Joss is an all-round excellent barrister. He is socially, emotionally and academically intelligent.”

The Legal 500 2024, Professional Negligence

Joss is an experienced professional negligence barrister, acting on behalf of claimants, defendants and insurers in claims against solicitors, architects and construction professionals.

Joss is consistently ranked as a leading junior in Chambers UK and the Legal 500.

His solicitors’ negligence caseload often links with his chancery/real estate practice, including claims concerning the negligent drafting of wills, claims surrounding the maladministration of estates and negligence in conveyancing.

In 2022 he appeared in Bracey v Curley [2022] EWHC 359 (Ch) in which the court considered the construction of a will, the alleged negligence of the will draftsman and the potential for a non-party costs order against the solicitors following a declaration for rectification.

Recent cases include:

  • T v FP (2024) – alleged negligence arising out of the drafting of a share purchase agreement for the sale of a components company. Joss acted for the defendant solicitors.
  • S v G (2024) – solicitors’ negligence claim concerning the conduct of litigation and defective drafting of a settlement agreement.
  • C v S (2021) – Joss represented the claimant company in a three-day trial before HHJ Ambrose against both its former solicitors and accountants concerning negligent tax advice following the sale of a golf club.

Early on in his career, Joss spent time on secondment at RPC LLP dealing exclusively with claims against construction professionals, including architects, surveyors, valuers and approved inspectors.

More recently he has acted for a number of claimants in claims involving Buyer-Led Development Schemes – principally against their former solicitors.

Directory Quotes

Joss is personable, bright and intelligent. I rate him very highly.”

Chambers UK 2024, Professional Negligence

Joss provides a clear strategy in each case. He is confident in court and able to effectively put forward his client’s position.”

The Legal 500 2023, Chancery, Probate and Tax

An intelligent, incisive and personable junior.”

The Legal 500 2023, Professional Negligence

Joss has a broad practice in the professional negligence field, and is notable for his work in claims against solicitors and architects.’ ‘Joss is very user-friendly, a can-do lawyer who’s excellent at contentious probate. He provides good, sound advice and ticks all the boxes.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Professional Negligence

Very thorough and commercially minded.”

Legal 500 2021, Professional Negligence

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • GDL – Oxford Brookes University – Distinction
    • BPTC – Kaplan Law School – Very Competent
    • BA Hons, Philosophy and Theology, Jesus College, University of Oxford.
    • Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
    • Lord Haldane Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
    • Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln’s Inn
    • Sankey Scholarship, Jesus College, University of Oxford

  • Professional memberships:

    • Chancery Bar Association
    • ConTrA

  • Additional information:

    Prior to pupillage Joss worked variously as a teacher in Moscow; a chef in a double Michelin-starred restaurant; and as a paralegal for OSG solicitors, where he worked exclusively on First Subsea Ltd v Balltec Ltd & Ors [2014] EWHC 866 (Ch). This landmark case was the subject of a 25-day trial in the High Court and involved allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, conspiracy to injure by unlawful means and patent infringement.

    Joss grew up in the Lake District and enjoys hiking, cooking and going to the theatre. He is a keen squash player, an enthusiastic cricketer, and an adequate tennis player. He occasionally goes running out of a sense of obligation rather than any real enjoyment.

  • Joss Knight is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.