Jonathan Bernhardt - Barrister

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Jonathan Bernhardt is building a broad commercial and chancery practice across Chambers’ practice areas.

Jonathan joined chambers in 2026 following the successful completion of pupillage under Jonathan McDonagh, Oliver Jones, James Weale KC and Zahler Bryan.

Before he joined the Bar, Jonathan assisted a number of barristers with a range of arbitration proceedings in the context of shipping & commodities and investor-State disputes. He continues to accept instructions in these areas.

Areas of Expertise

Civil Fraud

Recent Cases

Assisted Matthew Morrison KC and Zahler Bryan with a claim against an asset manager involving an allegation of dishonest assistance.
Assisted James Weale KC with a Emirati law-governed DIFC fraud claim arising from the alleged dissipation of assets by a judgment debtor.

Arbitration

Before coming to Chambers, Jonathan assisted with several investor-State arbitration proceedings pursuant to the ICSID and PCA rules. This work included assisting with the preparation of written submissions in a high-value claim against a European State and attending a two-week hearing in Singapore in respect of the expropriation of real estate investments in an Asian jurisdiction.

Jonathan also has experience with a variety of shipping & commodities disputes, including off-hire claims, detention/demurrage claims and claims under shipbuilding contracts.

Recent Cases

Currently instructed for the respondent shipowners in LMAA proceedings under a time charterparty arising from the detention of a vessel by Port State Control authorities.
(Prior to pupillage) Assisted with LMAA proceedings concerning the interpretation of a shipbuilding contract. Following a one-week hearing at which Jonathan made submissions on behalf of the respondents, the c. US$10 million claim was dismissed in full.

Commercial Litigation

Recent Cases

Assisted Jonathan McDonagh with work on Munícipio de Mariana v BHP Group, a large group action arising from the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Brazil.
Assisted James Weale KC with a summary judgment application in BVI professional negligence proceedings brought against a firm of solicitors.
Assisted James Weale KC with an advice on a prospective claim pursuant to an investment agreement.

Banking & Financial Services

Jonathan has assisted with a variety of matters involving the financial services sector prior to and during pupillage.

Recent Cases

Assisted Matthew Morrison KC and Zahler Bryan with proceedings involving an alleged breach of the Quincecare duty.
Assisted James Weale KC in matrimonial finance proceedings before the Court of Appeal involving dealings with a bank majority-owned by the defendant husband.
Assisted Jonathan McDonagh with proceedings concerning the enforcement of a guarantee.

International

Much of Jonathan’s work both prior to and during pupillage has involved a significant international element, including matters of foreign law.

Trusts & Probate

Recent Cases

Assisted James Weale KC with various trustee removal proceedings in Jersey and the Bahamas (among other jurisdictions).
Assisted James Weale KC with matrimonial finance proceedings involving the alleged operation of constructive and resulting trusts.
Assisted Zahler Bryan with an advice on a proposed claim to enforce foreign forced heirship rights in England.