Ben is a Partner in VWV's Commercial Litigation team. He also leads our Reputation Management team, specialising in advising businesses, charities, and institutions on complex disputes.
He has particular expertise in relation to claims arising from mergers and acquisitions, supply of goods and services (including procurement) and reputation management.
Ben regularly advises on disputes and warranty claims following corporate acquisitions. He acts for both suppliers and contracting authorities in relation to procurement disputes. Ben has represented lenders in multi-million pound claim portfolios involving fraud and professional negligence, and has also advised a number of charities and institutions on governance related disputes.
Ben's Reputation Management and Information Law work usually revolves around issues with social media and the internet, including: data breaches and privacy issues; defamation; harassment and intellectual property infringements, including cyber-squatting. He has a particular interest in tracing anonymous authors / online "trolls" and advising on removing infringing online material. He has advised on reputation issues for a number of household names involving the likes of the Daily Mail, the Telegraph, Channel 4 and the BBC as well as a variety of social media providers including Facebook, TikTok, X, WhatsApp and Google.
While Ben has significant experience of litigating claims, a significant part of his work relates to advising on potential disputes and how to avoid them becoming protracted. Particularly where there are long standing relationships or sensitive issues, litigation is rarely the best solution but a clear understanding of the merits of a position can be a very useful tool in commercial re-negotiations or early exit strategies.
Ben is based in our Bristol office, but can support you nationally.
Ben Holt is strong on commercial litigation when in need of a claim. Ben has been the voice of reason when dealing with issues we felt had the potential to impact our reputation.
What others say
Chambers and Partners describe Ben as "personable and approachable" as well as being "strategic and well considered in his approach". He is "strong on the issues we need advice on" and gets "up to speed very quickly and understood the complexities of the issues".
"Ben is intuitive about what a commercial company should and shouldn't be doing when having to manage a crisis or issues where the law can support." - Legal 500
"Ben Holt is a superb partner, he keeps abreast of the detail, whilst ensuring that the overarching strategy is implemented efficiently. He is not afraid to tackle the knotty issues which crop up in litigation and has a wonderful manner with clients." - Legal 500
What you might like to know
Ben is a Past President of Bristol Law Society and a member of the Bristol Commercial Court Users Committee and the Association of Procurement Lawyers.
Outside of work, Ben is the drummer in a covers band and is an avid Burnley F.C. supporter. He also sets and hosts quiz nights.
Other teams Ben works with
Ben regularly provides support in particular to VWV's commercial, charities, education and corporate teams. This often involves providing a litigator's view for instance where contractual clauses may be particularly contentious, or how to reduce the risks where disputes are anticipated.
