Jonathan Karas QC

Practice Overview

Jonathan's practice embraces all aspects of land law. His work extends from litigation and advice concerning leases, transfers, development agreements and rights over land to the law of planning and compulsory purchase, highways and waterways, commons and greens.

He regularly deals with public law issues which arise in relation to land and has acted in property/valuation related tax litigation.

Key Areas:

• Property
  
• Planning and compulsory purchase
  
• Commons, town and village greens, rights of way and highways
  
• Valuation and taxation

Professional Reputation

Jonathan has for many years been recognized as a leading barrister in the field of property litigation.

In Chambers and Partners, 2010 he is described as "a good leader, a strong all-rounder and a combative advocate".

The Legal 500, 2009 notes that 'his "ability to resolve arguments impresses" and last year's Chambers & Partners, 2009 states that he is "delightful to work with" and that he is "extremely effective in identifying the appropriate areas on which to take the fight to the opposition".'

He also continues to be recognised as a leading planning barrister.

Qualifications

• MA (Oxon)
• Dip Law (City University)

Before taking silk he served on the ‘A' Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (2000-2006) and before that on the Supplementary Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (Common Law) (now the ‘B' Panel) (1995-2000).

Memberships

Jonathan is a member of the Chancery Bar Association, the Planning and Environmental Bar Association and the Property Bar Association.

Publications

Jonathan is subject editor of Hill and Redman's Law of Landlord and Tenant; author (with David Elvin QC) of Unlawful Interference with Land second edition (2002); and a contributing editor to the 1996 re-issue of the Compulsory Acquisition title of Halsbury's Laws.

He was also editor of the re-issue of the Distress title (2000, 2007 re-issues) and the Forestry Title (2007 and 2009 re-issues) of Halsbury's Laws. He delivered the Blundell Memorial Lecture (2007) on the award of damages in lieu of injunctions.

Articles of his may be found on the RICS website, in the Estates Gazette and in the Journal of Planning and Environment Law.

Standard Bearers: Jonathan Karas QC outlines the desired qualities of expert witnesses, 26 February 2010, New Law Journal.