CV
Professional career
Before becoming an independent arbitrator and mediator, Ben had a distinguished career spanning 27 years at major commercial law firms, including 17 years as a partner. He was based in London for 20 years and in Singapore for 7 years.
Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP (1999 to 2018)
Ben trained at Ashurst (subsequently Ashurst Perkins Coie) in London and became a partner in 2009. He was a partner in the London office and also spent 7 years as a partner in the Singapore office. He served as the Asia Head of Dispute Resolution and Asia Head of International Arbitration during his tenure in Singapore. While at Ashurst, he handled a wide range of disputes in the energy, infrastructure, and corporate (M&A) sectors, and he took on his first appointments as an arbitrator.
Mishcon de Reya LLP (2018 to 2020)
From 2018 to 2020, Ben was a partner in the international arbitration team at Mishcon de Reya. His work there involved handling a variety of disputes, including private client (trusts), banking, and construction issues, as well as continuing to accept arbitrator appointments.
Fox Williams LLP (2020 to 2026)
Ben spent 6 years as a partner in the dispute resolution department at Fox Williams. During this period, he served as the Head of the Dispute Resolution Department and the Head of International Arbitration. He worked with clients on matters involving professional services, financial services, and technology, while also accepting appointments as arbitrator.
Independent chartered arbitrator and mediator (2026 onwards)
In 2026, Ben transitioned from law firm practice to become an independent chartered arbitrator and mediator. At that time, he also became an English barrister (having previously been a solicitor advocate). His practice is managed by Newmans Row.
Other positions
Throughout his career, Ben has held significant roles with various ADR organisations. These have included:
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
- Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Chair of the Nominations Committee/Member of the Finance Committee/Member of the Governance Committee
- Trustee (elected by the UK Branches)
- Chair of the Technology Committee
- Immediate Past Chair, London Branch
- Chair of the London Branch
- Honorary Secretary, London Branch
- Committee Member, London Branch
- Honorary Treasurer, Singapore Branch
- Committee Member, Singapore Branch
- Member of Faculty (teaching all levels of CIArb courses, from introductory courses to the Fellowship and Diploma courses)
Worshipful Company of Arbitrators
He is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, where he has served as a member of the Court of Assistants (the governing body) and as part of the Membership Committee.
The Law Society of England & Wales
He has been actively involved in the Law Society as a member of the International Committee.
London International Disputes Week
Ben was one of the original directors of London International Disputes Week Limited, until he stepped down at the end of his term in 2025.
London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation (LCAM)
He served nearly four years on the Advisory Board of LCAM.
University of Aberdeen
Ben taught arbitration award writing for its online course and international arbitration summer school, setting and marking award writing exams.
Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb)
He was a Committee Member, trainer, and examiner for the SIArb during his time in Singapore.
Qualifications
Oxford University - MA, Classics
Nottingham Law School - Postgraduate Diploma in Law
The University of Law - Legal Practice Course
Queen Mary University of London - Postgraduate Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow
Singapore Institute of Arbitrators - Fellow
Singapore Mediation Centre - Associate Mediator
Solicitor, England & Wales, 2001 - 2026
Solicitor-Advocate, Higher Courts (All Proceedings), 2004
Barrister, England & Wales (Middle Temple), 2026 onwards
Panel memberships
Ben is a member of the panels of arbitrators for various arbitration institutions worldwide. These include:
- Asian International Arbitration Centre
- Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Presidential Panel)*
- Dubai International Arbitration Centre
- Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
- Japan Commercial Arbitration Association
- Korean Commercial Arbitration Board
- London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation
- Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration
- Singapore International Arbitration Centre
- Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
*Membership currently suspended while he serves on the CIArb Board of Trustees
Beyond these formal panels, Ben has also been appointed numerous times under the rules of arbitral institutions without dedicated panels, such as the LCIA and the ICC. Additionally, he has had many appointments in ad hoc arbitrations.