A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Over 18 Years and Over 1,000 Cases of Decision Making Experience

I have been a decision maker on well over 1,000 cases across a range of tribunals and forums spanning over 18 years. I hold a Masters degree (LLM) in Dispute Resolution from the global leader London School of Arbitration at Queen Mary University London. This extensive experience combined with direct commercial experience prior to qualifying as a barrister means I consistently make sound, safe, robust and well reasoned decisions that are unlikely to be challenged or, if they are, overturned.

An example of this is when a decision I was a Tribunal member on was unsuccessfully judicially reviewed. Not only did the High Court Judge find: “It is to Mr Somerville’s credit… Mr Somerville was right to probe… entirely fair of him… perfectly sensible.” but when this decision was appealed, the judgment of the Master of the Rolls sitting in the Court of Appeal was “entirely understandable and appropriate“, that I was “entitled to ask the questions” asked and that the perceptions of the Dr and her lawyer did “not undermine the legitimacy and appropriateness” of the questioning.

I am an arbitrator member of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation), CIArb’s Business Arbitration Scheme, ABTA Travel Arbitration Scheme amongst others. I have previously sat as an Ombudsman for the Financial Ombudsman Service and an Adjudicator for CEDR Aviation Adjudication Scheme.

Client Testimonials

Feedback on my work includes: “Exceeds competency… Strengths have been noted across all competency areas… ability to grasp complex documentation, while making balanced and succinct decisions which were evidence based… effective contributions to in-camera discussions… ability to listen and challenge others politely, when it was appropriate… supportive approach in in-camera discussions with colleagues.”

And “Performance exceeds expectations” in all metrics and from colleagues includes: “Outstanding”, “inclusive”, “business-like”, “effective use of our time”, “very collaborative”, “…exemplary. He was logical, methodical and analytical and articulated his view clearly…. [he asked] highly insightful questions… When the question asked was not answered, Mr Somerville pressed for a proper answer” and “rare to meet such a refreshingly honest approach”.

I can sit as a sole arbitrator or as one member of an arbitral tribunal either in respect of ad-hoc disputes or those that flow from contractual terms.

Contact me to tell me more about your requirement.