Source: https://www.4newsquare.com/barristers/ben-elkington-qc-fciarb/
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 12:51:34+00:00

Document:
Ben Elkington QC is an experienced silk whose practice is centred on commercial litigation, including insurance and professional liability disputes, frequently with an international dimension.
Ben is consistently ranked in the directories as a leading silk in the fields of commercial dispute resolution, insurance, professional negligence, and property damage.
As well as acting as an advocate and adviser, Ben acts as an arbitrator and he has also accepted instructions to act as an expert on English law. He has been called to the New York Bar and (ad hoc) to the Bar of the Cayman Islands.
Ben was previously admitted to the New York Bar and worked for Sullivan & Cromwell in Manhattan. He was a judicial assistant to the Court of Appeal. He has been an editor of Jackson & Powell on Professional Liability since 2002. He is a member of COMBAR, PNBA, LCLCBA, TECBAR and BILA.
Ben was the top placed student in his year in Bar Finals (1996). Before that he took a First in Law from Cambridge University, followed by a Masters in Law from the University of Virginia. He is a scholar of each of (i) Cambridge University; (ii) Trinity College, Cambridge; (iii) Gray’s Inn; and (iv) the Inns of Court School of Law. He was one of the first of his year of call to take silk. He has a diploma in International Arbitration (CIArb).
Ben lives in London with wife and 4 teenage children. When not at work he can usually be found with his family on the Isle of Mull making camp fires in the rain, walking, and trying (and generally failing) to catch fish.
Ben regularly advises and represents insurers, reinsurers and insureds in the full range of non-marine insurance disputes. He also acts as an arbitrator of such disputes. He has a strong market following.
He is one of those people who’s got a brain the size of a planet. He is assured, user-friendly and makes a real difference to the outcome of cases.” (Chambers and Partners, 2017, Insurance).
“Recognised for his ‘insightful’ counsel” (Who’s Who Legal 2016, Insurance & Reinsurance).
“He is an excellent advocate with a great eye for detail.” (Chambers and Partners 2016, Insurance).
“He is very well regarded within the market and is viewed as a rising star within the Bar. ‘He’s very good with clients and has great strategic insight’” (Chambers and Partners 2015, Insurance).
“Impresses barristers and instructing solicitors with his skill in insurance and reinsurance matters. He is well versed in a wide variety of claims, including those related to brokers’ negligence and property damage. He’s very good with clients, and has great strategic insight” (Chambers & Partners 2014, Insurance).
“The always impressive Ben Elkington is an excellent academic, and practical” (Legal 500 2014, Insurance).
“Receives praise for his ‘deft handling of clients and enviable strategic insight.’ He acts for both insurers and insureds on a variety of big-ticket cases” (Chambers & Partners 2013, Insurance).
“very good with clients” (Legal 500 2013, Insurance).
Disputes between insured and insurer frequently give rise to claims against the insured’s broker, and Ben is recognised as one of the leading practitioners handling such claims. Since 2002 he has been the editor of the chapter on claims against insurance brokers in Jackson & Powell on Professional Liability. He regularly acts for the insured, insurer or broker in such 3 way disputes, and he particularly enjoys the tactical issues that such disputes give rise to.
In addition to coverage disputes, Ben also regularly acts on behalf of insurers in subrogated recovery actions. Over the past few years he has assisted insurers in recovering millions of pounds that they have paid out following fires, floods, explosions, etc.
List of reported insurance cases.
Euro Pools Plc v RSA  EWHC 46 (Comm) (mitigation of loss cover in PI policies, appropriation, limitation).
Western Trading Ltd v Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) SE  EWCA Civ 1003,  Lloyd’s Rep IR 643,  2 CLC 478; (property damage, measure of indemnity).
Pooja Rai v Legal & General Assurance Society Ltd  EWHC 170 (Comm) (group life assurance).
Western Trading Ltd v Great Lakes Reinsurance  Lloyd’s Rep IR 561 (property damage, insurable interest, non-disclosure, misrepresentation, breach of warranty).
William McIlroy Swindon Ltd v Quinn Insurance Ltd  EWCA Civ 825,  Lloyd’s Rep IR 697 (liability insurance, time bars).
Yeganeh v Zurich Plc  EWCA Civ 398,  1 Lloyd’s Rep IR 540 (arson, fraudulent claim).
Synergy Health (UK) Ltd v CGU Insurance  Lloyd’s Rep IR 500 (non-disclosure, misrepresentation).
William McIlroy Swindon Ltd v Quinn Insurance Ltd  Lloyd’s Rep IR 407 (liability insurance, time bars).
Yeganeh v Zurich Plc  EWHC 1185 (arson, fraudulent exaggeration, fraudulent devices).
Lewis v Norwich Union Healthcare Ltd  Lloyds Rep IR 198 (PHI, non-disclosure).
US Trading v AXA Insurance Co Ltd  Lloyds’s Rep IR 505 (fraud, breach of warranty).
Anders & Kern UK Ltd v CGU Insurance plc  EWCA Civ 148,  Lloyd’s Rep IR 46 (property insurance, breach of condition precedent).
Anders & Kern UK Ltd v CGU Insurance plc  Lloyd’s Rep IR 555 (property insurance, breach of condition precedent).
Normhurst Ltd v Dornoch Ltd  Lloyd’s Rep IR 27 (recoverability of consequential losses).
Ben regularly appears in the Commercial Court and Mercantile Courts. He is instructed to act on behalf of clients in a wide range of commercial disputes, many of which have an international dimension. He is used to having to act quickly on behalf of his clients, including obtaining appropriate injunctive relief (including freezing orders).
“He’s a bright, thorough and user-friendly QC, who offers calm and incisive advocacy.” “Excellent, responsive and commercial.” (Chambers & Partners 2018, Commercial Dispute Resolution).
“Intellectually brilliant, approachable, charismatic and always commercial” (Legal 500 2017, Commercial Litigation).
“He is very responsive and experienced. He’s able to bring together complex cases and steer them to successful conclusions” (Chambers & Partners 2017, Commercial Dispute Resolution).
“He is fantastically intellectually able and enormously charismatic. He has judges eating out of the palm of his hand.” “He is utterly and disarmingly charming, and an extremely bright guy.” (Chambers & Partners 2016, Commercial Litigation).
‘Commercial, approachable and very good with clients.’ (Legal 500 2015, Commercial Litigation).
“Has firmly established a solid reputation in the commercial litigation arena. He has strong insurance, professional negligence and property damage experience. Responsive, intelligent and very user-friendly.” (Chambers & Partners 2014, Commercial Dispute Resolution).
Acting on behalf of parties in a series of challenges to arbitral awards under section 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996.
Advising an airline on its rights against an aircraft owner regarding that part of its fleet which was leased under an aircraft lease agreement.
Representing an international airline association in Part 8 proceedings concerning the construction of a long term IT contract.
Acting on behalf of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in multimillion pound Commercial Court proceedings brought under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886.
Acting on behalf of a US insurer during a 3 week trial in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands arising out of the seizure of an aircraft in Brazil.
Obtaining a freezing order on behalf of one of the UK’s largest independent estate agencies following the discovery of dishonesty by one of its senior employees.
Acting on behalf of an Irish oil trader in the defence of a claim brought against it in the Commercial Court by a US company arising out of derivative trading.
Advising a tobacco manufacturer on a multi-million pound contractual dispute with a US company relating to the sale of a tobacco manufacturing business in Georgia.
Representing a UK manufacturer in Commercial Court proceedings in a multi-million sale of goods claim.
Acting on behalf of a leading insurer in arbitral proceedings in order to obtain a declaration of non-liability in relation to proceedings against its insured in France.
Representing UK’s largest independent estate agent in its contractual dispute with Tesco regarding the launch of an on-line estate agency.
Advising an individual in his £3.5m dispute over the meaning of an LLP agreement, and whether or not it could be rectified for common mistake.
Representing a telecoms supplier in a contractual dispute about the supply of VOIP services which customer alleged were inadequate.
Acting on behalf of a South African distributor of sulphur in Commercial Court proceedings relating to its US$ 10m dispute with an English company arising out of the supply of sulphur to Zambia, Malawi and the DRC.
Acting on behalf of a Japanese company in defence of a damages claim arising out of a SPA relating to the sale of shares in a Swiss company.
Representing a Taiwanese mobile phone manufacturer in a substantial dispute with an American software licensor arising out of alleged breaches of a license agreement.
Acting (with Justin Fenwick QC) in a 3 month trial on behalf of Irish oil tank manufacturers in a £100m claim against a Danish supplier of polymers (Kingspan Environmental & Others v Borealis A/S & Another  EWHC 1147 (Comm)).
Representing a vehicle manufacturer in its £2m damages claim against a vehicle distributor arising out of a breach of a dealership agreement.
Acting (with Roger Stewart QC) in the defence of a claim for rectification and damages arising out of an alleged breach of a shareholders agreement (Hawksford Trustees Jersey Ltd v Stella Global UK Ltd  EWHC 503 and  EWCA Civ 55).
Acting for a Delaware company which leases aircraft engines in its dispute with an Iranian company following the breach of an aircraft lease agreement.
Ben has over 20 years’ experience of dealing with professional liability disputes. He acts for both claimants and defendants, which helps him to see the strengths and weaknesses in any claim. He relishes the opportunity to take matters to trial, exposing the flaws in a claimant’s claim or shining a light on a professional’s failings.
His experience spans the entire range of professions, but he has particular expertise in claims against insurance brokers, financial services professionals, lawyers, accountants and valuers. For further information, see the sub-headings below.
Advising a leading Jamaican firm of solicitors on the merits of a multi-billion JSD claim arising out of the alleged lost chance to succeed in a tender for the purchase of government assets.
Acting for a divorcee in a multi-million pound claim against solicitors and leading counsel arising out of the alleged under settlement of her divorce proceedings.
Representing leading counsel during a 3 week trial resisting a multi-million pound claim for damages arising out of an alleged lost chance to secure planning permission for a housing development.
Acting for a firm of solicitors which was alleged to have acted negligently in relation to a £13m commercial loan transaction.
Acting for a company in its claim against a firm of accountants which failed to detect a theft of over £1m by one of the company’s employees.
Acting on behalf of a company in a £10m claim against its insurance broker for uninsured losses suffered following a factory fire.
Representing a firm of solicitors in defence of a multimillion pound claim brought against them by sporting celebrities arising out of a failed residential development opportunity.
Acting for tax advisers in defence of a series of multimillion pound claims arising out of allegedly negligent advice regarding tax mitigation schemes.
“Incisive, hard working and great to deal with.” – Legal 500 2018, Professional Negligence.
“Highly intelligent and user-friendly.” – Chambers and Partners 2018, Professional Negligence.
“Ben is always on top of the finer details while keeping in mind the bigger picture. He’s very engaged, reliable and personable, a fantastic asset on your side.” – Chambers and Partners 2017, Professional Negligence.
“Very hands on, hardworking and responsive” – Legal 500 2017, Professional Negligence.
“Praised as a new-style silk, he’s particularly praised for his insurance-related work. ‘Very good with clients and a man of great strategic insight’, he ‘understands the issues that come hand in hand when you work for insurers.’ Impresses solicitors with the way he gets buried into the fundamentals without getting distracted by the window dressing when handling multiparty claims.” – Chambers & Partners, 2014 Professional Negligence.
Thomas v Albutt  PNLR 29 (barrister’s negligence).
Ground Gilbey Ltd v JLT UK Ltd  PNLR 15 (Comm) (insurance broker).
Andrews v SBJ Benefit Consultants Ltd  PNLR 29 (financial adviser).
Synergy Health (UK) Ltd v CGU Insurance plc  Lloyd’s Rep IR 500 (insurance broker).
Nationwide Building Society v DHL & Cobbetts (A firm)  1 WLR 258,  PNLR 20 (valuer and solicitor).
Shore v Sedgwick Financial Services Ltd  EWCA Civ 863,  PNLR 37 (financial adviser).
Cheshire BS v Dunlop Haywards Ltd & Cobbetts  PNLR 19 (valuer).
Awoyomi v Radford & Postill  QB 793 (barrister).
Newline Corporate Name Ltd v Morgan Cole (A Firm)  PNLR 2 (solicitors).
Arbory Group Ltd v West Craven Insurance Services (A firm)  PNLR 23,  Lloyd’s Rep IR 493 (insurance broker).
Walker v Chruszcz QC & Irwin Mitchell  EWHC 64 (barrister and solicitor).
Finecard International Ltd v Urquhart Dyke & Lord (A firm)  PNLR 16,  FSR 27 (patent agent).
Day v Cook  EWCA Civ 592,  PNLR 32 (solicitors).
Thomson Snell & Passmore (A firm) v Rose  PNLR 378 (solicitors).
Day v Cook  PNLR 178,  Lloyd’s Rep PN 551 (solicitors).
JW Bollom v Byas Mosley & Co  Lloyd’s Rep PN 598,  Lloyd’s Rep IR 136 (insurance broker).
For many years Ben has had an interest in and been involved in claims against financial services professionals, particular IFAs. He was the author of the chapter on claims against IFAs in Jackson & Powell: Professional Liability Precedents.
Ben acts for both investors, advisers and product providers. In addition to court proceedings, he assists with complaints to the Ombudsman, and challenges to the decisions of the Ombudsman. He has experience of a wide range of claims – from mis-selling of pensions, endowments, etc; poor investment advice; inadequate exercise of discretionary powers; penny shares; spread betting; Alpha funds; tax-saving schemes (including film finance, charity shell and SDLT avoidance schemes); collective investment schemes, etc.
Ben is rightly regarded as one of the leading experts in the field of claims against insurance brokers. For many years he has been the editor of the chapter on claims against insurance brokers in Jackson & Powell on Professional Liability, and he has been invited to speak to the PNBA, COMBAR, conferences, law firms and groups of insurance brokers on the topic.
Ben acts for both claimants and defendants. His cases cover the whole spectrum of claims: failures to effect insurance; misrepresentations and non-disclosures by brokers; inadequate sums insured; inadequate scope of cover; inadequate advice on policy terms; failures to renew; failures to notify insurers; etc.
As well as having a heavy paper practice, Ben often goes to court. He has been involved in several of the important cases involving insurance brokers, including Ground Gilbey v JLT  PNLR 15; Synergy v CGU  Lloyd’s Rep IR 500; Arbory v West Craven  PNLR 23; and Bollom v Byas Mosley  Lloyd’s Rep IR 136.
Since the first day of his pupillage Ben has enjoyed a steady diet of claims against lawyers, both solicitors and barristers. He acts for both claimants and defendants across the whole spectrum of claims: disputes arising out of inadequately drafted commercial agreements; inadequate conveyancing; missed deadlines, mishandled litigation; under settlements; inaccurate or incomplete advice; mortgage fraud, etc.
Ben is regularly instructed to advise and act on behalf of banks, special purpose lenders, borrowers, valuers and surveyors in claims relating to dishonest or negligent advice given in relation to commercial or residential properties and property portfolios. He has successfully surfed the waves of claims arising out of the property crash in the late 1980s and the more recent credit crunch. His depth of experience means that he is fully familiar with the key issues of scope of duty, breach, reliance, contributory fault, assignments, securitisation and limitation that such claims typically give rise to. He acts for both claimants and defendants, and in relation to claims arising out of advice given regarding both commercial and residential properties and property portfolios. The claims often involve allegations of fraud against the valuer.
Acting on behalf of a specialist mortgage lender against a valuer in proceedings arising out of allegedly negligent valuations of over 100 properties.
Acting on behalf of a well known valuer in £70m proceedings arising out of an allegedly negligent valuation of one of the largest distribution warehouses in Europe.
Acting on behalf of a leading valuation expert in proceedings in which it is alleged he acted negligently when acting as an expert in underlying £500m proceedings.
Acting on behalf of a valuer defending proceedings brought by a trustee alleging negligence in respect of the valuation of a portfolio of commercial properties.
Acting on behalf of a high street lender in proceedings against a top tier valuer arising out of an allegedly negligent valuation of substantial commercial premises.
Acting on behalf of a lender in an appeal to determine whether or not a lender’s claim was barred as a result of the appropriation of proceeds of sale.
Ben is not afraid to back his own judgment, and successfully took the following cases to trial.
Ben is regularly instructed to act in relation to claims against accountants, auditors and actuaries. His clients include individuals, partnerships and companies, and he defends companies large and small. The claims he handles cover a wide range: inadequate preparation of management and company accounts; negligent tax advice relating to IHT, CGT, income tax, corporation tax or tax planning (including charity shell, film finance and other tax saving schemes); inadequate preparation of reports for lenders; allegations relating to audits, etc.
Ben is one of a small band of barristers who has experience of claims against patent agents, acting for both claimants and defendants. He appeared in one of the few reported cases relating to such a claim: Finecard International Ltd v Urguhart Dyke & Lord (A Firm) & Michael Ajello  PNLR 16;  FSR 27;  EWHC 2481 (Ch).
Having obtained a Masters in Law from the University of Virginia in 1995 (specialising in international commercial disputes), Ben joined the international litigation team at Sullivan and Cromwell in New York (where he was admitted to the New York Bar). Having returned to England and been admitted to the Bar of England and Wales, Ben built on the experience he obtained in New York. Both before and after being appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012 he has regularly been involved in domestic and international arbitral disputes.
As well as acting as an advocate in arbitrations, Ben also accepts appointments to act as sole arbitrator, party-nominated arbitrator or chair.
Acting for claimants in an LCIA arbitration against a Swiss company arising out of the alleged breach of an exclusive distributorship agreement.
Acting for a UK company in an ICC arbitration arising out of the allegedly wrongful termination of a supply agreement with a Taiwanese telecommunications company.
Acting for an insurer in an ad hoc arbitration seeking a declaration that the insurer had no liability to provide an indemnity in respect of proceedings against its insured in France.
Acting for an insured in an arbitration governed by the LCIA rules in which the quantum of the insured’s claim for business interruption losses fell to be determined.
Acting for the claimant, a manufacturer of aircraft interiors, in an ICC arbitration against a leading airline arising out of a dispute over the re-fitting of 747 aircraft.
Acting for primary layer insurers in an ad hoc arbitration to determine whether those insurers were obliged to compensate a third party in respect of liabilities arising out of the allegedly negligent design of waste recycling facilities by their insured.
Acting for insured directors in an ad hoc arbitration to determine whether their insurer was obliged to indemnify them in respect of the costs of disqualification proceedings.
Acting for a polymer supplier in an ad hoc arbitration relating to the quality of goods supplied to its commercial customer.
Acting for a construction company in an ad hoc arbitral dispute with its employer arising out of the allegedly defective installation of a sewage treatment facility.
Much of Ben’s work arises out of damage to property. He has handled multi-party claims arising out of damage to property caused by fire, flood, riot, explosion, impact, subsidence, heave and hurricane. He acts for a wide range of clients, including insurers pursuing subrogated claims or disputing coverage; companies and individuals pursuing claims against their insurer or against third parties for uninsured losses; and companies and individuals who are alleged to be responsible for damage to property.
Ben’s experience in the fields of insurance, product liability and commercial disputes means that he is ideally placed to handle property damage claims and to advise on the issues that they commonly give rise to. He acted for the largest group of claimants in the Buncefield litigation, and acted for the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in relation to several multi-million pound claims arising out of the London Riots. Over the last few years he has helped insurers recoup millions of pounds by way of subrogated claims against third party tortfeasors.
“sharp as a tack, incredibly comprehensive in his approach, always on top of the papers and fun to work with.” “Extremely able and has a very nice, natural style in court. He handles everything with a light touch and good humour, he is very intelligent and his written work is very good too.” (Chambers & Partners, 2018, Property Damage).
“Very engaged, reliable and approachable, he’s a pleasure to work with and a great asset to have on your side. Commercially aware, he’s really nice to work with and really concise in his advice” (Chambers & Partners 2017, Property Damage).
“He’s very quick and very smooth. He has the complete confidence of the bench and of clients.” (Chambers & Partners 2016, Property Damage).
“Ben is professional and incredibly bright, and offers commercial, practical and strategic advice. He is also very responsive and an excellent team player.”(Chambers & Partners 2015, Property Damage).
“Has a broad practice that encompasses professional negligence, insurance and professional liability cases. His adroit handling of all three types of claims leads sources to highlight him as a great choice for property damage work. ‘He’s very personable and gets on well with his clients.’ ‘In court he is particularly sensitive to the needs of judges, but he can also be quite tenacious with witnesses.’” (Chambers & Partners 2014, Property Damage).
Representing the owner of a metal recycling management facility in its multimillion pound claim against its insurer following a fire at its facility.
Representing for the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in the defence of multi-million pound claims for compensation arising out of the London Riots.
Acting for a high-tech manufacturer seeking compensation in arbitral proceedings for the business interruption losses it suffered following a devastating fire at its manufacturing site.
Acting for a timber frame supplier in the defence of a multi-million pound claim arising out of a fire at a new housing development.
Representing one of the country’s leading WEEE recyclers in its claim for compensation from its insurance broker following a devastating fire at its recycling plant.
Acting for a property developer in its multi-million pound dispute with its insurer arising out of a fire which destroyed a listed building.
Acting for a business seeking to recover the business interruption losses it suffered as a result of the devastating fire at the iconic Mackintosh building in Glasgow.
Representing the insurers of a Wagamama restaurant in a subrogated claim against various parties following a fire which destroyed the Wagamama restaurant in Richmond.
Acting for a manufacturer in its multi-million pound claim against its insurer and insurance broker following the destruction of his manufacturing facility.
A claim in conspiracy brought by a leading estate agency against employees who had allegedly diverted instructions and stolen assets.
An insurance claim in which the insurer alleged arson and fraudulent exaggeration of the insurance claim (Yeganeh v Zurich Plc  EWHC 1185 and  EWCA Civ 398).
A claim in conspiracy brought by the purchases of holiday homes in Spain against the selling agents and solicitors who acted on their behalves.
A multimillion pound claim by a lender against a valuer where Ben’s client obtained summary judgment in deceit (Cheshire BS v Dunlop Haywards Ltd & Cobbetts  PNLR).
Contribution proceedings in which one defendant had acted dishonestly and the other defendant negligently (Nationwide Building Society v DHL & Cobbetts (A firm)  1 WLR 258,  PNLR 20).
Since he took silk an increasing amount of Ben’s work has involved disputes overseas, particularly his commercial and insurance work.
Ben has been admitted (ad hoc) to the Bar of the Cayman Islands, and recently completed a 3 week trial in the Grand Court in a substantial insurance dispute.
Advising a leading Jamaican law firm about a multibillion JSD claim being advanced against it by a consortium of local investors.
Representing a Bahraini insurance broker in defence of multimillion dollar proceedings brought against it by an Omani re-insurance company.
Acting on behalf of a Japanese company in the defence of a damages claim arising out of a SPA relating to the sale of shares in a Swiss company.
Diploma in International Arbitration (CIArb).
Panel member of ARIAS (UK).
Member of COMBAR, PNBA, TECBAR, LCLCBA, BILA.
Editor of chapter on claims against insurance brokers in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th editions.
Intellectually brilliant, approachable, charismatic and always commercial.
He is one of those people who’s got a brain the size of a planet. He is assured, user-friendly and makes a real difference to the outcome of cases.
He is fantastically intellectually able and enormously charismatic. He has judges eating out of the palm of his hand.
One of the most user-friendly barristers at the Bar.
Incisive, hard working and great to deal with.

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