William has established good credentials in the arbitration communities of China and Asia’ and ‘An expert on FIDIC contracts and related arbitration.”

Legal 500 2017, Commercial

Generally very substantial experience of institutional and ad hoc commercial and technical arbitrations and related applications, challenges and appeals. Leading cases include: LG Caltex Gas Co and Contigroup Companies v China National Petroleum Corporation and China Petroleum Technology Development Corporation [2001] BLR 235 (effect of s 67 Arbitration Act 1996); North Range Shipping Ltd v Seatrans Shipping Corp (The Western Triumph) [2002] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 1 (CA applying Human Rights Act 1998 to leave to appeal applications under s 69 Arbitration Act 1996; Antaios held no longer to apply); Peterson Farms Inc v C&M Farming Ltd [2004] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 614 (first reported decision on power under s 70(7) Arbitration Act 1996 to secure award pending appeal or challenge; guidelines).

William accepts appointment as arbitrator.

Arbitrations in which William has acted as counsel include acting for Russian shipping corporation defending UNICTRAL arbitration claims by European bank on parent company guarantee raising Russian and English company law issues; acting in LCIA arbitration for Italian receivers in jurisdiction challenge involving the European Insolvency Regulation, Italian and English law; acting for Chinese charterers in substantial LMAA arbitration defending claims by Korean disponent owners for damages for breach of contract of affreightment; acting for Chinese charterers facing various claims arising out of five C/Ps in LMAA arbitration; and acting for contractors in arbitration claims arising from a hydro project in the Balkans.

Directory Quotes

William Godwin KC has very strong analytical skills and attention to detail and provides a timely and reactive service, is very approachable and makes every effort to be available to clients. In addition to excellent oratory skills, William provides clear and concise explanation of intricate legal issues.”

Legal 500 2022, Commercial

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA (First Class) University College London
    • B Phil;D Phil Oriel College, Oxford.
    • Benefactors senior law scholar, Middle Temple

  • Professional memberships:

    • Arbitration panel member of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre
    • Panel adjudicator of the Technology and Construction Bar Association
    • Lecturer at City University and at the School of Oriental and African Studies (London University)

  • William Godwin KC is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.