Jeff Hardman

Jeff Hardman is a seasoned trial advocate and litigator. He has been a barrister for more than 10 years and is recommended by the legal directories as “a relentless litigator and generally unflappable in the courtroom, assertive in his submissions and a skilled cross-examiner” (Legal 500, 2023).

Jeff frequently represents parties in factually complex probate litigation, which includes: 

  • The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
  • Disputes concerning the validity of a Will.
  • The removal of personal representatives and trustees.
  • Beddoe applications.
  • Applications for accounts and disclosure of trust documents.
  • The administration of estates and trusts.
  • Disputes which include proprietary estoppel, constructive and resulting trusts.
  • Issues of domicile.

He provides robust and direct advice, with his probate expertise complemented by his extensive residential and commercial property work and broad chancery practice generally. Jeff’s advisory work includes interpreting wills, rectification of wills, claims under the 1975 Act; the content and timing of estate accounts; and the effect of grants of probate for the use and benefit of a minor. Jeff also has experience drafting wills and deeds of variation.

My approach

Whilst Jeff is happy to operate as a ‘traditional barrister’ by receiving instructions and providing advice when required, he works best when operating as part of a committed legal team. Jeff thrives in the cut and thrust of litigation and has previously been described as “A sharp and tenacious junior with real nous” (Legal 500 2020) and “intelligent and persuasive” (Legal 500, 2021).

Jeff has a strong reputation for being a very hard working and accessible barrister. He has a loyal client base, many of whom continue to instruct him since pupillage. He is frequently sought out for his advice on injunctive relief, security for costs, pre-action disclosure, litigation funding, investigation options for suspected fraudulent activity, third-party costs orders, beddoe applications, and for his views on litigation strategy generally, including negotiated settlements or other out-of-court resolutions. He routinely advises clients in planning how to respond, and in responding, to crises and other significant legal problems that attract the media spotlight.

Jeff is a ‘modern barrister’ who recognises that clients often instruct counsel at times when they feel most vulnerable. As such, a good litigator can help court users through the legal process and advocate on their behalf. Often it is best for all parties to settle the dispute quickly and privately, to reduce cost and stress. Prior to the Bar, Jeff worked for a law firm in the Caribbean before joining a start-up in London developing a music streaming ‘app’ funded by Gazprom Media.

My work

A selection of recent cases, reported decisions, and interesting articles are set out below:

Media

Decisions

Articles

Podcast

About me

Jeff Hardman is a seasoned trial advocate and litigator. He has been a barrister for more than 10 years and is recommended by the legal directories as “a relentless litigator and generally unflappable in the courtroom, assertive in his submissions and a skilled cross-examiner” (Legal 500, 2023).

Jeff is a member of New Square Chambers which is a leading set of commercial chancery barristers based in Lincoln’s Inn, London. New Square Chambers has 43 members, including five King’s Counsel, and offers expertise and experience in a broad range of commercial and chancery work. Jeff has a very busy modern chancery practice, which includes extensive experience specialising in Wills, Trusts & Probate disputes.

What my clients say

“Jeff is gifted at getting to grips with an issue quickly and finding appropriate, pragmatic and, where relevant, commercial solutions. He is a relentless litigator and generally unflappable in the courtroom, assertive in his submissions and a skilled cross-examiner.”

Legal 500 2023

“Approachable and down to earth, responsive and accommodating, knowledgeable and analytical. No nonsense approach.”

Legal 500 2022

“Intelligent and persuasive, he knows how to win a case and goes the extra mile.”

Legal 500 2021

“This was a great team effort and my thanks go to barrister Jeff Hardman from New Square Chambers and to the Dispute Resolution Team, who made possible this success in the Central London County Court.”

Nicole Hirst, Buckles Law https://www.buckles-law.co.uk/case_studies/buckles-client-wins-bloody-cow-row-case/

Professional & academic

  • 2007 – BA (Hons) Durham
  • 2010 – GDL (College of Law)
  • 2011 – BPTC (College of Law)