Essex Court Chambers

John specialises in commercial litigation, with a focus on banking and finance, civil fraud, and shipping.  John is ranked as a leading junior for shipping and banking / finance, and was listed in 2018 as one of ten leading juniors under eight years’ call for commercial litigation. John is a specialist in the law of guarantees, and co-authors two leading texts in this field.

In directory feedback, John is commended for his analysis, intellect, work-ethic and responsiveness.  He is also described as “an excellent team player”, “very client-focused”, and as having “excellent commerciality and understanding of what is important to his clients”.  He has acted unled in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, and is described as “a force to reckon with” and “a powerhouse of an advocate”.

Publications of note

Co-author of the next (8th) edition of Andrews & Millett on Guarantees. Co-author, with Katherine Ratcliffe, of the Guarantee and Indemnity title of Atkin’s Court Forms (2022 issue). Co‑author of articles on Charterparties and Bills of Lading for Westlaw Insight, together with Sir Bernard Eder.

Called to the Bar: 2011 (Inner Temple);

Pupillage: 2011-2012 (Essex Court Chambers);

Tenancy: 2012 (Essex Court Chambers)

French

BA (Law and Classics), First Class, University of Cambridge (2008, King’s College);

BCL (Law), Distinction, University of Oxford (2009, Exeter College)