Barristers

Jonathan Swain

Jonathan Swain

9BR Chambers, London

Position

Jonathan is a specialist extradition barrister, who is listed in the Legal500 and Chambers and Partners for his work in this area. He regularly appears at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and on appeal at the High Court, and he represents both Requested Persons and Judicial Authorities. He is a regular contributor to CrimeLine’s Extradition Hub and has written extensively about the changes to extradition following Brexit.

He also undertakes work for the GLD as part of the Attorney General’s civil panel, including advising on unlawful detention cases and matters arising out of Covid19 regulations.

Jonathan is Grade 3 on the CPS specialist extradition panel, Grade 2 on the CPS advocate panel for general criminal work, and a member of the Attorney General's list of civil panel counsel (C panel).

Jonathan spent 18 months in the Extradition Unit at the CPS where he gained considerable expertise in extradition proceedings. After leaving the Unit, he quickly developed a busy practice both prosecuting and defending in extradition cases. He has been involved in a number of leading cases, including appearing in the Supreme Court.

Jonathan also has considerable experience of mutual legal assistance, including the European Investigation Order, and transfer of sentences.

Prior to starting in extradition work, Jonathan was a Senior Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, where his diligent preparation and robust advocacy meant that he was instructed to act in difficult and serious cases. He gained extensive experience in all types of cases in the Magistrates’ and Youth courts, encompassing work from theft to sexual offences. Since moving to chambers, he has been instructed in a range of cases, both prosecuting and defending. He has also been instructed by various local authorities.

Career

Called 2010

CPS Extradition Panel (Grade 4)

CPS Panel (Grade 2)

Attorney General's list of civil panel counsel (C Panel)

Memberships

DELF

CBA

CPS Extradition Panel Grade 4

CPS General Crime Panel Grade 2

Attorney General’s Civil Panel (C)

Education

BVC, BPP Law School (2010)

MA in International Criminology, University of Sheffield (2009)

LLB in Law and Criminology, University of Sheffield (2008)

Mentions

London Bar

Extradition

Leading junior2
Jonathan Swain – 9BR Chambers ‘Jonathan is a high calibre barrister. He is devastatingly efficient both in terms of his oral and written advocacy. He can transform cases and will always spot good points.’