Benjamin SmithSenior Associate

Dispute Resolution

I advise on all aspects of Dispute Resolution with particular experience of commercial disputes, shareholder and director disputes, civil fraud, cross-border disputes and group litigation.

Whilst I am adept at conducting litigation through the court process my primary focus is to realise my client’s objectives in a manner that is both efficient and practical. Where suitable, I therefore proactively engage with clients to explore alternative dispute resolutions should such processes be more likely to protect my client’s interests. In the event that litigation is necessary I employ experience, strategy and innovative tools to achieve my client’s objectives in a robust yet proportionate manner.

Media & Entertainment

I work alongside stakeholders from across the Media and Entertainment sector and have recent experience of supporting broadcasters, distributors, television and firm production companies, video game developers, recording artists, artist and label managers, industry intermediaries, event organisers and publishing houses.

Through this work I have supported clients on issues including content protection, royalty and/or commission disputes, IP infringement risks, breach of confidential information, licencing and syncing disputes, supplier disputes and a range of contentious commercial issues.

Technology & Digital

I regularly support clients on complex technology disputes and contentious matters in the digital / online world. My experience includes disputes relating to failed digital transformation projects, software licensing and development, FinTech, online platforms and e-commerce, consumer facing tech, digital services and misuse of confidential data - all of which regularly involve cross border or multi-jurisdictional issues.

I work with large multinational stakeholders in this space as well as start-ups from both the supplier and purchaser side, as well as with developers. This includes advising clients in relation to Web3, cryptocurrency and AI.

Sports Business

I advise clients from across the sports industry and am experienced in supporting clubs, players, managers, agencies and tournament organisers on contentious and regulatory issues including player transfers, intermediary disputes and commercial enterprises.

My recent experience includes advising a Premier League football clubs on transfer disputes and overseas enforcement proceedings, working on several FA Rule K Arbitrations, resolving private commercial disputes for leading sportspeople and representing the agent of one of Formula 1’s pre-eminent drivers in an unpaid commission dispute.

Infrastructure & Energy

I advise domestic and international clients on claims relating to major projects in the infrastructure and energy sectors. This includes contentious matters relating to infrastructure development and investment, drilling contracts, joint ventures, renewables, operating and sub-contracting agreements, post-transaction and warranty disputes, as well as the full spectrum of commercial disputes.

Other Experience

Before joining Lewis Silkin I trained at a multinational law firm and spent time post qualification with a US litigation boutique, where I acted for claimants in follow-on damages litigation against European cartels. I also worked on one of the first “opt-out” collective proceedings brought under the UK regime.

Beyond private practice, I have experience of working in-house having been seconded to Sky's Litigation and Anti-Piracy Team and Tesco’s Product Legal Team (where I supported matters across Food, General Merchandise and International Resourcing).

I am also the founder of the Rising Lawyers' Society and a Committee Member of the Junior London Solicitors Litigation Association.