Profile

• MA (Oxon)
• Diploma In Law, City University
• Member of ALC
• Called to the Bar, 1983

Jonathan’s practice encompasses family law, public law and some areas of civil law.

FAMILY

All aspects of children law, including care proceedings and child abduction. In care proceedings, Jonathan represents local authorities, parents and guardians, often in complex cases involving allegations of sexual abuse and non-accidental injuries. Ancillary relief, including cases where the Serious Fraud Office seek a criminal confiscation order in relation to matrimonial assets. Related areas such as public interest immunity.

PUBLIC

All aspects of community care law, including cases where mental health issues arise and cases involving persons subject to immigration control. Jonathan’s experience includes cases which are dealt with in the Administrative Court and are concerned with local authorities’ obligations in relation to children. Jonathan has lectured on community care law, including local authorities’ obligations to persons subject to immigration control.

CIVIL

• Chancery/Commercial: Jonathan has experience in a wide range of disputes between companies and individuals.
• Professional negligence: Jonathan has been instructed in a considerable number of professional negligence cases, mainly acting for solicitors in property and personal injury related disputes.
• Personal injury: Jonathan has been instructed extensively in personal injury cases, both claimant and defendant.

He has lectured on loss of chance in professional negligence claims and personal injury claims.

RECENT CASES OF INTEREST

In the matter of A (AChild) 2008 EWCA Civ 1138-decision of the Court of Appeal confirming burden and standard of proof in contempt of court cases.

R(S) v London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Lambeth and London Borough of Hackney (2008) Administrative Court. Transcript of judgment currently awaited Responsible authority under the National Assistance Act, 1948, where dispute between different local authorities. Decision of Davis J

R(AW, DAY) v London Borough of Croydon and London Borough of Hackney 2007 EWCA Civ 266, 2007 CCLR 189. Decision of the Court of Appeal dealing with local authorities’ obligations to failed asylum seekers.

Re M (a child) (care proceedings witness summons) 2007 EWCA Civ 9; 2007 1 FLR 1698; 2007 All ER (D) 108 (Jan). Decision of the Court of Appeal concerning whether a child should give evidence in care proceedings.