John Carr-Hartley is the Managing Partner at Armstrongs and leads the firm’s Litigation and Arbitration Department. He handles a majority of the firm’s litigation cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Industrial Court, as well as arbitration cases, particularly in civil engineering and building disputes.
With over 30 years of experience as a litigation attorney in Botswana, John is considered one of the country’s most experienced legal professionals in this field. His expertise in both litigation and arbitration is highly valued by clients requiring representation in court.
John joined Armstrongs as a Partner in June 1993 and became the head of the Litigation and Arbitration Department in 1998, a position he still holds. In July 2010, he was appointed Managing Partner of the firm.
He specializes in corporate and commercial litigation, handling high-profile cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal, as well as arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution. His litigation experience spans across various sectors, including construction, civil engineering, property, shareholder disputes, medical law, civil aviation, insurance, and general commercial litigation.
Education & Qualifications
- B.A. LL.B. from the University of Natal (1989)
- Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of Botswana (1991)
- Fellow of the Botswana Institute of Arbitrators
Professional Memberships
- Member of the Botswana Law Society
- Member of the High Court Case Management & Records Committee
- Member of the High Court Liaison Committee
Recognition
John has been consistently ranked in the highest category of Chambers Global – The World’s Leading Lawyers for General Business Law since 2007. Currently, he holds a Band 1 ranking, the highest recognition awarded by Chambers.
Chambers Review:
John is highly regarded as a “really good” and “very strong litigator” specializing in arbitration related to construction and engineering disputes. He is noted for his handling of a broad range of contentious matters, including insolvency, insurance claims, and commercial litigation. John leads both the firm and the litigation and arbitration department.
Specialties
- Corporate & Commercial Litigation
- Building & Civil Engineering Arbitrations
- Liquidations & Insolvencies
- Defense of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Claims
- Aircraft Accident Reviews & Aviation Litigation
Community Engagement
- Deputy Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
- Honorary Life Member of Tshomarelo Okavango Conservation Trust
- Founder Trustee of Chobe Wildlife Trust and Khama Rhino Sanctuary
- Visiting Lecturer at the University of Botswana
Directorships
- Audi Properties Proprietary Limited (Property ownership)
- Gametrackers Botswana Proprietary Limited, Game Viewers Proprietary Limited, and Xaxaba Camp Proprietary Limited – all part of the Belmond Hotels Group
- Beryllium Proprietary Limited (Property ownership)
- Delta & Ocean Air Proprietary Limited (Air charter and Property)
