Call: 2005
Ben joined Chambers in October 2006, having completed his pupillage at Four New Square and a leading commercial Chancery set. Ben’s practice spans all main areas of Chambers’ work, but he has a particular interest in cases with a financial angle, especially those in the Chancery or professional negligence fields.
After a Classics degree at St John’s College, Oxford, Ben worked at Procter & Gamble and then joined NM Rothschild & Sons, where he worked as a corporate finance adviser.
Whilst at Rothschild in the European Mergers and Acquisitions team, Ben was involved in numerous transactions, notably the £2bn Marks & Spencer restructuring and European store disposals, and ECJ hearing of the European Competition Commissioner’s prohibition of the takeover of Sidel by Tetra Laval.
When he left banking, Ben completed the CPE at City University, where he was a finalist in various internal and national mooting competitions. He was awarded Hardwicke, Lord Brougham, Sir Peter Millett and Eastham Scholarships by Lincoln’s Inn.
In the field of professional liability, Ben has experience of claims involving solicitors, barristers, surveyors, architects, financial advisers, estate agents, valuers and pensions advisers.
Recently, Ben has been instructed in the TCC, Commercial Court, QB and Chancery Divisions. Outside his professional liability practice, he has advised and appeared in cases as diverse as a commercial kitchen dispute, joint venture property development, the Consumer Credit Acts, insurance coverage claims, the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on mortgage agreements, probate mediation and restrictive covenants in employment contracts.
He has High Court and County Court experience, regularly appearing in a wide range of trials, appeals and interim applications. Ben appeared as sole advocate before Lewison J in Thompson v. Foy [2010] 1 P&CR 16, a seven day trial involving claims of undue influence, overriding interests and proprietary estoppel. He has been instructed in claims under Section 423 of the Insolvency Act, freezing injunctions, contempt of court and complex solicitors’ negligence claims. In addition, Ben was instructed as a junior in the Commercial Court group litigation following the collapse of The Accident Group; and in a high value solicitors’ negligence action in the Chancery Division involving a dispute over a 20 year old land swap agreement.
Outside Chambers, Ben enjoys diving, skiing and sailing – or at least he will do once he mends his dodgy knee.
Further Information
ChBA, COMBAR, PNBA
Education
BA (Oxon), Dip.Law (City)