John Waiting

Call 2010

waiting@exchangechambers.co.uk

“John is an exceptional barrister with impressive knowledge of property, trusts and probate litigation. His technical brilliance is unparalleled which sets him apart as one of the best on the Northern Circuit. John has an innate ability to navigate complex probate matters with ease.”

The Legal 500, 2026
Photo of John Waiting

  • Recommendations

    “John is technically excellent and very thorough. His advice is directly to the point and he really takes the time to work through issues collaboratively with the client and instructing solicitor.”

    “John is very hard-working, supportive, and responsive, with in-depth legal knowledge.”

    “John is an exceptional barrister with impressive knowledge of property, trusts and probate litigation. His technical brilliance is unparalleled which sets him apart as one of the best on the Northern Circuit. John has an innate ability to navigate complex probate matters with ease.”
    The Legal 500, 2026

    “John Waiting is excellent. He provided sound commercial advice to a client in a difficult situation, managing all expectations.”

    “John is really down to earth and a quick thinker. I’ve found him really easy to deal with. He’s responsive, easy to deal with and gets it. He has that kind of commercial nous that isn’t taught.”

    “John is so easy to work with. He’s very responsive, unfailingly helpful and has a really good manner with lay clients. He can take them through a frightening maze of legalese and make it make sense.”

    “John Waiting is a go to barrister for us. We instruct him on a wide range of contentious probate matters. He is straight-talking and his advocacy is brilliant.”
    Chambers & Partners 2026

    “John is very eloquent in his approach to matters, always making sure that he articulates himself depending on which judge he is before. He also has a very good knowledge of the judges in Manchester and Leeds, which is a big help when deciding what tactics to deploy.”

    “John really knows his stuff. He has a clean and straightforward advocacy style which appeals to judges.”
    The Legal 500, 2025

    “John is a strong advocate and is meticulous in his preparation. His knowledge base is impressive, and he quickly understands his client’s objectives and adapts his strategy accordingly.”

    “John has the ability to analyse and quickly assess large volumes of detail, identifying the strengths of and threats to the case. He builds rapport with lay clients and puts them at ease.”
    Chambers and Partners 2025

    “John is supportive, responsive and has an in-depth legal knowledge which enables him to be able to assist on all matters. He will not give up even if it is an uphill struggle. He always ensures that he gives 110% and really puts himself out to ensure that he meets the client service and is very user friendly.”
    The Legal 500, 2023

    “John gives well-considered, thorough advice and considers strategic issues when advising. He is a measured and confident advocate.”
    The Legal 500, 2022

  • Education

    • St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington, 1997-2004
    • MA (Cantab), Law with Management Studies, Girton College, Cambridge (II.i, 2004-2008)
    • BVC, Manchester Metropolitan University (Very Competent, 2009-2010)
    • Pupillage at Exchange Chambers

  • Memberships

    • Chancery Bar Association
    • Property Bar Association
    • Northern Business and Property Bar Association
    • Northern Circuit

  • News

Practice Overview

John specialises in Business and Property Law with a particular focus on property, contentious probate and administration of estates and trusts. Chambers and Partners 2026 describes him as “a strong chancery practitioner with wide-ranging knowledge of contentious probate matters as well as company and partnership disputes. He is also very well versed on, and regularly acts in, complex property cases.” Chambers and Partners 2026

Clients value John’s straightforward manner when giving advice. A respondent to Chambers and Partners 2026 said: “John is really down to earth and a quick thinker. I’ve found him really easy to deal with. He’s responsive, easy to deal with and gets it. He has that kind of commercial nous that isn’t taught.”

John’s contentious probate and administration of estates work regularly sees him instructed by executors and personal representatives, beneficiaries, those seeking to challenge wills, creditors and claimants and defendants in claims brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

He also acts in property cases including disputes between co-owners, disputes between landlords and tenants whether residential or commercial including disputes under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, disputes between neighbours and disputes concerning mortgages.

John also has wide experience of commercial and insolvency law and is often instructed where there is a commercial or insolvency element to a property, trusts or probate matter, or in standalone commercial and insolvency matters.

Local Government Authorities often instruct John especially in relation to matters concerning property including Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax and upon attempts to avoid the payment of care home fees by deprivation of capital assets.