Legal 500 awarded Jack the prestigious honour as “Legal 500 UK Regional Junior Barrister of the year” 2018. Its Judges noted:
“2017 was Smyth’s tenth year of call and he continues to punch above his weight across a number of practice areas. He frequently acts for prominent clients such as Secretaries of State and makes frequent successful appearances in the higher courts”
Jack has been re-appointed by the Attorney General as Junior Counsel to the Crown for the Midlands (formerly known as the Treasury Solicitors’ Panel). In that role, he frequently advises and represents Ministers in respect of prison claims including assaults on officers, claims made by prisoners and inquests into deaths in custody. Jack is currently being led in a High Court case defending the MoD, where liability is hotly disputed, arising out of a nasty Parachute accident.
Jack has experience acting for both claimants and defendants in fast-track and multi-track work. His practice is evenly balanced between claimant and defendant representation and he undertakes CFA work. He has a particular interest in fraudulent claims, public liability accidents and employers’ liability claims. Acting for defendants, he has a strong track-record of obtaining ’fundamental dishonesty’ findings. For claimants, he is known to be adept at putting lay clients at ease and using his tactical nous to achieve good results.
He is familiar with road traffic accident claims and has developed a particular interest in those involving motorcyclists.
He has experience of inquests. He often represents public authorities including prisons.
Appointments
Deputy District Judge
Memberships
Middle Temple; awarded the Jules Thorn Scholarship (2006)
HELA
UKELA
Qualifications
Degree in Politics from the Durham University, First Class Honours
Graduate Diploma of Law, with Distinction
LLB
