Jonathan Brooks
2018 (Gray’s Inn)
Date of call
2018 (Gray’s Inn)
Qualifications
2017 (LLB) (Hons.) Bachelor of Laws- The University of Leicester
2018 (BPTC) Bar Professional Training Course, BPP University, Distinction
2018 (LLM) Masters in Legal Practice specializing in Family Law, BPP University, Distinction
Jonathan was called to the Bar of England and Wales in November 2018. He was also called to the Bar of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2019, where he practiced as an Attorney-at-Law. His legal practice had a broad civil focus, specialising in Contract and Commercial Law, as well as Financial Remedies in Family Law. Jonathan joined Becket Chambers as a Pupil Barrister in 2023 and became a member in October 2024. His practice is busy and diverse, with a strong emphasis on Civil Litigation, Financial Remedy disputes, and Private Children proceedings.
Jonathan has a strong background in Civil Law, and is building a busy practice in Land and Property disputes, Landlord and Tenant, Contract, Probate and Inheritance, as well as Personal Injury Law. He represents clients in all trials from fast-track to multi-track trials, as well as possession matters and injunction hearings. Jonathan also provides written advice, drafts pleadings, and prepares written submissions and skeleton arguments as part of his civil practice.
Jonathan has a strong practice in Matrimonial Finance and welcomes instructions in this area. He brings a commercial mindset and an analytical approach to asset distribution, drawing on his specialised study of the Matrimonial Causes Act during his Master’s degree. Jonathan frequently represents clients in court at First Appointment Hearings, Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, and final hearings, as well as enforcement and other financial remedy applications. In addition to his advocacy, he regularly provides clients with written advice on matrimonial finance matters.
Jonathan also represents clients in Private Family Law matters dealing primarily with applications stemming from the Family Law Act as well as the Children Act.
Jonathan’s clients highly appreciate his methodical approach, meticulous attention to detail, and robust advocacy in court. He thoroughly prepares each case, carefully discussing all possible scenarios with his clients to ensure they fully understand their position and potential outcomes.
Jonathan has a well-established and busy practice in financial remedy, with experience spanning modest cases to complex, high-value disputes. He is regularly instructed in matters involving matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets, property portfolios, pensions (including early access and offsetting), ISAs, equities, and business interests. He frequently deals with issues surrounding trusts, both domestic and offshore. He also has experience litigating prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, inherited wealth, and arguments concerning exceptional contributions from both parties’ perspectives.
He is particularly proficient in the use of expert evidence, drawing on pension sharing reports, business valuation reports, and other expert documents to build persuasive cases and achieve favourable outcomes for his clients. Allegations of non-disclosure, dissipation of assets, and applications involving adverse inferences form part of his regular caseload.
Known for his forensic approach and confident advocacy, Jonathan excels in cross-examination and strategic case preparation. He also brings a calm, empathetic presence to emotionally charged proceedings, helping clients feel supported throughout. He welcomes instructions at all stages, from FDA and FDR to preliminary issue hearings and fully contested final hearings, and is trusted by solicitors for his ability to deliver clear advice and strong results.
He is particularly proficient in the use of expert evidence, drawing on pension sharing reports, business valuation reports, and other expert documents to build persuasive cases and achieve favourable outcomes for his clients. Allegations of non-disclosure, dissipation of assets, and applications involving adverse inferences form part of his regular caseload.
Known for his forensic approach and confident advocacy, Jonathan excels in cross-examination and strategic case preparation. He also brings a calm, empathetic presence to emotionally charged proceedings, helping clients feel supported throughout. He welcomes instructions at all stages, from FDA and FDR to preliminary issue hearings and fully contested final hearings, and is trusted by solicitors for his ability to deliver clear advice and strong results.
Jonathan accepts instructions in a wide range of property and land law matters and he has appeared in multi-track trials and interim hearings in the County Court. His practice includes disputes concerning:
• Co-ownership and beneficial interests under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA);
• Boundary disputes and rights of way;
• Adverse possession claims;
• Proprietary estoppel; and
• Restrictive covenants.
Jonathan has a dedicated landlord and tenant possession practice, and regularly acts for both landlords and tenants in:
• Section 21 (no-fault) possession proceedings;
• Section 8 proceedings based on rent arrears or other breaches;
• Defences involving disrepair or unlawful eviction; and
• Applications to suspend or set aside warrants of possession.
He is experienced in advising on and appearing at interim hearings and final trials, as well as enforcement-related applications, offering clear advice on prospects and effective strategies. Jonathan’s understanding of the law from both perspectives allows him to present well-rounded arguments tailored to the practical concerns of his clients.
• Co-ownership and beneficial interests under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA);
• Boundary disputes and rights of way;
• Adverse possession claims;
• Proprietary estoppel; and
• Restrictive covenants.
Jonathan has a dedicated landlord and tenant possession practice, and regularly acts for both landlords and tenants in:
• Section 21 (no-fault) possession proceedings;
• Section 8 proceedings based on rent arrears or other breaches;
• Defences involving disrepair or unlawful eviction; and
• Applications to suspend or set aside warrants of possession.
He is experienced in advising on and appearing at interim hearings and final trials, as well as enforcement-related applications, offering clear advice on prospects and effective strategies. Jonathan’s understanding of the law from both perspectives allows him to present well-rounded arguments tailored to the practical concerns of his clients.
Jonathan welcomes instructions from clients in a range of contractual law disputes, including breach of contract, non-payment for services, and defective works.
He takes a pragmatic approach, advising his clients on the likely outcome and potential costs of a potential dispute, to ensure that they have a clear picture before making any decisions. He consistently assists his clients by avoiding unnecessary expense whilst achieving the best possible outcome.
He takes a pragmatic approach, advising his clients on the likely outcome and potential costs of a potential dispute, to ensure that they have a clear picture before making any decisions. He consistently assists his clients by avoiding unnecessary expense whilst achieving the best possible outcome.
Jonathan welcomes instructions relating to a range of disputes arising from inheritance and contentious wills. In this rapidly developing area of his practice, his analytical and detail-oriented approach to legal and financial aspects enables him to accurately summarise and clarify matters to help his clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Jonathan is regularly instructed in personal injury claims, particularly fast-track cases arising from road traffic accidents. He also acts in matters across all tracks, including small claims and multi-track proceedings. His analytical approach and attention to detail allow him to put his client’s case proficiently. He frequently cross-examines on liability, causation, and quantum, often securing favourable outcomes for his clients.
Jonathan regularly represents mothers, fathers, and guardians in a wide range of applications under the Children Act 1989. His practice encompasses child arrangements orders, specific issue orders, and prohibited steps orders, including emotionally charged disputes involving changes of surname, schooling, medical treatment, and internal or international relocation. He is frequently instructed in cases involving applications to remove a child from the jurisdiction, disputes over parental responsibility, and wider welfare-based determinations.
He also appears in applications under the Family Law Act 1996, including non-molestation and occupation orders, and is experienced in advising on the interplay between protective injunctions and ongoing children proceedings.
Jonathan is regularly instructed at all stages of proceedings, from First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointments and directions hearings to fact-finding hearings and contested finals. He has particular expertise in cases involving allegations of harm, coercive control, and emotional or physical abuse, and he has extensive experience cross-examining parties, CAFCASS officers, and local authority professionals. He thoughtfully responds to robust judicial interventions and advances persuasive submissions, including where the court is invited to depart from professional recommendations.
Jonathan is known for his calm, clear, and empathetic manner with clients, including those who are vulnerable, survivors of domestic abuse, or individuals requiring interpreters. His ability to guide clients through emotionally charged proceedings while delivering robust advocacy makes him a trusted choice for complex private law children work.
He also appears in applications under the Family Law Act 1996, including non-molestation and occupation orders, and is experienced in advising on the interplay between protective injunctions and ongoing children proceedings.
Jonathan is regularly instructed at all stages of proceedings, from First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointments and directions hearings to fact-finding hearings and contested finals. He has particular expertise in cases involving allegations of harm, coercive control, and emotional or physical abuse, and he has extensive experience cross-examining parties, CAFCASS officers, and local authority professionals. He thoughtfully responds to robust judicial interventions and advances persuasive submissions, including where the court is invited to depart from professional recommendations.
Jonathan is known for his calm, clear, and empathetic manner with clients, including those who are vulnerable, survivors of domestic abuse, or individuals requiring interpreters. His ability to guide clients through emotionally charged proceedings while delivering robust advocacy makes him a trusted choice for complex private law children work.
I have recently been represented by Mr Brooks at a final hearing of private family law proceedings and really would like to pass on a testimonial and if possible and agreed to feel free to publish so other clients can see the feedback.
Jonathan didn’t just treat me as a client, but as a father and a person. He truly cared about both my case and me personally. He worked tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome in a difficult case and provided reassurance every step of the way. His dedication and compassion have the power to change the lives of many fathers and families, just as he has done for mine.
Mr D represented by Jonathan Brooks
I just wanted to let you know that I have spoke with the client yesterday after the hearing, she was incredibly happy with the outcome and spoke so highly of you, her exact words were that you were ‘phenomenal, brilliant and if it wasn’t for you, she would have caved’.
Miss S from solicitors, instructing Jonathan Brooks