Bethany Smith

Bethany accepts instructions on matters involving commercial fraud, debt and insolvency.

During her pupillage Bethany was closely involved in, and continues to assist with, a complex case involving allegations of undervalue money transfers across jurisdictions as a means of debt avoidance.

Bethany assisted Charles Debattista in making a series of intricate applications to the High Court, securing orders for the disclosure of documents and preservation of property to advance the client’s position.

Bethany has also advised clients on debt enforcement by way of the entry of restrictions against both company and individually owned property.

Bethany previously interned for The Honorable Robert E. Gerber of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, S.D.N.Y., who oversaw the General Motors bankruptcy proceedings.

Bethany is uniquely placed to accept instructions on cases arising in the field of energy and transportation including contract disputes, compliance matters, and cases involving the issue and trading of fuel certificates and emissions credits.

Bethany spent nearly two years advising as in-house legal counsel for a leading European transport company, negotiating regularly with key stakeholders such as local authorities and fuel and infrastructure suppliers. Working closely with colleagues across procurement, operations, safety, commercial, property, finance and legal teams, Bethany secured the roll-out of various green initiatives, including agreements for the implementation of hydrogen and electric buses and associated depot facilities.

In light of her multijurisdictional education and background, Bethany is well-placed as a junior to assist with international arbitration matters, particularly those involving questions of both English and U.S. federal or state law.

During pupillage Bethany assisted on a range of international arbitration proceedings including ship sale disputes and charterparties, as well as high-value disputes involving questions of jurisdiction and sanctions in the context of international finance and trade.

Bethany has a strong background advising on a range of road transport matters including regulatory compliance, safety, equality, contracts and green initiatives.

Bethany also regularly represents commercial air carriers in responding to consumer contract claims relating to delays, cancellations and disruption during carriage. Bethany is well-versed in the applicable European legislative and regulatory framework.