18 St John Street Chambers

Jonathan joined the Family Team of 18 St John Street Chambers in January 2017 and since then has developed a busy and varied practice, regularly appearing in the Family Court representing local authorities, parents, children and intervenors in both public and private children matters. Jonathan regularly appears in matters before the High Court. Jonathan has experience of representing clients in appeals and providing advice on appeal.

Jonathan has developed a reputation for meticulous preparation of cases and thorough cross examination. As a result, he is regularly instructed to appear in multi-day hearings in relation to allegations of both physical and sexual abuse, representing local authorities pursuing allegations before the court and representing those facing allegations. He has extensive experience of challenging the evidence of professional and lay witnesses, including medical evidence. Jonathan has experience of cross-examining vulnerable witnesses, including those with mental health difficulties and child witnesses.

Jonathan has also developed a busy practice representing children, through their 16.4 Guardians, at finding of fact and final hearings in private law proceedings, often where both parents are litigants in person. Jonathan is therefore adept at dealing with litigants in person.

Jonathan is public access accredited and accepts instructions from members of the public directly where necessary.

Jonathan is also available to deliver talks/seminars regarding various topics relating to Family Law. Jonathan most recently delivered a talk on secure accommodation orders on behalf of Child Concern.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Jonathan worked within the Family Department of a local law firm, developing a specialism of representing clients in Children Act and Family Law Act proceedings. Jonathan also undertook civil work during this time in the capacity of Solicitor’s Agent.

Away from Chambers, Jonathan has a keen interest in travel. He has recently spent time in various cities in the USA, and visited numerous islands in French Polynesia in October 2018.