Blackstone & Gold has built up a strong reputation in the market for commodities-related international disputes. These contentious matters include disputes relating to trade, financing, shareholders, fraud, crypto, security enforcement, claims between shipowners and charterers, and trade credit insurance claims. The firm occupies a unique niche where it leverages litigation and arbitration mandates within a larger enforcement or litigation exercise, leading teams of lawyers across the globe under compressed timelines. It focuses on highly specialised and complex work from lenders, international traders and insurers on mandates that span continents, including locations such as London, the UAE, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore-seated arbitrations. The team’s portfolio of work covers predominantly international disputes in the oil and gas, metals and minerals business.
Managing director Baldev Bhinder and associate directors Raman Kaur and V Kumar Sharma are the key contacts.
A recent highlight saw the team acting for QBE in two ongoing Singapore litigations considering the novel question of whether circular, financing or fictitious trades are covered under a trade credit insurance policy. The cases are likely to be test cases on the subject in Singapore and they are being watched by the insurance market.
Client feedback
“Provided clear, actionable advice with commercial-minded opinion on likelihood of success. They have an ability to recover debt and intangibles such as effect on brand and company reputation.” – Commercial and transactions
“Baldev Bhinder is exceptional. He understands the practicalities of international trade, is well connected in the commodities market, knows the arbitration process inside and out, instinctively knows where the pressure points are and can map out an effective strategy from the get-go.” – Commercial and transactions
“They provide time and dedicated resources to understand your situation, your views and explain the legal implications of various options that may be available to us.” – Commercial and transactions
“They are true commodities experts. They provide clear legal advice and work exceptionally hard for their clients at reasonable rates.” –
Commercial arbitration
“We have been working with Baldev Bhinder and Raman Kaur for some time and they have proved to be worthy allies and trusted comrades for us. Baldev brings to the table his expertise in understanding the underlying trade, technical knowledge, experience in claims and arbitrations. Raman’s knowledge, professionalism, service level and attention to detail stands out.” – Commercial arbitration
“Blackstone & Gold provides a bespoke legal service with a personal touch that some of the bigger law firms can’t match or take for granted.” – Insurance
“Blackstone & Gold made a settlement in a way that we were satisfied with. During the arbitration proceedings, they contacted us promptly and closely and worked hard to resolve the dispute.” – International arbitration
“Timely and clear advice. Thorough job.” – Trade and customs
Baldev Bhinder
“Baldev Bhinder is an exceptional lawyer. He listens to understand deeply before providing professional and thoughtful advice. He makes the effort to create a personal connection with clients that is appreciated from a social standpoint but also is the likely reason for his nuanced insights from knowing his customer.”
“Baldev Bhinder is a true expert in commodities trading legal issues. He has a wealth of experience and is a hardworking and creative lawyer.”
“Baldev always treats each and every case personally and puts in his full efforts and time to provide best legal solutions.”
“Baldev Bhinder is well known in the market for his commodities work and network. His understanding of international trade is second to none and he brings that expertise to any claim or arbitration.”
“Ability to think and communicate clearly. Industry and legal knowledge and experience is very useful.”
“Very approachable and knowledgeable.”
