Sir Bernard is an independent arbitrator. He has acted as arbitrator in over 400 international arbitrations under the aegis of various institutions including the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, LMAA, DIFC/LCIA, ARIAS (UK) and on an ad hoc basis involving a wide range of commercial disputes including joint ventures, share purchase agreements, oil and gas, power supply, telecoms, shipping, international trade, insurance/reinsurance, banking, construction (including shipbuilding), commodities and energy law.

He is ranked Band 1 (International Arbitrators, UK) in both Chambers and Legal 500; and was awarded Lawyer of the Year – International Arbitration (Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards 2022).

“One of the best and most proactive arbitrators in London for any sort of dispute – very bright and commercial. He is an amazing operator and always gets the right result. Excellent as the chairman of a tribunal, he takes no messing around from the parties and is very robust.” Legal 500, 2024

"He is extremely quick to respond and very astute in his work; Bernard is a top class arbitrator." Chambers and Partners, 2024

Previously, he practised as a barrister for almost 35 years between 1976-2010 specialising in commercial litigation and international arbitration. He was appointed KC in 1990, Recorder in 1996 and a Justice of the High Court of England and Wales (QBD) in 2011. During his practice at the English Bar, he acted as Counsel in over 100 reported cases (including in the Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal, the House of Lords and the Privy Council) and over 200 international arbitrations. He also acted as Counsel in numerous foreign jurisdictions (including Singapore, Gibraltar and various Courts in the Caribbean).