We are very pleased to announce that John-Paul Fitzgibbon has joined Pump Court’s Civil Team as a member of chambers, effective Wednesday 15th July.
John-Paul specialises in public international law, particularly the law governing weapons, means and methods of warfare, together with public inquiries, inquests and investigations.
He came to the Bar in 2018 during a military career spanning more than twenty years. Serving as both a warfare officer, and latterly also a military lawyer practising in public international law, operational law, criminal law and regulatory matters. In that time, he advised senior military commanders, government departments, scientists, engineers and project teams on some of the most demanding legal questions facing Defence.
What distinguishes his practice is the combination of legal knowledge with first-hand understanding of military operations, weapons effects and capability development. Few practitioners at the Bar have comparable experience of conducting legal reviews of new weapons systems intended for use in international armed conflict.
Alongside his advisory work, John-Paul has led complex investigations and reviews. He served as President of Defence Safety Authority Service Inquiries into fatalities and acts as an Independent Chair and Report Author in Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews, work which involves close examination of multi-agency decision-making, safeguarding arrangements and organisational learning.
His approach is practical and collaborative. Clients value advice that turns complex legal requirements into clear direction for decision-makers, technical specialists and project teams.
Tony Atkins, Senior Clerk, commented: “John-Paul’s experience and expertise speak for themselves. He is a significant addition to our expanding Civil Team and further strengthens our highly regarded Public Inquiries and Inquests teams, which continue to be instructed in many of the UK’s most significant inquiries and inquests. We are delighted to welcome him to Pump Court and look forward to supporting him as he develops his practice with us.”
For further information about John-Paul’s practice, or to instruct him, please contact James Wackett, Senior Civil & Regulatory Clerk: j.wackett@pumpcourtchambers.com or 020 7353 0711.
