John Kimbell KC

Ranked in 2 Practice Areas

Band 1

Aviation

London (Bar)

24 Years Ranked

Band 4

Shipping & Commodities

London (Bar)

18 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

Global 2024

About

Provided by John Kimbell KC

UK Bar

Practice Areas

John Kimbell KC specialises in shipping, aviation and insurance law. He is the editor of the leading practitioner work, ‘Admiralty Jurisdiction and Practice’ (2025) and the co-editor of ‘Marsden on Collisions at Sea’ (2021). In addition to his work in the English High Court, he represents a wide range of clients in commercial arbitration (LMAA, GMAA, ICC, LCIA and DIS). He also acts as a commercial arbitrator in London and Hamburg (LMAA, LCIA, ICC, GMAA). Since 2018, he has sat in the High Court (Chancery, IPEC, LCCC and KBD) as a Deputy High Court Judge and in the Crown Court as a Recorder.

John is fluent in German and accepts instructions in that language. Since 2001, he has been qualified to practice as a lawyer (‘Rechtsanwalt’) in Germany. He uses his knowledge of German law to provide a specialist service to German-speaking commercial clients involved in London court or London arbitration proceedings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK-Bar

Aviation - London (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

John Kimbell KC is a well-regarded silk known in the market for his intellect and in-depth expertise in issues such as quantum. He is active particularly in matters pertaining to air accidents, personal injury and a host of related claims. Also a qualified lawyer in Germany, he specialises in advising clients on international and cross-jurisdictional disputes.

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Shipping & Commodities - London (Bar)

Band 4

Individual Editorial

John Kimbell KC has a flourishing commercial practice encompassing wet and dry shipping work. He routinely acts in LMAA arbitrations and in the Commercial and Admiralty Courts. He enjoys a substantial following among clients in Germany, where he is a qualified lawyer. He also sits as a GMAA arbitrator.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

His mind is so sharp that he's very good at seeing the simplest route to a win. His advocacy is also superb.

Aviation respondent
UK-Bar

John Kimbell excels on collision matters.