John Russell KC
UK Bar Guide 2025
Band 1 : Shipping & Commodities
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
0207 583 4444Share profile
Band 1
About
Provided by John Russell KC
Practice Areas
John Russell is a commercial advocate, specialising in shipping, commodities and international trade, energy and natural resources, and related insurance disputes. He has also recent experience in major civil fraud cases, including payment frauds, warehousing frauds and bribery. He has been ranked in the leading directories for many years and has been nominated and named Shipping Silk of the Year in 2019 and 2020. His recent experience encompasses charterparties, bills of lading, IMO 2020 and other bunkering disputes, sales and financing disputes in both arbitration (LMAA, LCIA and ICC) and the Commercial Court, as well as FOSFA and GAFTA disputes. John is a leading appellate lawyer, in both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Recent cases have included successes in the Supreme Court in Volcafe v CSAV, in the Court of Appeal in The “CMA CGM LIBRA".
Career
Called to the Bar in 1993; initially practiced at 5 Bell Yard, moved to Quadrant (then 4 Essex Court) in 1998. Appointed QC in 2014.
Professional Memberships
COMBAR.
Personal
Keen cyclist and sailor, and often found in the kitchen.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
John Russell KC is a tough advocate whose shipping practice includes charter parties, shipbuilding and piracy claims. He has particular acumen in both cargo claims and yacht-related disputes. He is as at ease appearing in arbitrations as he is in courtroom trials. He has marked experience in cases concerning force majeure clauses.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"John is at the top of his game. He is a pleasure to work with and a reassuring force when preparing for hearings."
"John is an excellent shipping barrister. He is very clear in his analysis and presentation. John is quick on his feet and strategic in what he is trying to achieve."
"John is a powerfully effective advocate with a drafting style that many aspire to. He always has time to respond for requests, even when under intense time pressure, and his input is highly valued."
"John is at the top of his game. He is a pleasure to work with and a reassuring force when preparing for hearings."
"John is an excellent shipping barrister. He is very clear in his analysis and presentation. John is quick on his feet and strategic in what he is trying to achieve."
"John is a powerfully effective advocate with a drafting style that many aspire to. He always has time to respond for requests, even when under intense time pressure, and his input is highly valued."
Discover other Barristers at
Quadrant Chambers
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)
