“absolutely first-rate” and “so thoroughly dedicated that he works like a Trojan to get the job done.”

Chambers & Partners 2010

“very highly recommended”

Legal 500 2010

These qualities have resulted in Ben developing a thriving practice in the fields of insurance, professional indemnity and general commercial litigation.  He offers the complete package – ability, accessibility and affability.  He prides himself on being commercially aware, easy to deal with and willing either to take the lead role in running a case or to work as part of a large team.

Ben has managed to maintain a practice acting for claimants and defendants in equal measure, which gives him an invaluable insight into the best tactical approach for his clients.  His aim in each case is to identify the commercial goals of his client, and to devise a strategy which will achieve those goals as quickly and as economically as is possible. 

For several years Ben has been ranked as a leading junior in the field of professional negligence by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.  Past comments include:  “responsive and easy to deal with”; “kept busy with high-quility work”; “very bright and capable”;  “firmly established as a leading junior”;: “singled out for particular praise”; and  “impresses solicitors, who approve of his explanation of points in an easily comprehensible way.”

Ben is one the editors of Jackson & Powell on Professional Liability.  He edits the chapter on claims against Insurance Brokers and the chapter on claims against Members’ and Managing Agents at Lloyd’s.  He was also one of the authors of the loose-leaf work, Jackson & Powell: Professional Liability Precedents, for which he wrote the chapter on claims against Financial Advisers.

Ben has a first rate academic background.  He took a first in law at Cambridge, winning several university and college scholarships and other awards.  He then spent two years in America, obtaining a Masters in Law at the University of Virginia and then working in the litigation department of Sullivan & Cromwell in New York.  He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1995.  He returned to England and in 1996 he was the top ranked student in Bar Finals.  He was awarded scholarships by the Inns of Court School of Law and Gray’s Inn.

Ben lives in London with his wife and 4 small children.  When not working he can usually be found on the Isle of Mull trying (and generally failing) to catch salmon and trout.