Jay Banerji
Call 2001
LEGAL 500, 2026
Jay is a senior junior specialising in family and children cases. Jay is ranked as a leader in his field by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
He is one of only 11 junior counsel ranked as Tier 1 in his field by the Legal 500, where he is described as ‘charismatic’, ‘intelligent’, ‘a brilliant communicator’, and ‘a class act’.
The 2026 edition of Chambers and Partners notes that ‘his cross-examination is some of the best out there…’
Jay was shortlisted for Family Law Junior of the Year at the Legal 500 Awards in 2025
Jay’s case of Re K and S in which he appeared before the President of the Family Division is shortlisted for Family Law Case of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2025
Jay often appears against King’s Counsel, whether led, or as sole counsel.
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 inflicted injuries, baby shaking cases, and allegations of forced marriage.
Jay is a regular speaker at seminars on these topics.
Reported cases
- Re K and S [2025] EWFC 100
- Surrey CC and LV and FM and A, B & C [2023] EWFC 186
- CQ, DQ & EQ [2018] EWHC 3979 (Fam)
- F (A Minor: Secure Accommodation Resources) [2017] EWHC 2189 (Fam)
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 alienating behaviours.
Jay also deals with leave to remove applications, including leave to remove to India, Hong Kong, Israel and Germany.
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 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 under BIIR, following the wrongful retention of a child in Poland.
Jay was instructed on a difficult point of jurisdiction and habitual residence in a non Convention case, opposing the return of a child to China.
Reported cases
- A Local Authority v DZ & Ors [2022] EWHC 3705 (fam)
- D v O [2019] EWHC 3099 (Fam)
Jay accepts instructions to act for clients on a direct access basis.
Reputation & Awards
“His cross-examination is some of the best out there”
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Shortlisted for Family Law Junior of the Year at the Legal 500 Awards 2025
Case of Re K and S shortlisted for Family Law Case of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2025
“Jay is a fantastic advocate who can make even the most complex and tricky submissions look effortless. He is always fully on top of the details and is constantly strategizing about what the next step should be” – Legal 500 2026
“His cross-examination is some of the best out there” – Chambers and Partners 2026
Ranked in Doyles’ Guide 2025
“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.” – Legal 500, 2023
“A formidable advocate. He is tactically aware and forensic in his approach.” – Legal
500, 2022
“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.” – Legal 500, 2021
“is counsel of choice for many solicitors who value his polished advocacy and exceptional client-handling skills” – Legal 500, 2020
“…both eloquent and intelligent – a class act” – Legal 500, 2018
“A brilliant communicator, who can be trusted to make the correct tactical decisions” –
Legal 500, 2017
Education
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- University College, London, LLB, LLM, Laws
- Inns of Court School of Law
- Westminster School
Professional Memberships
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- Family Law Bar Association
- Inner Temple
- Association of Lawyers for Children
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