27/04/2016

John Bethell joins 20 Essex Street

Members of 20 Essex Street are pleased to welcome John Bethell, who joined the set in March 2016 after completing pupillage. 

John is developing a broad practice in Chambers’ core areas of expertise, including commercial disputes, arbitration, shipping, EU and competition law and human rights. John’s previous career in government service and his experience from pupillage mean that he is comfortable with a wide range of cases, including those that raise administrative or European Union law issues, in a commercial context.

Before coming to the Bar, John spent six years as an army officer with the Welsh Guards. He completed two operational tours in Afghanistan, and served as a Military Adviser at the British High Commission in Pakistan. He retains a particular interest in defence, security and international affairs.

Previously, John read History at the University of Cambridge, gained a Masters in War Studies at King’s College London and returned to Cambridge to complete a PhD in History.

John is currently instructed as junior counsel, led by David Lewis QC, in an LMAA arbitration arising from shipowners’ substitution of bulk carriers during the course of a time charterparty.