John Brooke-Smith

John Brooke-Smith has recently retired from practice at the Bar, but continues to sit as a Recorder (part time Judge) hearing cases in several jurisdictions, including financial remedy and all aspects of family law.

John was called to the Bar in 1981. He practised in London before moving to East Anglia in 1988, where he established his practice working for solicitors and direct access clients throughout the region and beyond.

John built a reputation as a strong advocate with excellent technical knowledge who easily gains clients’ trust.  He is highly experienced and approachable and has been recommended in the Legal 500 in it’s 2024 edition: ‘John is a confident and exceptional advocate. He is calm, focused and professional and has a strong ability to express arguments clearly. He firmly grasps the issues in cases and obtains excellent results for clients. His attention to detail is impeccable, and he is able to relate and build a rapport with a wide range of clients..’  The Legal 500 puts him in Tier 2 of its rankings of leading juniors.

John’s previous entries in the Legal 500 said: “He has the gravitas that you want. When you instruct him it’s like having the wind at your back. He has a good grasp of the issues and is an excellent advocate.” and “He is a charismatic practitioner and is great at explaining matters to clients in simple language.”