Jay is a Family Law specialist. Jay’s family practice spans a range of areas, including Private Law, Ancillary Relief, and Injunctive Proceedings.
Family Law
Jay has significant experience in cases involving allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, parental alienation, and abduction. As such Jay is highly competent in working with clients experiencing difficult emotional circumstances. He has obtained many successful outcomes in Fact-Finding and Final Hearings, and is skilled in constructing and negotiating child arrangement agreements between parties. He also accepts instructions in non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Jay has developed a particular specialism in cases with an international element. He is regularly instructed in cases involving relocation of children outside the jurisdiction and other Specific Issue Orders. He recently achieved a positive outcome in a 3 day Final Hearing where a client wished to relocate to France with her daughter, despite strong opposition. Jay is bilingual and has the ability to work well with clients who may may not speak English as their first language.
Jay deals with all levels of matrimonial finance cases, from modest “needs” based cases to cases involving significant assets. He has experience in cases with jurisdictional and non-disclosure issues. He is a firm negotiator and fights to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.
Crime
Jay has experience representing clients in both the Magistrates and Crown Court. He has acted in cases involving serious violence, harassment, and driving offences, among others. He has also acted for local authorities; he was recently successful in securing a fine of over £150,000 against two landlords for failing to comply with pest and improvement notices.
Feedback
Recent feedback includes:
“I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Muirhead [...] I felt very at ease, he explained everything perfectly, and he fought brilliantly for what I required in court today.”
“Jay was absolutely brilliant over the 2 days and had clearly spent the time in getting his head wrapped around what was a complex case. He really fought my corner in the best way possible.”
“Jay has been outstanding since the beginning! It has been an extremely stressful and difficult time over the last few months, […] I have great confidence in his ability and have always felt relaxed when in court being represented by him […] he is always very well prepared and I am thrilled with the success we have had to date. I could not recommend him enough to anyone going through a similar situation.”
Languages
Jay is fluent in French, having taught himself French from the beginning of 2020. In 2024 he took part in the Inner Temple French Exchange, spending 6 weeks working at a law firm and living in Paris. During his time there he represented in a mock trial at the Palais de Justice, the home of the highest court in France, the Court of Cassation.
LLB (Hons) – First Class
Call to the Bar 2019 – Inner Temple
Deans Award for Family Law – Highest Performing Student