Professional Practice

University of Oxford, Jurisprudence Lady Templeman Scholar, Middle Temple Benefactors’ Scholar.

Ben’s practice encompasses all of the financial aspects of relationship breakdown including divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, the separation of unmarried couples and financial provision for children, together with jurisdiction disputes. Ben is known for being an approachable and hands-on advocate, well skilled at complex financial cases and with a keen eye for detail. He is regularly praised for his good manner with clients and his willingness to provide assistance throughout the litigation process. Ben regularly lectures on a wide range of family law related topics and has authored a large number of articles.

Ben is also keen advocate of all forms of alternative dispute resolution.  He is regularly instructed to act as a private FDR / ENE tribunal and is a qualified arbitrator, both of which comprise a large part of his practice.  He is rated as ‘Band 1’ for ‘Private FDR Judges and Arbitrators’ in Legal 500, and is described as, ‘an excellent all-around tribunal for cases of all shapes and sizes. He has a relaxed but authoritative manner and is effective in bringing lay clients on board with his indications.’

• Recommendations

  "He has an eye for detail and his presentation of cases is flawless." "His experience as a judge and his knowledge of technology are valuable qualities that he brings to cases." "His advocacy is fantastic and he is all over the detail of a case." "Pragmatic and client-focused, Ben quickly builds a rapport with clients and delivers accessible advice, while keeping in mind the bigger picture."

  Chambers and Partners 2025

  "Ben is highly technical, and he is a safe pair of hands. His advocacy is outstanding." "Ben is an able arbitrator. He is thorough and well prepared, and has a measured style."

  Legal 500 2025

  "Down to earth, approachable, extremely bright and knowledgeable. He gets to the crux of the matter immediately while remaining on top of the detail throughout, and provides clear, pragmatic, no-nonsense advice." "Ben is brilliant with the details. He can very quickly get a handle on complex issues and has a knack for explaining matters to clients in laymen's terms." "His written work is fantastic; he's detailed but he's got the experience to know when to drill down into the detail and when not to for fear of annoying the judge."

  Chambers and Partners 2024

  "Ben is hugely supportive barrister to work with. He understands the family dynamic and supports clients (and solicitors) to achieve the best outcomes. His judgement is excellent, and hes a hugely persuasive advocate.'" "Ben Fearnley is an ‘excellent private FDR judge’ who specialises in financial aspects of divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, separation of unmarried couples, financial provision for children, and jurisdiction disputes."

  Legal 500 2024

  ‘An excellent all-around tribunal for cases of all shapes and sizes. He has a relaxed but authoritative manner and is effective in bringing lay clients on board with his indications.’

  Band 1, Legal 500 2023

  ‘Ben is a hugely supportive barrister to work with. He understands the family dynamic and supports clients (and solicitors) to achieve the best outcomes. His judgement is excellent, and he’s a hugely persuasive advocate.’

  Legal 500 2023

  "He is quick to appraise the issues and seeks a proportionate outcome for his clients." "His analytical capabilities are something to watch. He is able to grasp extremely complex issues in a matter of seconds."

  Chambers and Partners 2022

  "Ben is tactically brilliant, with a forensic mind and eager eye for detail. His preparation is flawless, and he always ensures that the client feels at ease.

  Legal 500 2022

  "Ben is agile in negotiations and always inspires confidence." "His ability to digest huge quantities of information and numbers without referring to them is so impressive." "One of the brightest lawyers around and a walking law encyclopedia."

  Chambers and Partners 2021

  "Ben has sound judgement, methodical and detailed preparation, alongside an excellent understanding of the law. His preparation makes you feel at ease going to court settlement meetings."

  Legal 500 2021

  "Extremely clever and has an excellent grasp of complex financial matters." "He is an incredibly detailed barrister. If you've got a case where you need someone to go through the minutiae, he's your man. He's got a systematic way of approaching things and the paperwork he produces is always meticulous and well thought out."

  Chambers and Partners 2020

  "Extremely clever with an excellent grasp of more complex financial matters."

  Legal 500 2020

• Publications and Lecturing

  • Ben regularly lectures on a wide range of family law related topics topics. Recent lectures include company issues in family law, finances in Children Act (1989) Sch 1 proceedings and the implications of death and bankruptcy on divorce proceedings.

     

    Ben also regularly writes articles on current legal topics.

• Personal Information

  Ben is married with two children and lives in London.  When not at work (which does sometimes occur) Ben enjoys spending time with his children and travelling when he can.