Jo Pollard’s current practice is focused on two areas:

    • the conduct of Independent Investigations and Inquiries into allegations of misconduct (including Discrimination) in the workplace, and
    • Education, in particular pro bono work related to special educational needs.

    In addition, Jo has a deep background in commercial dispute resolution (including arbitration). Prior to going on sabbatical in 2020-2024, Jo acted for a wide range of commercial clients.

    Her experience extends to advising and acting in matters relating to state immunity.

    Jo advised and acted for a range of clients in the music, TV/film, theatre and publishing industries in both copyright and royalty disputes and artist/manager contracts.

    Experience

    Shortlist

    Investigations & Inquiries

    In 2018-2019, Jo was Assistant to the House of Commons Independent Inquiry into Bullying and Harassment undertaken by Gemma White KC (Report published 11 July 2019). The instructing client was the Clerk to the House of Commons. A significant number of stakeholders, including complainants, gave confidential interviews to the Inquiry.

    In 2020 Jo was Junior Counsel with Gemma White KC in an independent investigation into harassment and bullying allegations at a London law firm.

    Shortlist

    Commercial

    Jo’s experience includes the following:

    • Junior Counsel (with Pushpinder Saini KC (now Mr Justice Saini)) in the 1st and 2nd arbitrations (January 2012-December 2014) in the long-running hedge fund partnership dispute: Jeremy Hoskins v Marathon Asset Management LLP.
    • Junior Counsel (with Andrew Green KC) in a substantial dispute over fees arising out of the provision of security guards at the London 2012 Olympic Games: Wilson James Ltd v G4S Secure Solutions (UK) Ltd
    • Counsel for a London based metals trader in an arbitration: Wogen Resources Ltd v Metalloys and Chemical Commercial
    • Jo was Junior Counsel (with Stephen Nathan KC and David Donaldson KC) for Iraqi Airways Company in the trial of the assessment of damages for wrongful conversion of aircraft: Kuwaiti Airways Corporation v Iraqi Airways Company, the longest running case in the English Commercial Court (22 years).
    • In the Legal 500 (2016) she was mentioned as “highly regarded for commercial litigation”.
    Shortlist

    State and Diplomatic Immunity

    Jo was Junior Counsel for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jones v Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [2006] UKHL 26, appearing at first instance, and (with Lord Pannick KC) in the Court of Appeal and House of Lords.

    Shortlist

    Media & Entertainment

    Junior Counsel (with Ian Mill KC) in two cases regarding management agreements with artistes under the age of 18 at the time of signing.

    Jo was Counsel for one of the publishing company defendants in the Cuban music royalties case: Peer International Corp v Termidor Music Editora Musical de Cuba.

    In the Legal 500 2017 she was mentioned as an “astute litigator recommended for disputes within the music industry.”

    Achievements

    Education

    MA (Cantab), French (Diplôme d'Etudes Françaises, Neuchâtel University)

    Further Experience

    During her sabbatical, Jo gained valuable experience in graduate recruitment and the promotion of diversity and inclusion at the Bar:

    • Since July 2023 Jo has volunteered time to Bridging the Bar, assisting in graduate recruitment to the Bridging the Bar Academy and as a Practitioner trainer and mentor of BtB Academy students. Jo’s practical support for Bridging the Bar continues.
    • Jo spent 5 years as a member of Blackstone’s Pupillage Committee which is responsible for the annual round of graduate recruitment to Pupillage at Blackstone. During her time on this Committee, Jo took part in a wholesale review of Chambers’ pupillage recruitment procedures, with a particular focus on ensuring fairness, transparency and the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.
    • Jo spent 3 years on Blackstone’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Committee as one of the named Equality and Diversity Officers for Blackstone Chambers. During her time on this Committee, a Chambers’ Wellbeing Audit was commissioned and implemented which anonymously surveyed all members and staff for their views on their work life, wellbeing and their personal experience of diversity and inclusion. This was one of the first such audits conducted at the Bar of England and Wales.

    Jo undertook personal research into learning disabilities in the education sector and is undertaking IPSEA training (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice).

    Jo also qualified in 2024 as a London Blue Badge Guide and is a member of the Institute of Tourist Guides, with full accreditation to guide in Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, the City of London and many other locations.

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