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

Wills and Probate

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.

  • 1975 Act claims
  • Disputes between personal representatives, beneficiaries and creditors
  • Disputed wills
  • Advising executors and beneficiaries on the construction of Wills
  • Acting for trustees of estates of insolvent Deceased Debtors
  • Petitioning against Insolvent Deceased Debtors
  • Costs in the administration of estates
  • Professional negligence in relation to advice given in relation to Wills and Probate

Wills and Probate Cases

Regularly advises executors on the construction of Wills.

Acted for a beneficiary in an application to approve the Estate Accounts where a fellow beneficiary was refusing to do so. The other beneficiary had insulated the client had been involved in a fraud involving the assets of the estate. Advised on strategy and in particular advised the client to refuse mediation until the other beneficiary properly set out their case. The executors thereafter applied for directions in relation to the Estate Accounts. The other beneficiary was ordered by the Court to particularise her case, which showed any adjustments would be minimal in relation to the client. After one-day contested costs hearing, the other beneficiary was ordered to pay the costs of the executors and my client. The other party argued unsuccessfully that the refusal to mediate should have meant there was no order as to costs.

Advised executors of a Will in relation to the proper steps to take in relation to the disposal of a property, where the beneficiaries had intimated claims against the executors for maladministration.

Acted for the Trustee of the Estate of an Insolvent Deceased Debtor in relation to void payments to the solicitors of the former executor. Proceedings were drafted and issued, and the matter settled at mediation.

Advised foreign lawyers as to the operation of the 1975 Act for the purposes of litigation in another jurisdiction.

Acted in a multi-day trial for a claim for removal of personal representatives, and obtained the relief sought, namely the replacement of the personal representatives with an independent personal representative.

Experienced at representing clients at mediations, FDR hearings and joint settlement meetings.

Advised and acted for personal representatives in relation to a summons for an Inventory and Account.

Advises executors, beneficiaries and disappointed beneficiaries in potential challenges to Wills where it is alleged the testator lacked capacity, was unduly influenced or the will was not executed properly.

Advised a residuary beneficiary as to the response to an application for a Beddoe Order in a complex estate where there was a claim against the estate that the property purportedly within the estate was in fact held on trust for another.