” freezing injunction in support of high value civil fraud proceedings in Cyprus (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted for a major news organisation in a breach of contract claim against a media services company (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted for a telecommunications equipment supplier in a claim for breach of contract against a supplier of electricity cables (TCC, London)
• Acted in a dispute concerning the adequacy of a traffic deck coating system supplied for use in the Dubai Mall, UAE (TCC, London)
• Acted for a German reinsurer in a claim against a Swiss loss adjuster for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of trust in respect of services carried out in relation to the earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand (London Mercantile Court)
• Acted for a Singaporean jeweller in a claim for breach of consignment agreements by a London-based jeweller (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted for a South African investment bank in a claim for breach of sale and purchase agreements arising out of a skyscraper development in Dubai (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted for insurers of a large oil refinery in a claim concerning the quality of gas oil
• Acted for the successful Respondent Bank in an appeal relating to the strike out of costs proceedings and the scope of the grant of relief from sanctions (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in a contractual dispute between a German supplier of raw materials and an English manufacturer, featuring a challenge to a purported agreement as to jurisdiction (Commercial Court, London)

Tim’s civil fraud practice is closely integrated with his broader commercial work, reflecting the overlap between complex contractual disputes and cases concerning allegations of dishonesty. He has extensive experience of actions involving allegations of inducing a breach of contract, unlawful interference with economic interests, deceit, unlawful means conspiracy, knowing receipt, unjust enrichment, and breach of confidence, with particular expertise in cases involving alleged fraudulent activity with an international element.

Tim also has extensive experience of a wide range of commercial interim relief applications, including freezing injunctions, search orders, Norwich Pharmacal orders, anti-suit injunctions, springboard injunctions, and delivery-up orders.

Tim is recommended in both of the legal directories as a leading silk for Civil Fraud work.

Notable cases

• Acted in an alleged “asset-stripping” dispute concerning the enforcement of a significant arbitration award (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in a breach of confidence and conspiracy claim for a large manufacturer of industrial chemicals against a company set up by former employees (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted for an UHNWI in a claim against former trusted advisers, first claim in the DIFC Court to consider the rule against reflective loss post Marex (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in a breach of confidence claim concerning allegations of misuse of confidential trade secrets (Chancery Division, London)
• Acted in a claim concerning an alleged fraud relating to Russian company formation (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted in a claim by a large manufacturing company against a former manager for breach of fiduciary duty arising out of invoicing processes (Chancery Division, London)
• Acted for a former CEO of an international energy company in a claim for unpaid bonus. Claim concerned allegations of breach of fiduciary duty (ADGM Courts, Abu Dhabi)
• Acted in a claim by a company against former auditors for allegedly failing to spot a VAT fraud (Chancery Division, London)
• Acted in a claim by an engineering company against a former employee and a potential competitor for the alleged unauthorised use of commercial software licences held on a central computer network (Mercantile Court, London)
• Provided advice and representation in various cases involving obtaining and resisting freezing injunctions and other emergency interim orders, including Norwich Pharmacal relief and non-party disclosure orders

Tim has experience of construction arbitrations (JCT/CIMAR, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC, ICC and ad hoc), adjudications (both statutory and contractual), and numerous claims in the TCC. Many of Tim’s cases involve consideration of standard form construction contracts, including JCT, ICE, NEC and FIDIC, as well as bespoke joint venture agreements. Tim also has experience of property damage claims, and disputes concerning energy, natural resources and infrastructure projects.

Tim’s experience in property damage and insurance claims means he is particularly well-placed to deal with complex issues of technical evidence, and issues concerning the insurance of construction projects.

Tim is recommended in Chambers and Partners as a leading silk in Property Damage work.

Notable Cases

• Acted on behalf of the owner and operator of the Silverstone race track in respect of allegedly defective resurfacing works, causing the cancellation of the British Moto GP (TCC, London)
• Acted in proceedings arising out of a crane collapse on a large development in West London (TCC, London)
• Acted in linked LCIA arbitrations concerning the construction of a gas-fired power plant (Zurich seat)
• Acted in various arbitrations and court proceedings (TCC and DIFC Court) concerning applications for injunctions to restrain calls on performance bonds
• Acted in enforcement proceedings of a DIFC-LCIA arbitration award arising out of a large construction project in Dubai
• Acted in Court proceedings in support of an ICC arbitration (Paris seat) concerning the construction of a biomass power station (TCC, London)
• Acted in a dispute concerning the construction of a large residential development, raised issues concerning the scope of pure economic loss (TCC, London)
• Acted in a statutory adjudication concerning milestone payments for the construction of a power plant
• Acted in a preliminary issue trial concerning the proper interpretation of a modified JCT contract, raising issues of joint insurance (TCC, London)
• Acted in a dispute concerning the adequacy of materials supplied to construct the car parks of the Dubai Mall, Dubai UAE (TCC, London)
• Acted on behalf of a main contractor against a civil and structural engineer sub-contractor concerning allegations of professional negligence in the design of underpinning works during the construction of a hotel. Included a substantial delay claim (TCC, London)
• Acted in an arbitration (JCT/CIMAR) on behalf of a luxury department store regarding the adequacy of store fit-out works
• Acted for the successful main-contractor respondents in a statutory adjudication relating to the construction of a flood management scheme
• Acted in numerous claims for large-scale property damage arising out of fires, floods, and engineering defects

Tim acts for insurers, reinsurers, and policyholders across the full range of coverage and policy interpretation disputes, with particularly extensive experience in property, business interruption, professional indemnity, and D&O claims.

Tim is recommended in both the legal directories as a leading silk in Insurance and Reinsurance work, and has been shortlisted for “Financial Services and Insurance Silk of the Year” (2026, Legal 500 Bar Awards). Prior to taking silk, Tim was also shortlisted for “Insurance Junior of the year” at the 2025 Chambers and Partners Bar Awards

Notable Cases

• Acted in three sets of “test cases” concerning COVID-19 business interruption loss (aggregation of losses under the Marsh Resilience/RSA 4 wording; at the premises clauses; and non damage denial of access clauses)
• Acting on behalf of a Bermudan captive insurer in a reinsurance dispute arising out of a significant property loss in the US
• Acted for the owners of an aircraft detained in Russia in an “operator policy” claim, being heard as part of the group action currently proceeding in the London Commercial Court
• Acted in the first COVID-19 business interruption claim to be brought in the DIFC Courts
• Acted in a claim arising out of coverholder arrangements on behalf of an insurer issuing warranty certificates for newly built developments (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted in an arbitration concerning coverage of a D&O Policy
• Acted in Court proceedings in support of an arbitration concerning long-tail reinsurance contracts (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted for CAR insurers in proceedings concerning issues of joint insurance of a large construction project in central London (TCC, London)
• Acted in an arbitration (UNCITRAL Rules) concerning coverage under a manufacturing policy
• Acted for insurers in a coverage dispute concerning insurers’ liability under a marine trades policy
• Acted for a German reinsurer in a claim against a Swiss loss adjuster for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of trust in respect of services carried out in relation to the Christchurch earthquakes in New Zealand (Mercantile Court)
• Acted in a large domestic fire claim, which raised issues of policy coverage, misrepresentation, material non-disclosure, waiver and the operation of the FSMA and ICOBS Rules (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted on behalf of a leading insurance and reinsurance company in the Middle East in a claim relating to issues of jurisdiction arising out of potential liabilities under six quota share reinsurance treaties (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Defended a claim on behalf of an insurer on the basis that the insured used fraudulent means or devices in the claims process (Chancery Division, London)
• Provided advice and representation relating to the coverage of numerous professional indemnity policies, D&O policies, property damage policies, a pollution legal liability policy, CAR policies, a jewellers’ block policy, trade credit policies and various business interruption, bespoke commercial risk, and consumer insurance policies

The international nature of Tim’s practice means he frequently deals with contested issues of jurisdiction and choice of law in the context of both arbitration and court proceedings.

Tim has particular experience of actions in, and involving, the Middle East and regularly appears before the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Tim has also appeared on a number of occasions before the Courts of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). He is recommended by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners Global as a Band 1 leading practitioner for commercial work in the UAE where he is commended as having “unparalleled experience of commercial litigation in the Middle East”.

Tim frequently acts in cases concerning provisions of foreign law, and has experience of cases governed by, amongst others, the law of Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Luxemburg, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, and the USA (Arkansas, Delaware, New York, North Carolina, Texas).

Notable Cases

• Acted in proceedings for a stay of arbitration proceedings and corollary anti-arbitration relief arising out reinsurance arrangements which were argued to be subject to either English court jurisdiction or New York seated arbitration (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted for the operator of a mobile land rig in a preliminary issue hearing concerning the validity of an arbitration clause, and a challenge to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal (DIAC, Dubai seat, English governing law)
• Acted for a major Middle Eastern Insurance company in a dispute concerning third party administration services (UAE governing law, DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted in a jurisdiction challenge brought by various Russian individuals in respect of a claim made by two state-owned Banks (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted for a large manufacturing entity in disputes concerning the governing law of various supply agreements (adjudication, arbitration and court proceedings)
• Acted in an ad-hoc London-seated arbitration under the IBA Rules (English and Israeli company dispute over exclusive supply agreements, concerning issues of applicable law)
• Acted for German, Luxemburg, Delaware and English companies in a multiparty ICC Arbitration arising out of a large property investment scheme (raised issues of applicable law, and choice of law rules applicable in arbitrations)
• Acted for a German reinsurer in a claim against a Swiss loss adjuster for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of trust in respect of services carried out in relation to the Christchurch earthquakes in New Zealand in 2010/11. Considered issues of incorporation of jurisdiction clauses from a master contract and the requirement of “evidenced in writing” for the purposes of Article 23 of the Lugano Convention (Mercantile Court, London)
• Acted for a Singaporean jeweller in a claim for breach of consignment agreements by a London-based jeweller; raised issues of jurisdiction and applicable law (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted for a German private bank on the recovery of money paid in error to a London-based bank via a multibanking payment system
• Acted in a contractual dispute between a German supplier of raw materials and an English manufacturer, featuring a challenge to a purported agreement as to jurisdiction (Commercial Court, London)

Tim has experience in actions involving a wide range of professionals including accountants/auditors, surveyors, loss adjusters, architects, engineers, builders and other construction professionals, solicitors, bankers and insurance brokers.

Tim is recommended in the Legal 500 as a leading silk for professional negligence disputes.

Notable Cases

• Acted on behalf of commercial land agents in claims arising out the sale of development land on behalf of a trust (Chancery Division, London)
• Acted on behalf of an investment fund in a claim against insurance brokers for the placing of financial lines cover (Commercial Court, London)
• Acted on behalf of insurance and reinsurance brokers in a claim made arising out of the placing of a project policy (DIFC Courts, Dubai)
• Acted on behalf of a firm of solicitors in a claim made in respect of the sale of a business (Commercial Court)
• Acted on behalf of a main contractor against a civil and structural engineer sub-contractor concerning allegations of professional negligence in the design of underpinning works during the construction of a hotel (TCC, London)
• Acted in a claim against a tax adviser for failing to advise on US tax liabilities under a personal investment scheme
• Acted for an engineering company against an insurance broker for a negligent failure to advise on insuring a commercial risk following a company restructure (Commercial Court, London)
• Various surveyors’ negligence cases, including an action involving arguments of undisclosed agency arrangements and corporate banking structures (Chancery Division, London)
• Various solicitors’ negligence actions, including allegations of failures to advise, failures to secure easements and failures to secure good title in a property conveyance transactions
• Cases of accountants’/auditors’ negligence, including allegations of a failure to spot a fraud allegedly carried out by company directors

• Tyson International Company Limited v GIC Re, India [2026] EWCA Civ 40; [2025] EWHC 77 (Comm); [2024] EWHC 236 (Comm) – Acted (leading Ben Phelps and James Partridge) on behalf of a captive insurer in an application for anti-arbitration relief injuncting a New York seated arbitration concerning a large property loss which was reinsured on a facultative basis.
• International Entertainment Holdings & Others v Allianz Insurance PLC [2024] EWCA Civ 1281; [2024] EWHC 124 (Comm) – Acted (led by Charles Dougherty KC) in a COVID-19 business interruption insurance coverage dispute concerning a non-damage denial of access clause. Considered the meaning of “incident” and “policing authority”, as well as limits and the relevance of knowledge to causation.
• Tyson International Company Limited v Partner Reinsurance Europe SE [2024] EWCA Civ 363; [2023] EWHC 3243 (Comm) – Acted (leading Ben Phelps at first instance and James Partridge on appeal) on behalf of a captive insurer in an application for anti-arbitration relief and opposing a section 9 Arbitration Act stay in respect of facultative reinsurance of a large North American property portfolio.
• Lals Holding Limited & Others v (1) Emirates Insurance Company (PSC) (2) SIACI Insurance Brokers LLC [2024] DIFC CA 002 (2^nd July 2024); [2022] DIFC CFI 073 (1 November 2023), – Acted (led by Charles Dougherty KC) in the first COVID-19 business interruption insurance dispute to be heard by the DIFC Court. Considered issues of corrective construction and the operation of a closure clause and “loss of attraction” clause in a commercial policy of insurance.
• Free Leisure Ltd (t/a Cirque le Soir) v (1) Peidl and Co Limited and (2) QBE UK Ltd [2023] EWHC 792 (Comm) – Acted on behalf of insurers in successful strike out of a claim said to be valued at around £4m. Raised issues of limitation under the Third Party (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010, and what needs to be done to validly protect time from running when issuing a claim form.
• Various Eateries Trading Ltd v Allianz Insurance Plc [2024] EWCA Civ 10; [2022] EWHC 2549 (Comm) – Acted at first instance and on appeal (led by Charles Dougherty KC) in this claim (heard at fist instance with Stonegate Pub Co Ltd v MS Amlin Corporate Member and Greggs Plc v Zurich Insurance Plc) concerning aggregation, causation and policy periods in relation to COVID-19 related BI insurance loss.
• Flowcrete v Vebro Polymers UK Ltd [2022] EWHC 480 (Comm); [2023] EWHC 22 (Comm) – Acted for Claimants in a claim for breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy relating to the alleged taking of confidential information by a competitor in the industrial and construction chemicals industry. Interim applications considered springboard and delivery up relief, scope of the Disclosure PD, and injunctions to restrain allegedly privileged documents said to have been disclosed in error by the Defendants.
• Oman Insurance Company PSC v Globemed Gulf Healthcare Solutions LLC [2021] DIFC CA 009; [2017] DIFC CFI 051 (30 January 2024) – Acted (led by Rupert Reed KC) in DIFC Court of Appeal proceedings arising out of a US$40m claim for breach of a “Third Party Administration Services” contract. Considered the invalidity of a company as a matter of UAE law if there is no majority company ownership by a UAE national, and issues of jurisdiction over questions of the validity of “onshore” UAE companies. Also acted in 7 day trial of issues before the DIFC Court in May 2023.
• Elite Insurance Co Ltd v BCR Legal Group Ltd [2021] EWHC 3250 (Comm) – Acted (led by Neil Moody KC) on behalf of a Gibraltan insurance company in claim for breach of coverholder agreements. Application considered limitation periods and the scope of duties owed by coverholders and appointed representatives under FSMA.
• Lirit v Liwanu [2021] DIFC ARB 011 – Acted in DIFC Court Proceedings concerning a challenge to the enforcement of a DIFC-LCIA final award.
• PJSC National Trust Bank v Mints & Others [2021] EWHC 692 (Comm) – Acted (led by Charles Dougherty KC) in a jurisdiction challenge brought by the former Chairman of Russian Bank. Raised issues of forum conveniens, multiplicity of proceedings and material non-disclosure.
• EA Chiverton v Maugham [2020] EWHC 3849 (TCC) – Acted for the Defendant in a security for costs application which considered the adequacy of a parent company guarantee offered in the context of a construction industry shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• P v Q [2020] EWHC 1688 (Comm) – Acted (leading Ruth Kennedy) in a s.68 Arbitration Act challenge to an award.
• Rubingh v Veloqx RSC Ltd [2020] ADGM CFI 005 – Summary judgment application in respect of a US$1m breach of contract claim brought against an Abu Dhabi Global Market investment fund.
• Sky News Arabia FZ-LLC v Kassab Media FZ (LLC) [2018] DIFC CFI 067 (January 6, 2020) – Acted for the successful claimant in a US4.5m breach of contract claim. Judgment the first DIFC Court judgment to consider issues of governing law for the award of interest on breach of contract claims.
• Berardo v Stumpf Energy Ltd [2018] ADGM CFI 1 – Acted for the Claimant, former CEO of an international energy company in a claim before the Courts of the Abu Dhabi Global Market. Hearing concerned application brought by the Defendant to stay proceedings before the ADGM Courts pending the resolution of a criminal trial before the onshore courts in Abu Dhabi.
• Pakistan Reinsurance Company v Equitas Limited and Others [2018] EWHC 3136 (Comm) – A s.24 Arbitration Act challenge to remove an arbitrator for bias.
• ADVA Optical Networking Ltd v Optron Holding Ltd [2018] EWHC 852 (TCC)– Acted for Claimants in a claim relating to the supply of allegedly defective electrical cables. Successfully opposed an application to amend a defence and resile from an admission six weeks before a five day trial.
• Al Nahda Insulation Contracting LLC & Anor v Tremco Illbruck Export Ltd [2017] EWHC 956 (TCC) – Acted for the supplier of a car park surfacing system used in the construction of the Dubai Mall. Installation sub-contractor brought a £16m claim, but subsequently consented to strike out of the majority of shipments as breach of contract occurred on the dates of the bills of lading. The sub-contractor subsequently made an application to amend its pleading to attempt to circumvent issues of limitation. Supplier successfully opposed the application on the basis that the causation argument pleaded in response to limitation had no real prospect of success, and the application was made late. (Led by Neil Moody KC).
• GB Building Solutions Ltd v SFS Fire Services Limited [2017] EWHC 1289 (TCC); 172 Con. L.R. 18 Preliminary issue trial considering the interpretation and effect of joint insurance provisions and modified terms of a JCT Sub-Contract relating to practical completion. Issue concerned whether the Main Contractor was able to maintain a claim against the Sub-Contractor for loss.
• R + V Versicherung AG v Robertson and Co SA [2016] EWHC 1243 (QB); [2016] 4 WLR 106; [2017] 2 All ER 676; [2017] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 995; [2016] Lloyd’s Rep I.R. 612 – Acted for the successful German reinsurer in a jurisdiction challenge brought by a firm of Swiss loss adjusters. Considered issues of incorporation of jurisdiction clauses from a master contract and the requirement of “evidenced in writing” for the purposes of Article 23 of the Lugano Convention. (Led by Charles Dougherty KC).
• Bailey and Others v Glaxosmithkline (UK) Ltd [2016] EWHC 178 (QB), [2016] All ER (D) 44 (Feb) – Acted (with Jacqueline Perry KC and Niazi Fetto) for group action claimants under a Group Litigation Order against the pharmaceutical company responsible for producing the antidepressant drug “Seroxat” in a claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. Considers the extent of the court’s case management powers following a lengthy ad hoc stay.
• Firstrand Property Holding (Middle East) Limited v DAMAC Park Towers Company Limited CFI 030/2014 – Dubai International Financial Centre Court claim in deceit and breach of contract against a property developer in relation to the off-plan purchase of commercial units.
• Bate v Aviva Insurance UK Limited [2013] EWHC 1687 (Comm); [2013] Lloyd’s Rep IR 492; [2013] All ER (D) 138 – Multi million pound claim arising out of a fire at a large domestic property (with Neil Moody KC and Sonia Nolten); concerned issues of policy coverage and interpretation, alleged misrepresentation, material non-disclosure and alleged waiver by insurers.
• Tradebe Solvent Recycling Limited v Coussens of Bexhill [2013] EWHC 3786 (QB); [2013] All ER (D) 10 – Action for business interruption and property damage losses arising out of a crane collapse at a solvent recycling plant. Concerned issues of causation and mitigation of loss. (Led by Andrew Miller KC)
• AAM Holding Limited and Others v First Capital of Switzerland Investment Bank Limited and Others CFI 044/2012 – Claim brought in the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre relating to various cross border investments. Considered the applicability of injunctive proceedings in relation to cheques issued in onshore Dubai and the relevance of pre-existing arbitration proceedings.
• Mana v Clariden Leu Asset Management (Dubai) Ltd CFI 030/2011 – Represented the Dubai International Financial Centre registered investment Bank in an appeal brought by investors relating to the alleged mis-selling of structured financial products; issues of relief from sanctions and the strike out of detailed costs assessment proceedings.

Tim has consistently been listed in the legal directories as a leading practitioner in his main areas of practice. Below is a selection of recent quotations from his listings:

“Timothy Killen exhibits expertise in fire and flood disputes, and is particularly good at construction-related matters. He is known for the strong technical knowledge he brings to cases. He regularly appears in cases before the TCC.”
“Tim is a strong, consistently good barrister who brings a sense of calm to complex disputes involving difficult characters.”
Chambers UK 2026 (Commercial Dispute Resolution – London Bar)

“Timothy is a very clever and commercial insurance lawyer. I really like his gentle and understated advocacy style.”
“His written advocacy is very strong and to the point.”
“Timothy Killen is a respected English barrister who has a rising profile for disputes before the DIFC Courts. Based in London, he is regularly instructed to represent clients operating in sectors such as financial services, energy and insurance.”
Chambers UK 2026 (Dispute Resolution – The English Bar: Middle East Wide)

“Tim is obviously one of the smartest barristers at the Bar, but he is also extremely personable.”
“Tim is a very academic and clever lawyer.”
“Timothy Killen has a fantastic legal mind.”
“His intelligence combined with his advocacy makes him very effective.”
“Timothy Killen… has recognised expertise in private international law, which he brings to bear in complex cross-border fraud cases involving difficult jurisdiction or choice of law issues. He is well versed in disputes involving allegations of the misappropriation of assets.”
Chambers UK 2026 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“He is quite simply my go-to barrister on any insurance related dispute. He excels in all areas.”
“Tim is academically outstanding and particularly strong on jurisdictional issues involving the onshore and offshore UAE courts.”
“Timothy Killen has considerable expertise in property damage disputes as part of a broader insurance and reinsurance practice. He offers further strengths in construction, business interruption and D&O insurance-related matters.”
Chambers UK 2026 (Insurance – London Bar)

“He is an expert on jurisdictional battles in the UAE.”
“Timothy Killen is very clever. He is a good pleader before the court, a restrained and gentle advocate, and he never takes an unreasonable point. Moreover, he is courteous, polite and hard-working.”
“Timothy Killen is a highly experienced junior barrister who has an active practice in the Middle East. He has acted in arbitrations under the DIFC and ADCCAC rules, among an array of others.”
Chambers UK 2026 (International Arbitration – The English Bar: Global Guide)

“Tim is on top of the law and the details, and his pleadings are thorough and to the point.”
“Timothy must be on the verge of taking silk. He’s an exceptionally bright young barrister who has the ear of arbitrators.”
“Tim is a really top-rate barrister. His advocacy is great – succinct and focussed on what is relevant, leaving the rest behind.”
“He is great on his feet, very personable and intelligent.”
Chambers UK 2026 (International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance – London Bar)

“Timothy is a future star; he is supremely good and a standout junior.”
“Timothy Killen is a clear speaker who is responsive and gives clear answers.”
Chambers UK 2026 (Property Damage – London Bar)

“Timothy is extremely knowledgeable about the law, as well as being excellent at thinking through problems and providing sensible solutions.”
Legal 500 2026 (Commercial Litigation – London Bar)

“Tim is a master on his feet. He is calm, fearless, and deadly. He knows which points appeal to judges and which do not.”
Legal 500 2026 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“Tim is a master on his feet. He is calm, fearless, and deadly. He has been operating at a silk-level for a long time now.”
Legal 500 2026 (Insurance and Reinsurance – London Bar)

“Tim has a very calm assured manner. He is experienced at handling witnesses and exudes authority.”
Legal 500 2026 (International Arbitration: Counsel – London Bar)

“Tim is a powerful advocate who has an uncanny ability to make what might not seem obvious to many, obvious.”
Legal 500 2026 (Professional Negligence – London Bar) 

“Timothy is fully on top of his brief. He is knowledgeable on insurance matters and has an easy-going manner with judges, which is very effective.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2026 (Commercial – Middle East: The English Bar) 

“Tim is obviously one of the smartest barristers at the Bar, but he is also extremely personable.”
“Timothy is a very clever and commercial insurance lawyer. I really like his gentle and understated advocacy style.”
“His written advocacy is very strong and to the point.”
Chambers UK 2025 (Commercial Dispute Resolution – London Bar)

“Tim is a detail-oriented, considered advocate. He is always willing to get into the minutiae of the case and is reliable, thoughtful and highly intelligent.”
“Tim is on top of the law and the details, and his pleadings are thorough and to the point.”
“Timothy must be on the verge of taking silk. He’s an exceptionally bright young barrister who has the ear of arbitrators.”
“Tim is a really top-rate barrister. His advocacy is great – succinct and focused on what is relevant, leaving the rest behind.”
Chambers UK 2025 (International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance – London Bar)

“Timothy is excellent – he is incredibly fast and is easy to deal with.”
“Timothy is very calm on his feet, has excellent technical expertise and provides clarity in his advice.”
Chambers UK 2025 (Insurance – London Bar)

“Tim was a pleasure to work with and is technically excellent. He has an ability to streamline complex issues with succinct advice.”
Chambers UK 2025 (Property Damage – London Bar)

“Timothy is highly bright, with an unequalled appetite for work.”
Chambers UK 2025 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“Timothy is a brilliant legal analyst who quickly sees the fault-lines of any case in terms of both the relevant principles and the available evidence.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2025 (Commercial – Middle East: The English Bar) 

“Timothy is extremely thoughtful and thorough. His advocacy is effective and he has a good rapport with judges.”
Legal 500 2025 (Commercial Litigation – London Bar)

“His advocacy is quiet, calm, and utterly devastating. He quickly has judges eating out of the palm of his hand.”
Legal 500 2025 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“Tim is super efficient, exceptionally bright and hard working. He is also easy to get along with, down to earth and very commercial.”
Legal 500 2025 (Insurance and Reinsurance – London Bar)

“Tim is a strong case leader, and has a good head for strategy, combined with a real wealth of knowledge on international arbitration and the finer points of commercial disputes. He has particular specialist expertise and experience of international arbitrations in Dubai and MENA generally.”
Legal 500 2025 (International Arbitration: Counsel – London Bar)

“Tim is a brilliant legal analyst. As an advocate, he mesmerizes judges and arbitrators alike. He has a stellar reputation.”
Legal 500 2025 (Professional Negligence – London Bar)

“Timothy is a brilliant legal analyst who quickly sees the fault-lines of any case in terms of both the relevant principles and the available evidence.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2024 (Commercial – Middle East: The English Bar) 

“When it came time to choose counsel, I chose Timothy Killen, with no hesitation. He is tried and tested in insurance matters.”
“Timothy Killen’s advocacy is first-rate and masterful. He has an excellent cross-examination style and it feels like the whole room goes quiet during it.”
“Timothy Killen is very hard-working, thorough and an excellent lawyer.”
Chambers Global 2024 (Dispute Resolution: The English Bar – Middle East-wide)

“Tim Killen provides excellent written work and very good advice.”
“A very intelligent barrister whose advice is superb.”
“Tim is exceptionally bright and goes the extra mile to assist.”
Chambers UK 2024, Chambers Global 2024 (Commercial Dispute Resolution – London Bar)

“Timothy Killen is very client-focused and responsive. He has excellent drafting skills and commercial perspective beyond his years.”
Chambers UK 2024 (Insurance – London Bar)

“Timothy has a first-class legal mind and is a measured and gentle advocate who quickly establishes a rapport with the judge. His pleadings are a work of legal art.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2024 (Commercial – Middle East: The English Bar) 

“Very bright and great with his case law. Thinks about things carefully and is very responsive. Clients like him.”
Legal 500 2024 (Insurance and Reinsurance – London Bar)

“Timothy’s advocacy skills are outstanding. His methodical and meticulous style leaves you in no doubt that you are in very safe hands. He is a pleasure to work with and very client friendly, he shows equal respect and consideration to members of the team at all levels.”
Legal 500 2024 (International Arbitration: Counsel – London Bar)

“Timothy is on a meteoric rise at the commercial bar. He is super-smart, completely across the papers, and fantastic at leading a team.”
Legal 500 2024 (Commercial Litigation – London Bar)

“Hardworking, very commercial, and a great advocate.”
Legal 500 2024 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“Tim is very responsive and pragmatic when it comes to dealing with such big ticket, complex claims. He has a solid grasp of the subject, but always has a clear sight of the end goal, something which counsels sometimes get lost on when dealing with high volume matters.”
Legal 500 2024 (Professional Negligence – London Bar)

“Timothy has a first-class legal mind and is a measured and gentle advocate who quickly establishes a rapport with the judge. His pleadings are a work of legal art.”
Legal 500 EMEA 2023 (Commercial – Middle East: The English Bar) 

“Tim is an outstanding insurance junior with a practice well beyond his seniority. He is frequently against silks and has an outstanding knowledge of the law in this field, but he wears his razor-sharp intellect lightly and is much admired by clients and opponents alike. He has a calm and reassuring manner in court and is a penetrating cross-examiner.”
Legal 500 2023 (Insurance and Reinsurance – London Bar)

“He gets on top of the details very quickly, is meticulous in his preparation and performs an outstanding job in advocating the case.”
Legal 500 2023 (International Arbitration: Counsel – London Bar)

“Tim does a first-rate job. He gets on top of the details quickly, prepares an impressive skeleton and does a fantastic job in the advocacy.”
Legal 500 2023 (Commercial Litigation – London Bar)

“Tim is delightfully calm and measured. The enemy could be at the gate and over a cup of tea Tim will devise a strategy to neutralise the situation.”
Legal 500 2023 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“He is extremely intelligent and provides a great deal of insight and guidance to even the most complex of legal and factual issues.”
Chambers UK 2023, Chambers Global 2023 (Commercial Dispute Resolution – London Bar)

“Timothy is very approachable, technically able and thorough.” “He is a polished advocate and gives well-reasoned and strong advice.” “Timothy handles incredibly complex cases with complete ease and poise at all times.”
Chambers UK 2023 (Property Damage – London Bar)

“Timothy is incredibly polished and user-friendly.”
Chambers UK 2023 (Fraud: Civil – London Bar)

“Timothy is very polished and gives well-reasoned and strong advice.” “Tim’s exceptional knowledge is well complemented by his effective communication and impressive advocacy skills.”
Chambers UK 2023 (Insurance – London Bar)