Jonathan Dingle
FRSA MCIArb FSOM
Joint Head of Chambers
Barrister | Mediator
Arbitrator
Year of call: 1986

“An outstanding international mediator with almost unrivalled experience”
“Patient, incisive, aware – a master of procedure, time and the right award”
“Put simply, Jonathan is the difference between winning and losing a case”
Jonathan Dingle is a leading barrister, mediator and internationally experienced arbitrator complimented as “inspiring”, “remarkable” and “incisive” in his work over 32 years in many fields. At the Bar, he specialises in the following areas of law:
- Clinical Negligence
- Personal Injury
- Costs
- Armed Forces
- Abuse cases
- Complex cases with a national or international dimension.
The co-founder of the Civil Mediation Council, and the Society of Mediators, he is the author of text book chapters on mediation in Powers & Harris on Clinical Negligence and in Friston on Costs. Jonathan is the co-author of the best-selling handbook Practical Mediation.
A fearless, ethical advocate for his clients, he is also a highly effective negotiator. Winner of the mediation achiever of the year award at the Personal Injury Awards in 2009 and 2016, he is regarded as something of an institution in Trans-Atlantic dispute resolution. His more than 1,000 ADR cases have included varied clinical negligence cases for NHS Resolution (approaching 100 such matters); construction, civil and commercial matters, high value sports contracts, equine disputes, family, football and cricket issues, and Olympic cases.
As a barrister, he practises from Normanton Chambers in the Temple and its annexe at 4, The Crescent, Taunton. He is available nationally.
Called as a Barrister of the Middle Temple in 1986 following a distinguished career at sea in the Royal Navy working as a Commander with NATO navies, he served in operations at sea in the Gulf War before becoming a Judge Advocate. As such he has consistently dealt with complex and challenging cases – working alone and as part of a team. In the MOD, he briefed ministers and heads of state, and ran a substantial range of sensitive projects, both led by and leading senior civil servants. Deep vetted to the highest levels and retained the extended security clearance in a part-time judicial appointment.
He entered private Bar practice in 1996. He has built a reputation as a leading adviser, negotiator, and practitioner in complex and difficult cases – both in the UK and overseas. He is often instructed in clinical negligence claims, as well as where fraud, partnership or regulatory issues have arisen. As a mediator, his work for more than a decade led to his appointment as Honorary Secretary of the United Kingdom’s Civil Mediation Council in 2003, a post which he held for eight years. He played a major role in influencing judges, practitioners, and stakeholders in previously intractable disputes. He is presently Chair of Trustees of the Society of Mediators, the mediation charity.
He has led more than 400 mediation and arbitration training courses in Europe and internationally which have been universally praised. He is the trainer for the Bar Council. In doing so, he has already created a generation of mediators worldwide under the facilitative model. He has helped established associations worldwide. He is currently undertaking pro bono work establishing reconciliation processes in schools in South Africa and elsewhere in Africa, where bullying, abuse and other issues are rife.
In feedback from solicitors he has been described as “legendary”. A solicitor commented: “Jonathan Dingle is exceptional – the difference between winning and losing the most complex case.” Another: “Put simply, the case could not have settled without Jonathan’s insights, skills, tact, and diplomacy – he is outstanding.” His style is relaxed and informal but with a total command of facts and detail, he inspires confidence in clients and respect in opponents.
Typical hourly rate, for private retainer work – £350+VAT. Jonathan may also undertake CFA work under the PIBA terms. Please ask his clerk Martin Davies 0300 0300 218 for details. Jonathan Dingle and Normanton Chambers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Our complaints procedure is at www.NormantonChambers.com and overseen by the Legal Ombudsman.