A former solicitor, Charles transferred to the Bar in England in 1982 and in Hong Kong in 1983. Whilst still appearing in the Hong Kong Courts, he practised in England from 1989 to 1999 at 2 Essex Court (the London chambers now known as Quadrant Chambers).
Charles has a broad commercial and corporate practice, which includes “complex insurance and finance-related disputes” (Chambers Asia 2011), as well as shipping, banking, securities and company litigation and arbitration.
Charles Sussex SC (Band 1, Leading Silks) wins plaudits as “a supreme advocate” and “one of the best all-round silks in Hong Kong.” His advocacy skills receive widespread praise from instructing solicitors and peers, and his wide-ranging commercial litigation practice spans shipping, securities and financial services-related disputes. He acted for the plaintiff in Bright Shipping Ltd v Changhong Group (HK) Ltd, a case concerning a maritime collision between a Hong Kong flag cargo vessel and a Panamanian flag tanker in international waters in the East China Sea.
Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2021)
Few interviewees speak of Charles Sussex SC of Des Voeux Chambers without endorsing the view that he is “a natural advocate and brilliant on his feet,” sources variously emphasising his “very smooth style,” his ability to “steer away from the bad points” while at the same time coming up with “inventive arguments that wouldn't occur to everybody.” His broad commercial litigation skills are often applied to financial services-related cases.
Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2020)
Charles Sussex SC is referenced as a Leading Senior Counsel in the Doyles Guide 2020 for Maritime, Shipping & Transport Law for Barristers in Hong Kong
Doyles Guide (2020)