Mr Justice Calver was born in Dartford, Kent. After attending local primary and grammar schools, he studied law at Christ’s College Cambridge, and graduated with a first class degree. Sir Neil was called to the Bar in 1987. He practised from 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square and then at Brick Court Chambers, specialising in commercial law and arbitration. He also appeared in European/competition and public law cases, and practised in the British Virgin Islands and in Gibraltar as well as in England & Wales. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1996. Alongside his practice at the Bar, Sir Neil accepted appointments as an international arbitrator, and he served as a Recorder from 2009. He has been a High Court Judge since 2020.

Sir Neil Calver was Kent County Chess Champion at several age levels during his schooldays. He enjoys opera, and supports Charlton Athletic