Jay Banerji

Jay is a senior junior specialising in family and children cases.

He is one of only 9 junior counsel ranked as Tier 1 in his field by the Legal 500, where he is described as ‘intelligent’, ‘a brilliant communicator’, and ‘a class act’.

Jay often appears against King’s Counsel, whether led, or as sole counsel.

Specialist in:

Jay is experienced in all aspects of children law, including arrangements for where children live, and who they spend time with.

Jay has particular experience dealing with cases involving parental alienation.

Jay also deals with leave to remove applications, including leave to remove to India, Hong Kong and Israel.

Jay is frequently instructed by professional people, including barristers and solicitors. Jay understands the importance of rigorous confidentiality, and a high level of client service.

Jay has a heavyweight public law practice. Jay frequently appears in the High Court, and is used to dealing with the most serious cases involving non accidental injuries, baby shaking cases, and allegations of forced marriage.

Jay is a regular speaker at seminars on these topics.

Reported cases
14th September 2023 | Bailii

Surrey CC and LV and FM and A, B & C [2023] EWFC 186

Jay Banerji represented the Mother in an important case on unknown causation where an infant had sustained a skull fracture. No findings were made against the parents, and the proceedings were dismissed.

PDF
17th November 2018 | Bailii

CQ, DQ & EQ [2018] EWHC 3979 (Fam)

Jay Banerji led by Sarah Morgan QC acted for the mother in this fact-finding involving allegations of forced marriage, FGM, and physical abuse. Wardship proceedings ran alongside the forced marriage application brought by the Chief Constable.

PDF
24th August 2017 | Bailii

F (A Minor: Secure Accommodation Resources) [2017] EWHC 2189 (Fam)

The Local Authority had applied for a Secure Accommodation Order in respect of a 14-year-old boy.  This high-profile judgment, delivered in open court, attracted the attention of national media and focuses on the unavailability of placements for a child in secure accommodation.

PDF

Jay deals with abduction and other cross border matters, whether under the Hague Convention or otherwise.

Jay has dealt with an extremely complex Article 11 case (D v O) following the wrongful retention of a child in Poland.

Jay is currently instructed on a difficult point of jurisdiction and habitual residence, opposing the return of a child to China.

Reported cases

What the directories say

“Described as ‘intelligent’, ‘a brilliant communicator’, and ‘a class act’” – tier 1
The Legal 500 2024

“He always has a thorough grasp on the details of a case, no matter how complex, and he has a way of quickly focusing on the key issues.” – tier 1
The Legal 500 2023

“A formidable advocate. He is tactically aware and forensic in his approach.” – tier 1
The Legal 500 2022

“Is a class act: tactically astute, unfazed by judicial intervention, he handles witnesses with ease and is persuasive and polished in submissions. His smooth manner belies the deadly questions in cross-examination. A formidable opponent.” – tier 2
The Legal 500 2021

“Is counsel of choice for many solicitors who value his polished advocacy and exceptional client-handling skills” – tier 3
The Legal 500 2020

“He is both eloquent and intelligent – a class act” – tier 4
The Legal 500 2018

“A brilliant communicator, who can be trusted to make the correct tactical decisions” – tier 4
The Legal 500 2017

Awards

Award icon

Award icon

Professional Memberships

Family Law Bar Association
Inner Temple

Education

University College, London, LLB, LLM, Laws
Inns of Court School of Law
Westminster School

Data Protection

Jay Banerji's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) registration number is Z9460566.
Please see here for his Data Privacy Notice.