Jonathan Hirst QC

Jonathan Hirst is the joint Head of Brick Court Chambers. His career at the bar spans 34 years, the last 19 of those in silk, having been appointed QC at the age of 36.

Within that time, he has served as the Chairman of the Bar and appeared in all the High Court divisions including the House of Lords and Privy Council on a regular basis. He is first and foremost an advocate, regarded by his peers and clients alike as robust and "devastatingly effective" in Court and someone who is always prepared to roll up his sleeves and work hard to obtain a satisfactory result for his clients.

Jonathan Hirst's practice covers a breadth of areas in General Commercial Litigation that includes Banking, Insurance and Reinsurance, Shipping, EU and Competition Law and Arbitration. Cases include cross-examining for 47 days in the year long "Sphere Drake" Commercial Court trial, being heavily involved in various substantial arbitrations following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and more recently advising in one of the first "credit-crunch" actions in a $2bn claim as well as seeking to challenge a $100 million London arbitration award in New York.

Jonathan Hirst is regularly appointed in Arbitration disputes as an Arbitrator through the main arbitral bodies and is a deputy High Court Judge in the Commercial Court and a Recorder.

Jonathan Hirst QC’s News and Cases

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Jonathan Hirst QC’s Directory Quotes

  • ""Absolutely at the top end of the scale," the "highly skilled and pragmatic" Jonathan Hirst QC wins praise for his "unshakeable and engaging nature," as well as his "total dedication to clients." He wins plaudits from clients" (Chambers UK 2012)
  • "consistently commended for his robust, no-nonsense advice and his ability to work well as part of a team" (Chambers UK 2012)
  • " ‘oozes authority in and out of court and is extremely decisive, which inspires confidence in clients'." (Legal 500 2011)
  • " ‘a terrific manner with clients, who trust him implicitly'." (Legal 500 2011)
  • "brings "gravitas and a larger-than-life presence" to his courtroom appearances. Instructing solicitors are particularly enamoured of his "willingness to really put the work in and add value to a case, even though he's such an esteemed silk." " (Chambers & Partners 2011)
  • ‘a hugely likeable advocate who is great for litigation or arbitration'. (Legal 500 2010)
  • ""Robust, hard-nosed and always commercially minded when in court," Hirst is known for "always sticking to his guns." " (Chambers & Partners 2010)
  • "has a nose for the killer point in a case," (Chambers & Partners 2009)

Jonathan Hirst QC’s CVs