Jonathan Underhill June 2023 1

Jonathan Underhill

Year of Call: 2008
Email Address: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]
Telephone: 01202 292 102 / 020 7583 8055

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Clerks Details

  • Clerk Name: Stuart Pringle
  • Clerk Telephone: 01962 868 884
  • Clerk Email: [email protected]

Firearms

Jonathan Underhill is highly experienced and skilled, acting for both private individuals and police forces across the country, in dealing with applications for, and appeals against the refusal of, certificates and licences relating to firearms and shotguns. Jonathan also provides training and advice to organisations and other legal professionals on the operation of the licencing regime.

Jonathan has dealt with cases in which a variety of objections have been raised to the granting of certificates:

  • Applicant’s history of criminal convictions.
  • Mental health, alcohol or substance abuse.
  • Domestic violence or other behaviours involving violence or breach of the peace
  • Disputes or allegations of threatening behaviour.
  • Lack of a “good reason”.
  • Lack of a responsible attitude towards firearms/shotguns.
  • Association with criminals or criminal groups

Recent Notable cases

WMCC v MP (2026 – Ongoing) - Advice and representation relating to the meaning of “good reason” and application of Chief Constable/Government Guidelines.

MCC v MW (2026 – Ongoing) - Appeal against refusal of certificate on the basis of historic suicidal ideation and mental health concerns, on the basis of lack of declaration to medical professions in application process.

DCCP v LE and CE (2026 – Ongoing) - Acting for both Appellants. Appeal against refusal to renew on the basis of unproven criminal conduct, including material over which Public Interest Immunity has been asserted – applying the proceeding from Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v Crown Court at Kingston-upon-Thames [2023] EWHC 1938 (Admin).

CCCC v PC (2025 – Ongoing) - Acting for appellant. Appeal against refusal on the basis of temperament and impact of diabetes. Case involving conflicting medical evidence.

DCCP v JR (2025 – Ongoing) - Acting for Chief Constable. Opposition to appeal, seeking on PII material - applying the proceeding from Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v Crown Court at Kingston-upon-Thames [2023] EWHC 1938 (Admin).

CCKP v IA (2025) – Acting for Appellant: Successful against the refusal of a shotgun certificate following a domestic incident to which the police attended and arrested the appellant.

CCBC v AB (2024) – Acting for Police: Opposition to Appeal against decision to refuse renewal on the basis of insecure storage of weapons and ammunition.

  • Recommendations

    • “Thank you, Jonathan, … A genuinely exceptional outcome!!”
      HS – Defence Solicitor

      Jonathan Underhill has a notable practice in financial crime, including prosecuting cases involving Ponzi schemes and high-value frauds. He is regularly sought out by individuals and corporations.
      "Jonathan Underhill's written submissions are great."
      Chambers UK 2026/Financial Crime/The Regions/ Leading Junior

      Jonathan Underhill of 3PB Barristers regularly defends individuals and corporations in complex health and safety matters. He has particular expertise in handling cases regarding fatalities and serious injuries arising from regulatory breaches of duty.
      "He commands authority in court and is reassuring to us and the lay client. He is good at dealing with clients with authority and calmness, and makes complex issues understandable."
      "He is a very strong performer with good tactical acumen."
      "He shows exceptional attention to detail and always provides advice both written and in person that goes beyond expectations."
      Chambers UK 2026/Health and safety/Western Circuit/Leading Junior - ranked in Band 1

    • ‘Jonathan is a fluent advocate with a calm and assured presence in court.’
      Legal 500 2026/Fraud: Crime/ Leading Juniors/London Bar

      ‘Jonathan is an excellent barrister. He is always thoroughly prepared and has an impressive knowledge of the law. He is a strong and compelling advocate who achieves good results.’
      ’A highly intelligent, professional and outstanding advocate’, Jonathan Underhill notably represented a company and its director in Suffolk Trading Standards vs. Mint and Mustard Produce Limited and Richard Parry, a case where the defendants failed to comply with the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations.
      Legal 500 2026/Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety) / Leading Juniors/ Western Circuit

      ‘Jonathan is an excellent advocate who commands the attention of everyone in the courtroom. He is incredibly persuasive and always very well-prepared.’
      Legal 500 2025/Crime (general and fraud) / Leading Juniors/ Western Circuit

      Strengths: "He takes good points in cases."
      "He is lovely, and very pleasant to work with."
      Chambers UK 2025/Health and safety/Western Circuit - ranked in Band 1

      Jonathan Underhill – 3PB 'Jonathan is meticulous in his case preparation and offers a calm and assured presence in court. He is a skilful lawyer who can translate his understanding into persuasive and compelling advocacy.'
      Legal 500 2025/Crime (general and fraud) / Leading Juniors/ Western Circuit

      Jonathan Underhill - 3PB 'Jonathan is meticulous in his case preparation and offers a calm and assured presence in court. He is a skilful lawyer who can translate his understanding into persuasive and compelling advocacy, both in his legal submissions and trial advocacy.'
      Legal 500 2025/Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety) / Leading Juniors/ Western Circuit

      Jonathan Underhill – 3PB ‘Jonathan’s ability to process detail is outstanding. He brings great technical knowledge, and that gives him a wonderful air of confidence which puts his clients at ease.’
      Legal 500 2025/Fraud: Crime/ Leading Juniors/London Bar

    • “I want to give a huge thankyou to Jonathan Underhill was there at the conclusion of my case and I am so thankful for everything he has done. I can’t express my thanks through words but thank you”
      DR – Defence Client

      “Thanks for this Jonathan and … for your help on the overall pursuit. This was without question a very serious and challenging issue for our company and you delivered the best result we could have achieved …I am very happy with the result. I also wish to thank your Chambers admin team for their professional and proactive support that made direct access a simple tool to use.”
      MS – CEO S Ltd – Direct Access Client (Defence)

      “In a conspicuously well-drafted skeleton argument, supported by his oral submissions, Mr Underhill accepts…”
      Mrs Justice Farby – In the High Court

      “I found his approach to the cases very professional, and his cross examination was excellent, just what is required in cases like this.  The council have had several chambers representing the council, I feel that Jonathan has been the best person that we have had.”
      Mike Johnson ACFM (Senior Auditor) - Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council

      “Not having been in court before, I found myself in a situation that was very unfamiliar. However, I was instantly put at ease straight away from the approach of my barrister, Jonathan Underhill. He was extremely professional, understanding and took on board everything I wanted to get across in the court room. The attention to detail and the communication filled me with confidence that Jonathan was the right person to get the desired result for myself.
      I would highly recommend Jonathan’s services, I couldn’t have asked for a better representation, he kept me calm and positive throughout my trial, and we ended up getting the correct outcome, not guilty! Thank you again”
      JS – Defence Client

      “You have been nothing short of brilliant… thank you…”
      R Cassidy – Levales Solicitors

      “I would not hesitate in instructing Mr Jonathan Underhill in all manner of Regulatory matters. He has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge in all key regulatory areas, including Environmental, Licensing, Housing and Planning offences.  His preparation is meticulous with close attention to detail. He is extremely approachable and is great at communicating to a wide range of clients, which has always led to positive feedback and requests to instruct him in future matters. He has an amazing ability to advocate complex issues in law, in a way that is easy to understand for Magistrates, Jurors and Judges. His Advocacy is simply exceptional. He is and will continue to be my first choice of Counsel.”
      C Smith – Criminal Litigation Lawyer (London Local Authority)

      “I am indebted to Mr Jonathan Underhill…for his realistic and concise submissions… Mr Underhill was utterly realistic in his submissions to this court, which he advanced with commendable brevity and good sense”
      HHJ Jeremy Richardson KC – In the High Court

      “I was very impressed with Jonathan Underhill ~ and he had a glowing report from our environmental health manager for his advocacy at the recent noise trial he did for us”
      Local Authority Solicitor

      “I would not hesitate in instructing Mr Underhill – cases are always thoroughly prepared, time and care taken with clients and outcomes reported back promptly. The client feedback has been excellent and often accompanies with a request that he represent them again. The quality of his representation is first class.”
      Lindsey Taylor (Solicitor) - Watkins and Gunn Solicitors

      “I have found Mr Underhill to be an excellent advocate who is always well prepared and courteous to all. I have had positive feedback from clients in cases he had conducted on my firm’s behalf. I would not hesitate to instruct him.”
      Paul Lewis (Partner) - Quality Solicitors HPJV

      Very clearly presented - a dry subject made interesting. Very useful info. Excellent trainer.
      Nikki Hutt, West Sussex County Council

      Very informative, clear, concise but with a level of relaxed delivery and humour. I enjoyed Jonathan's 'style'.
      Dee Plum, West Sussex County Council

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