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

Insolvency

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

His insolvency practice includes:

  • Personal Bankruptcy including Bankruptcy Petitions and Applications to Set- Aside Statutory Demands
  • Corporate Insolvency including Winding-up Petitions and Administration Orders
  • Orders for Sale by the Trustee in Bankruptcy
  • Applications for directions to office holders from the court
  • Advising officeholders generally, including claims challenging transactions

Insolvency

Office of the Bankruptcy Adjudicator v Shaw [2021] EWHC 3140 (Ch) – Succeeded in appeal acting for the Office of the Bankruptcy Adjudicator in defending an application to appeal her decision to refuse to make a Bankruptcy Order. Also acted for the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in appeal against a non-party costs order.

Galer v Mond [2021] EWHC 1952 (Ch) – Successfully acted for the holder of a floating charge in defending the challenge to the appointment of an administrator.

Successfully defended an application to set aside a statutory demand based upon the ground that the debtor had offered a security for the debt and this had been unreasonably refused by the creditor. This comprised a dispute as to the law as to whether this could be considered one of the “other grounds” for setting aside a statutory demand under r.10.5(5)(d) IR 2016.

Acted for the Secretary of State on Winding Up Petitions brought on public interest grounds and obtained orders for the companies to be wound up. Also acts in disqualification proceedings.

Acted for receivers appointed over properties split into many leasehold titles, advising on the business rates liability and also appearing on the application to approve their remuneration.

Acted for administrators on an application for directions in relation to an account holding monies on trust for creditors.

Successfully acted for liquidators in a claim pursuant to s.234 IA 1986 for a block of flats to be conveyed to the liquidators by the director.

Regularly acts for Trustees in Bankruptcy in Order for Sale proceedings

Acts in applications to annul bankruptcies.

Acted for a supervisor of a CVA which was challenged by a creditor.

Appeared on various contested bankruptcy and winding-up petitions.