Jonas is a highly respected and experienced criminal silk, described in Chambers UK as "extremely talented” with "a commanding presence in court” and "a profound understanding of complex cases”, and in the Legal 500 as an “outstanding barrister” with "a fantastic grasp of pathology”. Whether instructed by the prosecution or the defence, Jonas offers specialist advice and advocacy in the most demanding and difficult criminal cases, from the early stages of an investigation to the conclusion of proceedings. He is well known for his ability to master complex medical evidence and to examine expert witnesses with precision and skill. He is an excellent lawyer, an intelligent strategist, and a persuasive trial advocate. These qualities are reflected in his track record of success, which is second to none. He is perhaps best known for his work in cases concerning child homicide. Recent high-profile cases in this field include the manslaughter of Hakeem Hussain, and the murder of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.
Recommendations
Legal 500: "Jonas is an outstanding barrister. He is one of the field leaders in cases of homicide or serious injury involving complex medical and causation issues. He has significant experience in assessing detailed medical material and identifying further lines of enquiry. He is a confident and highly articulate advocate with the ability to present the most nuanced and factually complex cases to juries in an accessible manner." Chambers UK Ranked in Crime Band 1
2023
Legal 500: “Jonas is an advocate who exhibits a real command of the detail of the cases in which he is instructed. He is frequently instructed in cases involving complex medical issues and has a real specialism in this area”; Chambers UK Ranked in Crime Band 1.
2022
Legal 500: “Recommended for cases involving expert medical evidence”; Chambers UK: “He is very skilled in making sure experts deliver information to juries in an accessible way”. “He has a precise style of advocacy”
2021
Chambers UK: “A smooth operator with a very fine legal mind. He is an expert on cases involving complex medical matters”. “His legal knowledge is excellent, as is his work ethic. He is very approachable and always on hand to offer advice and assistance whether on a case or informally”; Legal 500: “Recommended for cases involving expert medical evidence”
2020
Legal 500: “A wonderful advocate with a fantastic grasp of pathology”; Chambers UK: “He is very much in demand”. “A child murder expert”. “A class act”.
2019
Legal 500: “He always has command of complex evidence”; Chambers UK: "Silk who provides expertise in complex criminal cases. He has also developed a particular niche in infant and child murder cases involving complex expert evidence. He has a commanding presence in court and a profound understanding of complex cases”.
2018
Legal 500: “A heavyweight homicide practitioner”; Chambers UK: “Jonas Hankin QC is extremely talented, energetic, and hard-working. He is an astute tactician and a tenacious cross-examiner. He is particularly good on homicide matters relating to young children and cases with intricate medical issues and clinical evidence”.
2017
Qualifications
Appointed QC in 2013 (aged 43)
Called to the Bar 1994
BVC (Inns of Court School of Law) 1993-1994
CPE (University of Birmingham) 1993
BA (Hons) History, King’s College London 1989-1992
