Jonathan Davies-Jones KC

Jonathan Davies-Jones KC

Call: 1994 | Silk: 2013

"He has an incredible intellect and is highly insightful and strategic."

- Chambers & Partners UK Bar (2024)

'Jonathan is one of the leading advocates of his generation. He is extremely convincing on his feet and demands attention of tribunals. His ability to think on his feet is second-to-none..."

- Legal 500 UK Bar (2024)

"Jonathan Davies-Jones is a fine silk, who combines formidable court presence with user-friendly, succinct advice."

- Chambers & Partners UK Bar (2024)

"One of the most capable commercial silks at the Bar. He has an outstanding intellect (even amongst top KCs) combined with wonderful client skills and enormous dedication."

- Legal 500 UK Bar (2023)

"Extraordinarily clever and brilliant to work with. He is very client-friendly, a good advocate and a very rounded performer."

- Chambers & Partners UK Bar (2023)

Practice Overview

Jonathan Davies-Jones is described in the 2023 Directories as "extraordinarily clever and brilliant to work with", "absolutely brilliant as an advocate” and “one of the most capable commercial silks at the Bar”.

Directories from recent previous years note he is “one of the best trial advocates at the Bar”, “a superb all-round KC”, “a really good cross-examiner” and “absolutely exceptional”.

He specialises in general commercial litigation and arbitration, banking and finance, civil fraud, professional negligence and insurance and reinsurance.

He took Silk in 2013. Prior to that he had been a leading junior in all his practice areas for many years and was Chambers & Partners’ Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year in 2010 and Banking Junior of the Year in 2011. Before the Bar, he was an investment banker.

“He has an incredible intellect and is highly insightful and strategic.” Chambers & Partners UK 2023

“Extraordinarily clever and brilliant to work with.” Chambers & Partners UK 2023

“One of the most capable commercial silks at the Bar. He has an outstanding intellect (even amongst top KCs) combined with wonderful client skills and enormous dedication.” Legal 500 UK 2023

“As an advocate he is absolutely brilliant, really precise, clear, and lays down a fantastic road map. He is super bright, really thoughtful and gets really stuck into his cases.” Chambers & Partners UK 2022

“Fantastic judgement, calm in a crisis, a sage sounding board through some difficult and highly technical litigation.” Legal 500 UK 2022

“Jonathan combines a fantastically impressive intellect and command of the detail with a real pragmatism in a claim. A pleasure to work with and inspires complete client confidence.” Legal 500 UK 2022

“He is a formidable barrister and a technically excellent, detail-oriented man.” Chambers & Partners UK 2021

“He is very eloquent and a really good cross-examiner.” Chambers & Partners UK 2021

“A superb, all-round QC. Excellent on paper and in court. Highly intelligent and very strategic. A pleasure to work with.” Legal 500 UK 2021

“Absolutely exceptional.  He is extraordinarily clever, he is brilliant on his feet and can argue the most complex cases in court.” “He is fantastic – incredibly precise and never gives up.” Chambers & Partners UK 2017

“…  he is one of the best trial advocates at the Bar.” Chambers & Partners UK 2017

“He will be a real star for many years to come thanks to his outstanding intellect. He is a marvellous lawyer and a lot of fun to work with.” Chambers & Partners UK 2011

For recent Directory Quotes, see “Recommendations” above.  Before coming to the Bar, Jonathan was an investment banker. For over a decade before becoming a QC in 2013, he had been ranked as a Leading Junior in this area by both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK and in 2011 he won Chambers & Partners’ Banking Junior of the year.

Notable and recent cases include:

Suppipat & Others v Narondej & Others (2020-2023): successfully defended one of Thailand’s largest banks against claims under s423 Insolvency Act 1986 and for an alleged conspiracy to defraud, arising out of various commercial lending arrangements; damages claimed in excess of US$1-2 billion; 20-week trial 2022-2023; one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases for 2022; numerous interlocutory judgments including an important decision on confidentiality, privilege and the iniquity defence to confidentiality at [2022] EWHC 381 (Comm); judgment after trial at [2023] EWCH 1988 (Comm).

Nat West v CMIS (2022-2023): acting for Nat West in a €150 million claim under various ISDAMA and mortgage-backed securitization documents.

US M&A Advisor v European Fin Tech Platform (2020-2023): acting for European FinTech platform in dispute over M&A success fees.

Fixed Income Fund v US Bank (2021-2022): acted for the fund against various entities in a prominent US banking group; a claim to account for enforcement proceeds of syndicated loan securities payable because of the application of the ‘no self-dealing’ rule.

Deutsche Bank v Provincia di Brescia (2021-2022): acted for Provincia di Brescia in this jurisdictional dispute relating to the terms of the ISDAMA jurisdiction clause and whether they extended to a related settlement agreement; [2022] EWHC 2859 (Comm).

Brown-Foreman Beverages Europe Ltd v Bacardi UK Ltd (2020-2021): acted for Bacardi defending claims under a guarantee in excess of £50 million; the case turned on issues of construction and is a rare example of the successful application of the rule in Holme v Brunskill; [2021] EWHC 1259 (Comm); [2021] All ER (Digest) 03 June.

KfW and Another v Singal (2019-2020): acted for KfW (Germany’s state-owned expert credit lender) in its successful application for summary judgment in excess of €150 million under three Guarantee and Indemnity agreements; issues of construction and Indian insolvency law; [2020] EWHC 2214 (Comm); [2020] All ER (Digest) 11 Sep.

Astra Asset Management v Co-Operative Bank (2018-2019): acted for Co-Op Bank  in its successful application for reverse summary judgment; the case turned on whether a binding contract had been concluded for the sale of security instruments under LMA market practice and LMA standard terms; it also involved restitutionary issues and the significance of incontrovertible benefit; [2019] EWHC 897 (Comm); [2019] All ER (Digest) 62 April.

Kelleher v National Asset Loan Management (2018-2019): acted for NALM (Ireland’s designated acquiring entity for the purposes of bank reconstruction and recovery under the National Asset Management Act 2009) defending €30 million claims in respect of the assignment and subsequent enforcement of various syndicated loan arrangements.  Issues of consent and estoppel under English, Irish and Belgian law.

Twinsectra and Haysport v Lloyds Bank (2015-2018): acted for Lloyds Bank dismissing claims on the basis that they were precluded by the doctrines of election between inconsistent rights, election between inconsistent remedies and the rule against approbating and reprobating; [2018] EWHC 672 (Ch).

Deutsche Bank v Savona (2017-2018): acted for the defendant Italian Municipality in this jurisdiction dispute; judgement at 1st instance [2018] BCLC 358; judgement of Court of Appeal [2018] EWCA Civ 1740, [2018] 4 WLR 151, [2020] 1 BCLC 361.

Dexia Crediop v Commune di Prato (2011 to 2017): acted for the defendant Italian municipality in substantial ISDA related proceedings concerning interest rate swaps. Seven weeks trial summer 2014 [2015] EWHC 1746 (Comm). See also [2016] EWHC 2824 (Comm), [2017] EWHC 252 (Comm) and [2017] EWCA 428 and [2017] CLC 969.

ICC Arbitrations (2013 to 2017): acted for an English bank in €75 million ICC arbitrations concerning obligations in connection with an investment agreement.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited v IPTL & Others (2013 to 2016): acted successfully for the Hong Kong claimant bank in this syndicated loan facility dispute judgment obtained for US$165 million: [2016] EWHC 2098 (Comm). Protracted jurisdictional disputes up to the Supreme Court: [2015] 2 Lloyds Rep 183, [2016] 1 All ER (Comm) 233, [2016] 2 Lloyds Rep 25 and [2016] 2 All ER (Comm) 740.

Fons v Pillar (2014): acted for Pillar in its successful appeal in a dispute concerning the construction of a mortgage: [2015] BCLC 320; [2014] EWCA Civ 304; and acted for Pillar in its defence of a separate claim for breach of mortgagee’s duties over shares.

LNOC v Watford Football Club (2013): acted for LNOC in its successful claim under financing agreements entered into with Watford FC: [2013] AII ER (D) 263; [2013] EWHC 3615 (Comm).

Lehman Brothers International (Europe) – Extended Lien Application (2011-2012): acted for Lehman Brothers Finance AG (Switzerland) in this multi-party application in the LBIE administration concerning the enforceability of bank securities worth hundreds of millions of dollars. One of the leading cases on the Financial Collateral Regulations: [2014] 2 BCLC 295; [2012] EWHC 2997 (Ch).

Dante Programme disputes (2009-2014): acted and continuing to act in a number of Noteholder disputes under the Lehman-structured Dante Programme, including the case of Belmont Park Investments v BNY Corporate Trustee.

Perpetual Trustee v BNY Corporate Trustee, the leading case concerning the anti- deprivation principle, trustee’s duties and judicial assistance in international insolvency; successful at trial [2009] 2 BCLC 400, [2009] BPIR 1093 and in the Court of Appeal [2010] 3 WLR 87, [2010] BCLC 747, [2010] BPIR 228; and in the Supreme Court [2011] UKSC 38; [2011] 3 WLR 521, [2011] Bus Lr 1266, [2012] 1 AC 383, [2012] 1 BCLC 163, [2012] 1 All ER 505.

Spurs v Deutsche Bank (2011): acted for the Claimant in substantial GMSLA related proceedings.

Merrill Lynch v Regione di Toscana (2011): acted for the defendant in substantial ISDA related proceedings concerning interest rate swaps.

JP Morgan Chase v Springwell Navigation (2004-2010): acted for Springwell in this leading case on investment misselling and the scope of contractual estoppel: [2010] EWCA Civ 1221; [2010] CLC 705.

Depfa Bank and Dexia Crediop v Province of Pisa (2010 to 2012): acted for the defendant in substantial ISDA related proceedings. Decision on jurisdiction [2010] AllER(D) 231.

Do-Buy 925 v Nat West (2009-2010): acted for the defendant bank successfully defending dishonest claim for payment under the credit card system; [2010] EWHC 2862.

Prepaymaster v Barclays Bank (2010): acted for the defendant bank successfully  defending dishonest claim for payment under credit card system; trial aborted 2010.

Credit Suisse v Pharos Investments (2010): acted for the defendant in this ISDA related, credit derivatives dispute raising issues of quoting practice and contractual formation.

Lyons v HSBC Private Bank (2009-2010): acted for the defendant bank in this claim brought by an investor in respect of investment advice in September 2008.

Various investment losses claims (2008 to date): on-going advice in a number of substantial cases relating to investment advice and mis-selling of investments.

Lancore Services v Barclays Bank (2008-2010): acted for the defendant bank successfully defending dishonest claim for payment under credit card system: [2010] 1 AIIER 763; [2010] 2 AIIER (Comm) 273; [2008] 1 CLC1039; [2009] 2 CLC306.

For recent Directory quotes, see “Recommendations” section above.  In the last 5 years Jonathan has acted on claims with a face value in excess of US $5 billion.

Prior to becoming a QC in 2013, Jonathan had been ranked as a Leading Junior for general commercial work by Chambers & Partners and by the Legal 500 for many years. In 2010 Jonathan was named “Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year” (Chambers & Partners Bar Awards), an award for which he was also nominated in 2009.

Notable and recent cases:

Suppipat & Others v Narondej & Others (2020-2023): successfully defended one of Thailand’s largest commercial banks claims under s423 Insolvency Act 1986 and for an alleged conspiracy to defraud, arising out of various commercial lending arrangements for wind farms in Thailand; damages claimed in excess of US$1-2 billion; 20-week trial 2022-2023; one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases for 2022; numerous interlocutory judgments including an important decision on confidentiality, privilege and the iniquity defence to confidentiality at [2022] EWHC 381 (Comm); judgment after trial at [2023] EWHC 1988 (Comm).

HSRE v Crosslane (2023): acting for HSRE in ongoing disputes over JV partnerships: Jersey proceedings.

Nat West v CMIS (2022-2023): acting for Nat West in a €150 million claim under various ISDAMA and mortgage-backed securitization documents.

Various v Prominent Gambling Operators (2020-2023): acting for a number of gambling operators in respect of claims for negligence in connection with problem gambling.

Fixed Income Fund v US Bank (2021-2022): acted for the fund against various entities in a prominent US banking group; a claim to account for enforcement proceeds of syndicated loan securities payable because of the application of the ‘no self-dealing’ rule.

Deutsche Bank v Provincia di Brescia (2021-2022): acted for Provincia di Brescia in this jurisdictional dispute relating to the terms of the ISDAMA jurisdiction clause and whether they extended to a related settlement agreement; [2022] EWHC 2859 (Comm).

LCIA Arbitration (2020-2022): acting for claimant successfully in respect of US $30 million claim under a settlement agreement; issues of construction, rectification and causation.

IFLL Invicta Finance Leasing v OBN Private Jet and Another (2020-2022): acted for the defendants in this US $30 million dispute in respect of the financing of a private jet; allegations of negligence and secret commission and rescission of agreements as a result.

Brown-Foreman Beverages Europe Ltd v Bacardi UK Ltd (2020-2021): acted for Bacardi defending claims under a guarantee in excess of £50 million; the case turned on issues of construction and is a rare example of the successful application of the rule in Holme v Brunskill; [2021] EWHC 1259 (Comm); [2021] All ER (Digest) 03 June.

US M&A Advisor v European Fin Tech Platform (2020-2021): acted for European FinTech platform in dispute over M&A success fees.

Blackrock Group v Solar Energy Companies (2020-2021): acted for companies in the Blackrock Group in respect of claims for fraudulent misrepresentation arising out of the construction and failed accreditation of a solar farm and claims under a guarantee.

KfW and Another v Singal (2019-2020): acted for KfW (Germany’s state-owned expert credit lender) in its successful application for summary judgment in excess of €150 million under three Guarantee and Indemnity agreements; issues of construction and Indian insolvency law; [2020] EWHC 2214 (Comm); [2020] All ER (Digest) 11 Sep.

Naftogaz v Gazprom (2018-2020): acted for Gazprom successfully resisting enforcement of a US $3 billion arbitral award, pending challenge proceedings abroad; principal judgment at [2019] EWHC 658 (Comm), [2019] 2 Lloyds Rep 20.

Astra Asset Management v Co-Operative Bank (2018-2019): acted for Co-Op Bank  in its successful application for reverse summary judgment; the case turned on whether a binding contract had been concluded for the sale of various security instruments under LMA market practice and LMA terms; it also involved restitutionary issues and the significance of incontrovertible benefit; [2019] EWHC 897 (Comm); [2019] All ER (Digest) 62 April.

United Agencies Ltd and Another v Globe Marine Services: acted for Globe successfully resisting anti-suit relief in favour of arbitration, on the basis of construction and waiver and submission to the jurisdiction of the Saudi Court.

Kelleher v National Asset Loan Management (2018-2019): acted for NALM (Ireland’s designated acquiring entity for the purposes of bank reconstruction and recovery under the National Asset Management Act 2009) defending €30 million claims in respect of the assignment and subsequent enforcement of various syndicated loan arrangements.  Issues of consent and estoppel under English, Irish and Belgian law.

SPC Aviation v Gama Aviation and Others (2018-2019): acted for Part 20 Defendant in this dispute concerning the allegedly negligent management and operation of an aircraft.

Boots UK Ltd v Severn Trent Water Ltd (2017-2018): acted for Boots in restitutionary claims for over-charging; appeal pending; [2018] EWHC 53 (Comm); [2018] PTSR 1245, [2018] Env LR 23, [2019] 3 All ER 371.

Twinsectra and Haysport v Lloyds Bank (2015-2018): acted for Lloyds Bank dismissing claims on the basis that they were precluded by the doctrines of election between inconsistent rights, election between inconsistent remedies and the rule against approbating and reprobating; [2018] EWHC 672 (Ch).

Deutsche Bank v Savona (2017-2018): acted for the defendant Italian Municipality in this jurisdiction dispute; judgement at 1st instance [2018] BCLC 358; judgement of Court of Appeal [2018] EWCA Civ 1740, [2018] 4 WLR 151, [2020] 1 BCLC 361.

LCIA Arbitration (2017 to 2019): acting for defendant in major LCIA arbitration in the transport sector; claims put at in excess of £200m.

ICC Arbitrations (2013 to 2017): acted for an English bank in €75 million ICC arbitrations concerning obligations in connection with an investment agreement.

Dexia Crediop v Commune di Prato (2011 to 2017): acted for the defendant Italian municipality in substantial ISDA related proceedings concerning interest rate swaps. Seven weeks trial summer 2014 [2015] EWHC 1746 (Comm). See also [2016] EWHC 2824 (Comm), [2017] EWHC 252 (Comm), [2017] EWCA   Civ 428 and [2017] CLC 969.

LCIA Arbitration (2013 to 2017): acted for respondent in LCIA arbitration resisting c£6 million claims arising out of sale of stake in Russian-based oil company.

LCIA Arbitration (2014 to 2016): acted in major LCIA arbitration and related Isle of Man proceedings concerning a construction project in India. Defended fraud claims in excess of £400 million.

Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited v IPTL & Others (2013 to 2016): acted successfully for the Hong Kong claimant bank in this syndicated loan facility dispute. Judgment obtained for US$165 million: [2016] EWHC 2098 (Comm). Protracted jurisdictional disputes up to the Supreme Court: [2015] 2 Lloyds Rep 183, [2016] 1 All ER (Comm) 233, [2016] 2 Lloyds Rep 25; [2016] 2 All ER (Comm) 740; and [2016] CLC 750.

LCIA Arbitration (2011 to 2014): acted in major LCIA arbitration concerning a construction project in Russia. Successfully defended fraud claims in excess of US $1 billion.

Fons v Pillar (2014): acted for Pillar in its successful appeal in a dispute concerning the construction of a mortgage: [2015] BCLC 320; [2014] EWCA Civ 304; and acted for Pillar in its defence of a separate claim for breach of mortgagee’s duties over shares.

LNOC v Watford Football Club (2013): acted for LNOC in its successful claim under financing agreements entered into with Watford FC: [2013] AII ER (D) 263; [2013] EWHC 3615 (Comm)

GDF Suez v Teeside Power Holdings (2010-2013): acted for Claimant in this multi-million dollar breach of warranty dispute arising out of the purchase of a power station; one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2013.

Lehman Brothers International (Europe) – Extended Lien Application (2011-2012): acted for Lehman Brothers Finance AG (Switzerland) in this multi-party application in the LBIE administration concerning the enforceability of bank securities worth hundreds of millions of dollars: [2014] 2BCLC 295; [2012] EWHC 2997 (Ch)

Dante Programme disputes (2009-2014): acted and continuing to act in a number of Noteholder disputes under the Lehman-structured Dante Programme, including the case of Belmont Park Investments v BNY Corporate Trustee.

Perpetual Trustee v BNY Corporate Trustee, the leading case concerning the anti- deprivation principle, trustee’s duties and judicial assistance in international insolvency; successful at trial [2009] 2 BCLC 400, [2009] BPIR 1093 and in the Court of Appeal [2010] 3 WLR 87, [2010] BCLC 747, [2010] BPIR 228; and in the Supreme Court [2011] UKSC 38, [2011] 3 WLR 521, [2011] Bus Lr 1266, [2012] 1 AC 383, [2012] 1 BCLC 163, [2012] 1 All ER 505.

Spurs v Deutsche Bank (2011): acted for the Claimant in substantial GMSLA related proceedings.

Merrill Lynch v Regione di Toscana (2011): acted for the defendant in substantial ISDA related proceedings concerning interest rate swaps.

Depfa Bank and Dexia Crediop v Province of Pisa (2010 to date): acted for the defendant in substantial ISDA related proceedings. Decision on jurisdiction [2010] AllER(D) 231.

Do-Buy 925 v Nat West (2009-2010): acted for the defendant bank successfully defending dishonest claim for payment under the credit card system: [2010] EWHC 2862.

JP Morgan Chase v Springwell (2004-2010): acted for Springwell in this leading case on investment mis-selling and the scope of contractual estoppel; [2010] EWCA Civ 1221.

British Arab Commercial Bank v Algosaibi (2009-2010): acted for the claimant bank in this c$20m claim in respect of a financing facility for metal trading; allegations of substantial fraud.

B v E (2009): acted for the defendant in substantial breach of warranty dispute arising out of a $700m sale of business in 2007.

Imperial Tobacco v Henry Wintermans UK (2009): acted for the claimant in this c£10m claim under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.

Paradigm Devices v Surgicraft (2009 – 2010): acted for the defendant in this c. £10m rectification claim.

National Provident Life Limted v PGS2 Limited (2008-2009): acted for the defendant in this c£19m claim arising out of the provision of life assurance fund management services.

UBS AG v Caja Seqovia (2008-2009): acted for the defendant bank in this inter-bank dispute arising out of a complex deposit agreement.

Lancore v Barclays Bank plc (trading as Barclaycard) (2008-2009): [2010] 1 All ER 763, (2008) CLC 1039; [2008] EWHC 1264, (2008) CLC 1039: (2008-2009): successfully defended the defendant bank in a claim arising out of its role as merchant acquirer in the credit card payment system and the availability of an illegality defence in the circumstances; appeal successfully resisted July 2009.

For recent Directory Quotes, see “Recommendations” section above.

Notable and recent cases:

LCIA Arbitration (2020-2023): acting for claimant in respect of a US $30 million claim under a settlement agreement; issues of construction, rectification and causation.

UNCITRAL Arbitration (2020-2021): acted for claimant in respect of £50 million claim under the Commercial Agents Regulations.

LCIA Arbitration (2019-2020): acted for defendant marine services provider in shareholder dispute; complex issues of jurisdiction, waiver and submission to the Saudi Court.

LCIA Arbitration (2017-2019): acted for defendant in major LCIA arbitration in the rail transport sector; claims put at in excess of £200m.

ICC Arbitration (2018-2020): acted for respondent to s.101 enforcement proceedings and freezing injunction in respect of a US $3 billion arbitral award.

ICC Arbitrations (2013 to 2017): acted for an English bank in €75 million ICC arbitrations concerning obligations in connection with an investment agreement.

LCIA Arbitration (2013 to 2017): acted in LCIA arbitration successfully resisting c£6 million claims arising out of sale of stake in Russian-based oil company.

LCIA Arbitration (2014 to 2016): acted in major LCIA arbitration concerning a construction project in India.  Successfully defended fraud claims in excess of £400 million.

LCIA Arbitration (2011 to 2014): acted in major LCIA arbitration concerning a construction project in Russia. Successfully defended fraud claims in excess of US $1 billion.

Jonathan has been regularly instructed in large-scale commercial fraud litigation. Before becoming a KC, he had been ranked as a Leading Junior in this field by The Legal 500 for over a decade and by Chambers & Partners since 2007. For recent quotes, see “Recommendations” section above.

Jonathan’s practice has included bringing and defending a wide range of claims for breach of fiduciary duty and accessory liability, claims in the economic torts (particularly conspiracy and unlawful interference) and claims in deceit. It has also included the usual range of protective and interim remedies.

Notable and recent cases:

Suppipat & Others v Narondej & Others (2020-2023): successfully defended one of Thailand’s largest banks against claims under s423 Insolvency Act 1986 and for an alleged conspiracy to defraud, arising out of various commercial lending arrangements for wind farms in Thailand; damages claimed in excess of US$1-2 billion; 20-week trial 2022-2023; one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases for 2022; numerous interlocutory judgments including an important decision on confidentiality, privilege and the iniquity defence to confidentiality [2022] EWHC 381 (Comm); judgment after trail at [2023] EWCH 1988 (Comm).

IFLL Invicta Finance Leasing v OBN Private Jet and Another (2020-2022): acted for the defendants in this $30 million dispute in respect of the financing of a private jet; allegations of secret commission and rescission of agreements as a result.

Blackrock Group v Solar Energy Companies (2020-2021): acted for companies in the Blackrock Group in respect of claims for fraudulent misrepresentation arising out of the construction and failed accreditation of a solar farm and claims under a parent company guarantee.

LCIA Arbitration (2014 to 2016): acted in major LCIA arbitration concerning a construction project in India.  Successfully defended fraud claims in excess of £400 million.

LCIA Arbitration (2011 to 2014): acted in major LCIA arbitration concerning a construction project in Russia. Successfully defended fraud claims in excess of US $1 billion.

British Arab Commercial Bank v Algosaibi (2009-2010): acted for the claimant bank in this c$20m claim in respect of a financing facility for metal trading; allegations of substantial fraud.

HIH Casualty & General Insurance v JLT (2004-2007): [2007] 2 Lloyds Rep 278, [2007] LRIR 717 and [2007] 2 All ER (Comm) 1106 (decision of the Court of Appeal) and [2006] LRIR 493 (decision of Langley J): acted for the defendant insurance brokers, led by Tom Weitzman QC, successfully defending claims for fraud and professional negligence in excess of $50m.

TeliaSonera v Hillcourt (2005): acted for the claimant, TeliaSonera the Swedish Telecoms multi-national, led by Tony Temple QC, in this multi-million pound claim for conspiracy to defraud and to rescind a commercial lease.

Fraudulent Trading (2004-2006): defended a former director in proceedings for fraudulent trading arising out of the insolvency of a West Country yacht building company; the matter was successfully compromised in 2006.

Bank Sepah v Kelvin Trust (2003-2006): acted for the claimant bank in this cross-jurisdictional claim arising out of a substantial Letter of Credit fraud; judgment for US $17.5m.

SSL v C (2002-2004): acted for the claimant company in this substantial million pound claim for conspiracy to defraud and breaches of fiduciary duty.

Oracle Fund litigation (2001-2004): acted for various UBS subsidiaries, led by Robert Hildyard QC and Stephen Phillips QC, in this Bahamian litigation arising out of the collapse of a Bahamian mutual fund. The substantial million pound claims were for negligent misstatement and fraud in Offering Memoranda.

Law Debenture Trust v Lexington & Others (2001-2003): acted for the defendant insurance brokers, JLT, led by Geoffrey Vos QC, in respect of three fraud and professional negligence claims known as Hollywood 4, 5 and 6 (for a total of c. US $180m) arising out of the placing of film finance insurance; the actions also raised issues relating to banking securitizations and the duties of solicitors giving transaction opinions.

Before becoming a QC Jonathan had been ranked as a Leading Junior in this field by Chambers & Partners since 2005 and by the Legal 500 since 2008.  Jonathan’s practice has included bringing and defending claims against solicitors, auditors, insurance brokers and financial and investment advisors.

Notable cases:

Various v BDO and Stone King (2023): acting for claimants in claims for negligent IHT advice.

Various v Prominent Gambling Operators (2020-2023): acting for a number of gambling operators in respect of claims for negligence in connection with problem gambling.

Fixed Income Fund v US Bank (2021-2022): acted for the fund against various entities in a prominent US banking group; a claim to account for enforcement proceeds of syndicated loan securities payable because of the application of the ‘no self-dealing’ rule and damages for breach of mortgagee’s duties.

IFLL Invicta Finance Leasing v OBN Private Jet and Another (2020-2022): acted for the defendants in this $30 million dispute in respect of the financing of a private jet; allegations of negligence, secret commission and rescission of agreements as a result.

SPC Aviation v Gama Aviation and Others (2018-2019): acted for Part 20 Defendant in this dispute concerning allegedly negligent management and operation of an aircraft.

Fons v Pillar (2014): acted for Pillar  in its defence of a claim for breach of mortgagee’s duties over shares.

Lyons v HSBC Private Bank (2009-2010): acted for the defendant bank in this claim brought by an investor in respect of investment advice in September 2008.

Various investment losses claims (2008 to date): on-going advice in a number of substantial cases relating to investment advice and mis-selling of investments.

JP Morgan Chase v Springwell Navigation (2004-2010): acted for Springwell in this leading case on investment misselling and the scope of contractual estoppel: [2010] EWCA Civ 1221; [2010] CLC 705.

X v Y (2007-2008): acted for the defendant reinsurance brokers in this c£3m professional negligence claim; compromised 2008.

HIH Casualty & General Insurance v JLT (2004-2007): [2007] 2 Lloyds Rep 278, [2007] LRIR 717 and [2007] 2 All ER (Comm) 1106 (decision of the Court of Appeal) and [2006] LRIR 493 (decision of Langley J): acted for the defendant insurance brokers, led by Tom Weitzman QC, successfully defending claims for fraud and professional negligence in excess of $50m.

Law Debenture Trust v Lexington & Others (2001-2003): acted for the defendant insurance brokers, JLT, led by Geoffrey Vos QC in respect of three fraud and professional negligence claims known as Hollywood 4, 5 and 6 (for a total of c. $180m) arising out of the placing of film finance insurance; the actions also raised issues relating to banking securitizations and the duties of solicitors giving transaction opinions.

Quyoumi v Southall (2001): acted for the defendant solicitors in a claim against them for having paid away money without authority.

​GRE v Coopers & Lybrand (1996-1997): acted for GRE, led by John Jarvis QC and Ali Malek QC, in this substantial professional negligence action.

Winner: UK Bar Awards 2023
The Lawyer Awards 2022: Chambers of the Year