Bethany Smith: A Dual-Qualified Barrister Bridging Transatlantic Legal Expertise
Bethany Smith is a distinguished legal professional whose career embodies a rare blend of transatlantic qualifications and diverse legal experiences. As a dual-qualified lawyer — both a barrister in England and a solicitor and attorney in New York — she has developed a comprehensive practice centered on commercial litigation, international arbitration, shipping law, and art and cultural property disputes. This article delves deep into her career journey, educational background, notable professional experiences, and her contributions to the legal field, reflecting why Bethany Smith is a rising star in the legal community.
Who Is Bethany Smith?
Bethany Smith currently practices as a barrister at 36 Stone, part of The 36 Group Chambers in London. She has built her reputation focusing on high-value commercial litigation, international arbitration, and niche areas such as shipping and art law. Her unique qualifications allow her to navigate complex legal challenges that cross jurisdictions, especially between the US and the UK.
Bethany is not only recognized for her legal acumen but also her versatility, having served in private practice, in-house legal counsel roles, and academic settings. Her broad experience base makes her a valuable advocate and trusted legal advisor for a wide range of clients.
36 Stone and The 36 Group: Prestigious Legal Platforms
What Is 36 Stone?
36 Stone is a prominent set of chambers in London, specializing in commercial law, international arbitration, and dispute resolution. It is part of The 36 Group, an umbrella organization of leading barristers’ chambers known for their exceptional expertise in commercial, public, and human rights law. Members of 36 Stone and The 36 Group enjoy access to top-tier legal networks and a collaborative environment, enabling them to handle some of the most complex and high-profile cases in the UK and internationally.
Bethany Smith’s association with 36 Stone reflects her standing in the legal profession, especially within commercial litigation and arbitration. Through this platform, she has engaged in cases involving worldwide freezing orders, cross-border contractual disputes, and sophisticated arbitration proceedings.
The 36 Group Chambers
The 36 Group is recognized for fostering some of the most innovative and respected barristers in England and Wales. With several sets of chambers under its umbrella, including 36 Stone, it offers specialized services across diverse areas of law. Being part of this group allows barristers like Bethany Smith to benefit from shared resources, extensive training opportunities, and collaborative casework, all of which contribute to their professional growth and client service excellence.
Wedlake Bell: Specialized Secondment Experience
Bethany Smith recently completed a secondment at Wedlake Bell, a prestigious London-based law firm renowned for its expertise in art law and luxury goods. During her tenure, she focused on Art & Luxury, enhancing her skills and knowledge in this specialized sector.
Wedlake Bell’s reputation for advising artists, collectors, museums, and luxury brands on legal matters relating to art theft, cultural property, and international art transactions aligns closely with Bethany’s interests and expertise. This secondment allowed her to gain firsthand experience dealing with high-stakes legal issues in the art world, further broadening her scope as a barrister.
Arriva Group and Slaughter and May: Foundations of a Robust Career
Legal Counsel Role at Arriva Group
Before her current barrister role, Bethany worked as legal counsel at Arriva Group, one of Europe’s largest providers of bus and train services. In this position, she advised on regulatory compliance, contractual negotiations, and corporate governance issues, bringing her litigation and commercial expertise into the transport sector.
Her nearly two-year stint at Arriva gave her a practical, in-house perspective on legal risk management and operational challenges, complementing her experience in private practice and litigation.
Contract Lawyer at Slaughter and May
Bethany also undertook a contract position with Slaughter and May, one of the UK’s elite Magic Circle law firms. During this time, she worked in the Competition, Disputes & Investigations team, gaining exposure to complex corporate and regulatory matters. This experience added a crucial dimension to her skill set, equipping her to navigate competition law and dispute resolution in high-stakes commercial environments.
Academic Excellence and Legal Education
Fordham University School of Law
Bethany Smith earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with honors, cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law in New York. Fordham is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous legal training and emphasis on trial advocacy. During her time there, Bethany distinguished herself through numerous accolades, including awards for outstanding performance in trial advocacy and best closing argument in national competitions.
Her academic achievements at Fordham laid a strong foundation for her litigation career. Moreover, she later served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at Fordham, demonstrating her commitment to legal education and mentoring future lawyers.
University of Nottingham and Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme
Bethany’s legal education began with an LL.B. (Hons.) degree from the University of Nottingham in the UK, where she graduated with a solid 2:1 grade. Following this, she completed the UK Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), passing all parts, including the MCT and OSCE, to become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
This dual education pathway highlights her exceptional adaptability and legal versatility, enabling her to operate seamlessly in both the UK and US legal systems.
Honors and Awards: Recognizing Excellence
Bethany Smith’s career is marked by numerous honors and awards that acknowledge her outstanding legal skills and commitment to professional development:
- Pro Bono Recognition List 2025: Acknowledged for her voluntary legal work contributing to access to justice.
- Pupil Pledge (2024): A commitment to ethical and professional standards during her pupillage.
- Pro Bono Centurion Award from Hogan Lovells: For exceptional pro bono service during her time at the firm.
- Abraham Abramovsky Award for Outstanding Performance in Trial Advocacy: Recognizing superior courtroom skills.
- Best Closing Argument Award at the Mockingbird Challenge National Trial Competition: Showcasing persuasive advocacy.
- Ruth Whitehead Whaley Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Awarded by Fordham University for scholarly achievement.
- Dean’s List and Fordham Law Review Associate Editor: Demonstrating academic distinction and editorial responsibility.
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Reflecting well-rounded achievements beyond academics.
These awards underscore Bethany’s dedication not only to legal practice but also to ethical standards, education, and public service.
Career Timeline: A Steady Climb
- 2024-Present: Barrister at 36 Stone, practicing primarily in commercial litigation, arbitration, and art law.
- 2025 (Mar-Jun): Secondment at Wedlake Bell focusing on art and luxury law.
- 2023-2021: Legal Counsel at Arriva Group, specializing in transport law and corporate governance.
- 2021 (Sep-Oct): Contract Lawyer at Slaughter and May in competition and dispute resolution.
- 2019-2021: Legal Consultant at FISC Ltd, offering advisory services.
- 2018-2019: Associate at Hogan Lovells, one of the top global law firms, working both in London and New York.
- 2016-2017: Summer Associate and Internships in New York, including judicial internship and research roles.
This timeline reveals Bethany’s progressive accumulation of expertise across multiple legal disciplines and geographic locations.
Why Bethany Smith Stands Out
Bethany Smith exemplifies the qualities of a modern legal professional: dual-qualified, versatile, academically accomplished, and committed to justice. Her capacity to handle complex international cases involving commercial disputes, shipping, arbitration, and cultural property law positions her uniquely in the market.
Her commitment to pro bono work and legal education further elevates her profile, showing that her professional mission goes beyond winning cases to fostering fairness and mentoring the next generation of lawyers.
Conclusion
Bethany Smith’s career is a compelling narrative of excellence, determination, and cross-jurisdictional legal expertise. From her education at Fordham and Nottingham to her roles at global law firms and prestigious chambers like 36 Stone, she has built a diverse portfolio that serves clients across borders with precision and passion.
As she continues to grow within The 36 Group and beyond, Bethany Smith remains a figure to watch in the international legal arena—an advocate for justice, a skilled litigator, and a champion of the law on both sides of the Atlantic.
