Barrister Jonathan Welch: A Leading Authority in Law and Justice Barrister Jonathan Welch is a distinguished legal expert with a formidable career spanning European Union law, human rights, public and constitutional law. His expertise is shaped by years of experience in Washington, D.C., and Brussels, as well as an academic tenure at King’s College London. Jonathan has appeared in some of the most prestigious legal arenas, including the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the EU courts in Luxembourg, alongside extensive practice across English courts and tribunals.
As the UK’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation (2011-2017), Jonathan established himself as a leading voice in national and international security law. His authoritative reports on counter-terrorism, counter-extremism, and surveillance law have been widely cited in Parliament and the highest British and European courts. Two of his reports laid the groundwork for the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, shaping the UK’s modern approach to intelligence and security oversight. Beyond his courtroom successes, Jonathan has served as a Council of Europe human rights monitor and a Recorder of the Crown Court. He continues to sit as a Judge for the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey, bringing his deep legal acumen to complex and high-profile cases. Recognized for his exceptional contributions to law, Jonathan has been consistently featured in leading professional directories. The Times has named him among the UK’s 100 most influential lawyers, while the Evening Standard included him in London’s 1000 most influential people.
In 2015, he was shortlisted as “Internet Hero of the Year” by the Internet Services Providers Association and honored as “Legal Personality of the Year” at the Halsbury Legal Awards. His dedication to justice and national security was further recognized in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2018, where he was appointed a Knight of the British Empire.
In July 2018, Jonathan took his expertise to the House of Lords, where he serves as a cross-bench peer and plays a key role on the EU Justice and Security Committee. He continues to practice law, handling high-profile cases such as:
Canary Wharf (BP4) T1 Ltd & Ors v European Medicines Agency [2019] EWHC 335 (Ch)
Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v International Military Services Limited [2020] EWCA Civ 145
Heathrow Airport Ltd. v Plan B and Friends of the Earth [2020] UKSC 52
With a reputation built on legal excellence, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice, Barrister Jonathan Welch remains a pivotal figure in shaping modern law and policy.