John McElroy | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have acted in all divisions of the English High Court including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and my cases almost always involve international elements. I have been involved in LCIA, ICC, LME, LMAA, LCAM and ad hoc arbitrations - involving parties in various different jurisdictions - and in several ICSID arbitrations. I have also acted in cases before the Courts of the British Virgin Islands.

I am currently acting on a variety of commercial disputes including cases involving major global banks and international energy providers. I also have extensive experience of acting for and against groups of claimants, ranging from defending clients on claims being brought by groups of individuals, to advising groups of bondholders and institutional shareholders.

I have twice been the partner responsible for the cases recognised by The Lawyer’s Top 20 Litigation of the year surveys. Back in 2016, I was the lead lawyer representing the successful claimants in the first case to reach a judgment in the London High Court’s new Financial List. I have also acted in regulatory investigations involving both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

My diverse client base includes major domestic and international companies including clients in the sports, travel, financial and energy industries, as well as private equity houses, insolvency practitioners and individuals.

I was elected Vice President of the London Solicitors Litigation Association in early 2024 and appointed Vice President of the Litigation Commission of the UIA International Association of Lawyers in late 2024.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Chambers 2024
John McElroy is a safe pair of hands and gives good, clear advice. John is an exceptional lawyer, he has excellent commercial instincts and he is very client-focused.
Legal 500 2024
John has significant experience in fraud and energy linked banking disputes.
Legal 500 2024
John is a polished operator. He keeps a keen eye on client objectives and effectively delivers.  
Legal 500 2024
John is a plugged-in, commercial, astute and engaged partner.

Authored pieces

All Resources
Dispute Resolution
Insight

Felipe Massa’s £64m claim over 2008 F1 title clears initial legal hurdle

11.02.2026
With the start of the Formula 1 Circuit just one month away, it feels apt to revisit one of the sport’s most controversial chapters: Felipe Massa’s battle to redress the 2008 F1 World title that slipped through his fingers following a crash in Singapore.
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A wooden gavel rests on a sound block in the foreground, with a balanced scale of justice in the background. The setting appears to be a courtroom or a law library, indicated by the blurred shelves filled with books.
Dispute Resolution
Insight

A second bite of the cherry denied: Precedent and the requirement to litigate fully

21.01.2026
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A close-up image of a metallic maze with smooth, polished surfaces. The maze is displayed in shades of purple and blue. A white arrow is seen pointing through the maze, indicating a path.
Dispute Resolution
Insight

Spurs score out of Court settlement with INEOS

19.11.2025
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A bronze statue of Lady Justice holding scales in her left hand and a sword in her right hand, with a blindfold covering her eyes. The background is a clear, bright blue sky with light clouds. The image focuses on the statue, symbolizing fairness and law.
Dispute Resolution
Insight

CAS upholds suspension in Canadian horse abuse case

12.09.2025
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Dispute Resolution
Insight

Saxon Woods v Costa: a cautionary tale for directors

21.08.2025
Overview The Court of Appeal’s decision in Saxon Woods Investments Ltd v Costa  [2025] EWCA Civ 708 is a significant reminder that directors must honour shareholder agreements and act in good faith.
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What others say…

Legal 500 2024
John has significant experience in fraud and energy linked banking disputes.
Legal 500 2024
John is a polished operator. He keeps a keen eye on client objectives and effectively delivers.  
Legal 500 2024
John is a plugged-in, commercial, astute and engaged partner.