Call: 1994 (Solicitor), Bar: 2015 (Lincoln’s Inn)
Education: LL.B (Hons)
Associations: Midland Circuit, Family Law Bar Association
Practice Area: Family Law
Background
Prior to joining chambers in March 2016, Jonathan had been a solicitor and head of a provincial family law team for over 20 years, where he practised in all areas of family law but, predominantly, public and private child law. Jonathan has been a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel (since 1998), Family Law Panel (since 1998) and Family Law Panel Advanced (since the panel’s inception in 2002).
Away from work, Jonathan enjoys travel and skiing, and is also a 2 nd Dan and UKCC Level 2 coach in judo.
Public Law
Jonathan has many years’ experience dealing with complex and difficult children’s cases including cases involving serious non-accidental injury and death, sexual and physical abuse, neglect, substance and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and cases with an international element.
Jonathan represents children, Children’s Guardians, the Official Solicitor, parents, extended family members and local authorities in all areas of public child law including care, wardship, placement and adoption proceedings.
Jonathan holds a full, clear, enhanced DBS certificate for children and vulnerable adults and has many years’ experience working directly (and through a Children’s Guardian or the Official Solicitor) with children and vulnerable adults.
Private Law
Jonathan has extensive experience of representing parties (including parents, children and the Official Solicitor) in private law matters including contact, residence, prohibited steps, specific issues, domestic abuse cases, divorce and financial disputes.
Jonathan accepts instructions in all areas of family law.
Notable Cases
Re. PQR (Children) [2017] EFWC B86
What Others Say
The Chambers and Partners 2024 Edition says:
- “Jonathan Bott of Halcyon Chambers is an excellent advocate for children matters. He is regularly involved in complex children cases including physical abuse, care proceedings and non-accidental injuries”
- “Jonathan is a very measured advocate, he is very sensible and very well prepared. He is calming and is able to instil confidence in clients”
- “Jonathan is a hard-working advocate. He is exceptionally analytical and able to build a great rapport with clients”
- “Jonathan Bott is excellent, he is amazing with clients and he is able to clearly communicate his advice”
