CV
Professional career
Before becoming an independent arbitrator and mediator in 2026, Ben worked for 27 years in major commercial law firms, including 17 years as a partner. He was based in London for 20 years and was based in Singapore for 7 years. The firms that he worked at were:
Ashurst Perkins Coie LLP (1999 to 2018)
Ben trained at Ashurst (subsequently Ashurst Perkins Coie) in London, and became a partner there in 2009. From 2009 to 2016, he was based in Singapore, as the Asia Head of Dispute Resolution/Asia Head of International Arbitration for Ashurst. From 2016 to 2018 he was a partner in Ashurst London. He worked on a wide range of disputes, particularly in the energy, infrastructure and corporate (M&A) sectors. He also accepted his first appointments as arbitrator.
Mishcon de Reya LLP (2018 to 2020)
He was a partner in the international arbitration team of Mishcons from 2018 to 2020. He worked there on private client (trusts), banking and construction disputes, among other matters (including arbitrator appointments).
Fox Williams LLP (2020 to 2026)
Ben was a partner in the dispute resolution department of Fox Williams for 6 years. During this time, he was the Head of the Dispute Resolution Department, and also the Head of International Arbitration. He worked for clients on professional services, financial services and technology matters, as well as continuing to accept appointments as arbitrator.
Independent arbitrator and mediator (2026 onwards)
In 2026, Ben retired from law firm practice to become an independent arbitrator and mediator. He also became an English barrister at that time (having previously been a solicitor advocate). His practice is managed by Newmans Row.
Other positions
Throughout his career, Ben has held positions with other organisations alongside my law firm roles, including:
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
His positions in the CIArb have included:
- 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. He has also been a member of the Court of Assistants (the governing body) and a member of the Membership Committee.
The Law Society of England & Wales
He has been a member of the International Committee.
London International Disputes Week
Ben was one of the original directors of London International Disputes Week Limited, from its establishment until he stepped down at the end of his term in 2025.
London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation (LCAM)
He was a member of the Advisory Board of LCAM for almost 4 years.
University of Aberdeen
Ben taught arbitration award writing for the University on its online course and its international arbitration summer school. He also set and marked award writing exams.
Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb)
Ben was a Committee Member, a trainer and examiner for the SIArb.
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
Panel memberships
Ben is a member of the panels of arbitrators of many institutions across the world, including:
Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia (BANI)
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Presidential Panel)*
Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)
Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA)
Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB)
London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation (LCAM)
Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)
Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC)
Singapore Institute of Arbitrators
*Membership currently suspended while he serves on the CIArb Board of Trustees
He has also been appointed many times under the rules of arbitral institutions that do not have panels of arbitrators, including the LCIA and the ICC; as well as in ad hoc arbitrations.