Ben Macfarlane
Partner
Dispute Resolution
Ben's Skills
- Dispute Resolution
About Ben
Ben is partner and head of our Dispute Resolution team.
With an extensive career spanning over 30 years, Ben has a wealth of experience in dispute resolution.
He is particularly experienced in commercial litigation and arbitration as it relates to shipping, energy, construction, insurance and reinsurance matters.
He trained at Macfarlanes and qualified in 1984 before joining Clyde & Co, where he worked for over 20 years, including 15 years as partner and several years spent at the firm’s offices in Hong Kong and Singapore.
“Over three decades of work in dispute resolution has given me a keen eye for both the strategic and tactical aspects of my practice. My invariable aim is to get the best commercial deal for the client, as quickly as possible.”
“I have worked with clients from across the world and take pride in fully explaining the reason for any advice given, whether this regards the substantive aspects of the law or any moves to be taken in the course of litigation or arbitration. I strive for flexibility in my approach, taking into account the latest developments in litigation, from funding strategies to technological advances.”
Testimonials
Ben Macfarlane has assisted me on numerous cases over the past around 10 years and I would not have the slightest of hesitance to say that he is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable shipping lawyers in London. His expertise in dispute resolution and extensive experience of arbitration and litigation in both the UK and internationally is second to none.
He has assisted me in arbitrations, court cases and mediations and is my first port of call for any questions that I may have in Shipping or Marine Insurance matters. Above all, he is honest, which I believe to be the most important attribute for a lawyer.
Captain Rajiv Thakar - Master Mariner, LL.M. Maritime Law, Casualty and Complex Claims Director - W.E. Cox Claims Group (Europe) Limited
I’ve know Ben for fifteen years. Over that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with him on a number of interesting matters and consider him a trusted advisor. He is approachable, exercises sound judgment, is responsive and efficient. He thinks clearly and has the ability to present complex issues with the same skill. He fills an important need we have for marine and energy insurance coverage, and the ability to operate fluidly in different jurisdictions. I frequently rely on him to coordinate and oversee multi-disciplinary teams investigating coverage on international claims. His prior work experience in the Far East and throughout Europe is a significant asset for us.
Matthew E.C. Pifer - SVP & General Counsel - The Oil Group of Companies
