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Jon Craddock

Jon set up Ares Legal to give growing businesses the commercial legal brain they cannot yet justify hiring, at a price agreed before the work starts.

No Hourly Rates

No Timesheets

No Surprise Invoices

No Jargon

No Fence-sitting

No Slow Replies

Jon Craddock

Founder

Jon set up Ares Legal to give growing businesses the commercial legal brain they cannot yet justify hiring, at a price agreed before the work starts.

Jon spent a decade in law firms and in-house legal teams around Southampton before founding Ares Legal in January 2024, acting for clients ranging from household names to businesses just starting out. Seeing the traditional firm model and its modern alternatives up close showed him what each was missing, and Ares Legal is the answer to both.

As a commercial lawyer, he works across commercial contracts, data protection and AI/technology. His approach across these areas is to understand the business first, then provide the right solution to help you. He does not sit on the fence, and he would always rather you asked the question early, as there is no such thing as a silly question, except where a question isn’t asked.

Trusted by clients across every matter

From first conversations to final outcomes, our clients’ feedback speaks for itself.

    
 
 
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   Alisha  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jon was really helpful in reviewing a contract for me. He made clear every point I needed to consider - explained them and gave me points that I could raise if required. I don’t underestimate at all the importance of having someone review legal documents, but Jon is so down to earth and easy to talk to - I would recommend him to anyone!
  
 
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   Becky  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ARES helped me during a particularly complex and stressful shareholder and company dispute, and I couldn’t have asked for better support.

They were clear and pragmatic and  helped me navigate what could easily have become overwhelming. I really valued their ability to explain my options plainly, and keep the focus on what actually mattered.

Communication was timely and professional, advice was well-judged, and I always felt they had my best interests at the centre of their thinking. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone dealing with a difficult contractual or legal situation.
  
 
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   Richard  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Jon and his team on refreshing our client and subcontractor contracts this year and was highly impressed from start to finish - fast, knowledgeable and responsive - I got exactly what I needed and wouldn't hesitate to work with them again.
  
 
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   Sarah  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted Ares Legal for some support in creating handover contracts to our sub-contractors. We gave an outline of what we thought we needed and then were given some excellent advice and suggestions before the final version was provided. We didn't feel hurried, were encouraged to discuss our concerns so the solicitor could explain in detail why she had suggested what she had, didn't feel that any question was considered stupid and had our minds put completely at rest. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ares Legal to anyone requiring good business focused advice. Thanks to Jon and the team.
  
 
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   Ben  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible experience with Ares Legal. They provided us with prompt assistance and legal advice throughout the closing of our funding round.

Thanks to Aurelia and Jon!
  
 
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   Grant  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five star service, reliability, adaptability and a quick response time to all communications is why FGIH uses the services of Ares Legal. It's great to work with someone who offers a friendly approach in guiding us, answering our questions and providing appropriate solutions. Thank you.
Grant Parker, Chief Operations Officer, Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub.
  
 
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   Renée  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I needed some business-related legal advice regarding the updated use of songs on social media, Jon was a superstar!  He explained everything I needed to know in a clear and straightforward way. Highly recommended for legal advice across a wide variety of topics! Many thanks Jon!!
  
 
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   Janell  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent commercially focused advice and incredibly responsive to questions and feedback. Jon provided clear, practical guidance on our new business terms and associated agreements, ensuring they were robust and fit for purpose. Highly recommend reaching out to him for all your commercial contracts and data protection queries—he’s an absolute guru in this field!
  
 
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   Alex  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with Jon and the team. Trust worthy and reliable.  We will partner with them again for future work.
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 20 reviews

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