Jonathan Speck

Overview

A Jersey Advocate and Partner of Mourant Ozannes (Jersey) LLP, I specialise in commercial litigation, principally involving contentious and non-contentious trust cases. I’ve written and lectured about these topics around the world.

In 2017, I was elected as an Academician of the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law in recognition of my contribution to the profession.

I am the firm's Senior Partner, a leadership role that entails being an ambassador for the Mourant Ozannes group, our clients and people. I've been a partner since 1996 and served as Managing Partner of the Jersey Office and President of the Law Society of Jersey between 2014 and 2017. 

Memberships

• Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists
• Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Professional qualifications

• Advocate, Jersey, 1994
• Called to the English Bar, 1990 (currently non-practising)

What the directories say

In Legal 500 UK 2024, Jonathan is recognised in the prestigious Hall of Fame for Dispute Resolution. A source comments: "Jonathan Speck is one of the 'big beasts' in the offshore litigation market. He brings huge amounts of experience and gravitas to any case."

In the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023, Jonathan is named as a Star Individual in Offshore: Trusts in Jersey. A source says: "When Jonathan speaks, the court listens."

Jonathan Speck is listed as a Global Elite - Lawyer in the Private Client Global Elite Directory 2023.

In Legal 500 UK 2023, Jonathan is a Recommended Lawyer in Dispute Resolution and is described as "the partner all others aspire to emulate."

In Chambers and Partners UK 2023, Jonathan is recognised as a Star Individual in Trusts and Dispute Resolution and is praised for being "a top-level partner within the industry."

"Jonathan Speck – clearly a leader in the field." Legal 500 2022.

Legal 500 UK 2021 states: "Jonathan Speck is, of course, a recognized international star who always delivers the highest quality strategic advice. He is well known as the man to see in Jersey on all legal matters, not just trust litigation."

In Chambers and Partners UK 2021, sources identify Jonathan as "a galactic figure in the trust space" who is "an incredibly skilled lawyer."

"A great leader", "hugely respected" Legal 500 UK 2020.

Chambers and Partners UK 2020 state Jonathan is: "known around the world for heavyweight offshore litigation."

Jonathan is named in the Legal Week Private Client Global Elite directory, 2019.

Jonathan is described as "tremendously experienced and hugely respected' and "charming, urbane and exceptionally clever stand-out star." Legal 500 UK 2019.

"Clients describe him as 'well regarded', adding that he is 'an articulate advocate who responds well on his feet.'" Chambers UK 2019.

In Chambers UK 2019, Jonathan is described as "a star performer in Jersey" with a source commenting: "[He's] probably the finest trust litigator in the Channel Islands. It is a joy to see him operate."

Jonathan is described as "one of big names in trust litigation, and deservedly so. He is a very strategic, very sharp and very good litigator. A person you'd want to have on your side." Chambers UK, 2017.

Jonathan is also described as an "immaculate advocate who has the intellect to grasp difficult issues and complex high-value cases' with an opposing counsel stating that 'he is very clever and very able." Chambers UK 2017, Trusts.

Jonathan is listed as a Leading Individual for Dispute Resolution in Legal 500 UK 2016, with a source commenting that he: "combines immaculate charm with magisterial courtroom presence."

Jonathan Speck is lauded as one of the finest litigators in Jersey. A source says: "Whenever anyone asks me who is the best, I tell them it is Jonathan. He is brilliant at trust litigation and very good at non-contentious advice." Chambers UK 2016, Dispute Resolution.

"Very knowledgeable and definitely someone I would go to if I needed guidance. He is renowned for his work on contentious trust matters." Chambers UK, 2016, Trusts.

"Jonathan Speck 'has incredible eloquence and is very good on his feet', says one peer, while another commentator states: 'He's the go-to lawyer in Jersey – calm, polished, smooth, but also just a good lawyer.'" Chambers UK, 2015. Jonathan is ranked as the only Star Individual for Dispute Resolution in Jersey.

Jonathan is described having "a meticulous approach" and is ranked as a Leading Individual in Dispute Resolution in Legal 500 UK 2015.