Damian joined HFW in 1997. Damian advises commodity traders, producers, financiers and insurers on all aspects of their business, including in particular physical and financial sale and purchase, finance and transportation. He assists and represents clients in dispute resolution in energy and natural resources related matters. He specialises in particular in energy and bulk commodities and metals, working with clients on matters such as trade finance (prepayments and repos) sale and purchase documents (MSPAs, GTCs SPAs), storage arrangements, commodity derivatives, and operational and legal issues that arise day to day in energy and natural resources businesses. He has been involved in a significant number of issues which have arisen out of the changes in the commodity markets, for example: LME warehousing queues, MF Global, Qingdao, and most recently FM / frustration and market volatility issues arising out of Covid-19.

In addition to his work in energy and natural resources, Damian works on a variety of disputes matters. His work in dispute resolution is focused on three areas: International Arbitration (IA), Banking Litigation and Fraud claims. In IA, Damian has experience of a variety of institutional rules: LCIA, ICC, DIFC/LCIA, as well as arbitration under UNCITRAL rules and ad hoc arbitrations. His experience in Banking Litigation includes acting for financial institutions in disputes arising under bilateral and syndicated loans, restructuring documentation, standby and documentary LCs, and corporate and personal guarantees. In fraud related matters, Damian has a particular focus on the Middle East, having successfully represented clients in their pursuit of fraud claims. Since 2009, Damian has been heavily involved for a number of clients in pursuing claims against the Al Gosaibi partnership.

Chambers UK 2020 says Damian (Band 2) is commended by clients for commodities matters, who say he is “a fantastic lawyer who has deep knowledge of the market as well as being one of the finest minds as regards commodities law. He always gives sensible and practical advice in a manner that is easily digestable. The experience is always a pleasure as he is very responsive and communicates well". Damian is also ranked as a leading individual in Legal 500 2020 for commodities matters and is a member of the Legal 500 "Hall of Fame".