EMAIL | 01423 566666
DDI: 01423 726608
M: 07850 993952
E: jonathan.mortimer@raworths.co.uk
Born: Harrogate
Educated: Leeds Grammar School, University of Westminster (LLB (Hons)) and College of Law
Previous roles: Pinsent Curtis (now Pinsent Masons) and Head of Dispute Resolution Langleys
Joined Raworths: February 2011
Solicitor: Qualified in 1993
Member of Association of Contested Trust and Probate Specialists
Member of the Leeds Business and Property Courts Users Committee
Chairman of the Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel (as appointed by the Police & Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire)
Visiting Lecturer for The University of Law
takes a lot of stress away from the client and handles cases with supreme confidence and a tactical approach that is difficult to match
Jonathan has a wealth of experience in civil and commercial litigation having represented clients in the Magistrates Court to the Supreme Court. Particular areas of expertise include contract disputes, defamation, financial services disputes, franchise matters, insurance claims, partnership disputes, professional negligence claims, property disputes and shareholder claims. Jonathan has also represented a number of individuals in respect of personal claims and brought group actions.
Cases Jonathan has dealt with include:
Of public interest:
Of commercial interest:
Of private interest
I do get a kick out of resolving disputes, representing interesting clients and trying to bring parties together to broker a deal. At the same time, I also enjoy the thrill of the Court room and fighting hard for a result.
I remember being taken to Court to attend a hearing as part of a work experience placement in the 1980s and I was immediately hooked on litigation. I was pleased to be offered a position in my then firm’s litigation department upon qualification as a solicitor and have not looked back since.
I hope not. I do believe in standing up for your rights and not selling yourself short. However, I settle more of my cases than the national average but importantly on terms which I, and more importantly my clients, believe are fair.
I have to say that although I have been involved in substantive commercial litigation over the years, the cases which really stand out are those in which I have represented individuals or groups with personal issues which have hit the news headlines. The use of the media to expose wrong doing has always interested me.
This has to be the time I was conducting a trial in South Yorkshire when the seam in my trousers decided to give up. I had to run out during the lunchtime adjournment and buy a new suit.
I take a particular interest in the firm’s marketing and social events. I have also set up our Corporate Responsibility Programme called Raworths Responds in which we put in a team of helpers into the local community to make a difference.
I have always had an interest in politics and I stood in the General Election in 2005. Nearly 9,000 people voted for me but it was not sufficient to get elected. I will therefore stick to being a solicitor.
A client says: “He is tenacious, thorough and exceptionally experienced in his field. We have always felt very confident following his recommendations and believe he has gone the extra mile with his proactive approach.”
Chambers UK 2019 (Litigation – Yorkshire)
“Jonathan has an excellent grasp of the legal aspects, a fine eye for detail but also keeps his eye on the bigger picture and the financial and human aspects of a case. Through close teamwork, our tenacity, determination, attention to detail, sound legal arguments and faultless logic led again to a successful outcome. A job very well done.”
Gerard Verdino, UK Group Chairman, Mademoiselle Desserts UK
“Jonathan has outstanding commercial acumen and is a first-class lawyer. He puts his clients’ objectives at the forefront of his dispute resolution strategy, bringing great focus and creativity to achieving those objectives”.
Mr Charles Samek QC and Mr David Lascelles, Littleton Chambers, London
“It was a pleasure to work with Jonathan in a complex and high value construction claim. Jonathan’s drafting of the legal proceedings and an application to the Court were both excellent and thorough resulting in a very successful outcome for the client and a recovery of legal costs claimed in full”.
Alexander Hickey QC, 4 Pump Court, London
“Calm but authoritative, inspiring complete confidence in clients” and “work is always within budget and clients’ expectations are effectively managed”
The UK Legal 500 Guide 2017
Seasoned litigator Jonathan Mortimer is acknowledged for his strength in corporate and commercial litigation and regularly handles shareholder and director disputes, professional negligence claims and contract disputes. He wins praise from sources, who describe him as “very pragmatic and practical.”
Chambers 2017
Raworths dispute resolution head Jonathan Mortimer is held in high regard by clients, who “wouldn’t have any hesitation recommending him – he knows the law and the commercial aspects.” He frequently advises businesses on contractual, financial services and professional negligence claims among others.”
Chambers 2016
“The best advice we received from Jonathan Mortimer was “do not blink first”. We held a clear position from the beginning until the conclusion of the trial and ended up completely defeating the claim brought against us. The way that our legal team carried out a forensic examination of the evidence in the claim was exceptional. No stone was left unturned by Jonathan Mortimer.”
Mr David Rawlings
“I referred a complex and long running matter to Jonathan Mortimer. Jonathan had to pick it up with only 2 weeks to go before an important Court hearing. Jonathan’s commitment to the matter in those two weeks was exceptional. He was like a dog with a bone until we reached a resolution which exceeded our expectations.”
Ms P Abbas
“Although faced by a mountain of paper work and a complicated contractual position, Jonathan Mortimer found a clear path through the issues. Our matter was resolved more easily and quickly than I had thought possible. In my eyes, he is a legend.”
Michael Artis, 20.20 Limited
“Jonathan recently advised GSM on a ‘passing off’ dispute. His practical legal advice and direct approach got an immediate result we were delighted with. He quickly understood the issue and responded timely with clear advice.”
John Perry, GSM Group Limited
“As a medium size business we did not want to expose ourselves to litigation with an unpredictable outcome, timeframe or clear budget. Jonathan Mortimer provided a funding solution for our dispute which had no impact on our cash flow. We were also able to obtain an early settlement which has enabled us to move on and develop our business instead of being involved in a lengthy Court battle. We would certainly recommend Jonathan Mortimer for his proactive and commercial approach.”
Chris Booth, Graphics Direct Limited
“Fast, prompt service to all queries and correspondence. Helpful at all times through a long negotiation.”
Mr John Gregory
“I was very satisfied and felt that Jonathan Mortimer played a crucial role in bringing proceedings to a conclusion. Without Jonathan’s initiatives the proceedings would not have been so satisfactorily concluded.”
Mr Simon Greenwood
“In order to achieve a satisfactory outcome Jonathan had to be extremely persistent in pushing for progress during a long process. We are confident that Jonathan achieved the best outcome for us”.
Mrs Barbara Sutcliffe
“Our case was small and minor to your company but major to us. We almost gave up at the sight of the Court papers. We cannot thank you enough for your help.”
Mr & Mrs E. Barker
“Nobody expects to need a lawyer but when it happens, you want the right lawyer and we had that with Jonathan Mortimer. Jonathan was clear from start, defining the process and more importantly, explaining the possible outcomes so that we could make informed decisions along the way. His experience was invaluable, giving us the confidence to progress matters and reach an agreement that worked for our business. Thank you Jonathan”
Julie Jones, Managing Director, Myddleton Croft Investment Managers