Joss acts in a wide variety of property matters with a particular focus on TOLATA claims, partnership disputes, easements and the intersection between real estate and professional negligence.

He recently appeared for the defendants in Carter v Goldsworthy (2023) unrep instructed by Foot Anstey LLP where he was successful at first instance (decision of HHJ Carr) and on appeal (Collins Rice J) in a long-running and complex dispute concerning allegations of interference with an express easement, nuisance and trespass.

Joss’s expertise in professional negligence means he is often instructed in property matters involving negligence and has significant expertise in conveyancing negligence and claims for misrepresentation. He has spoken extensively on this topic and his latest podcast can be found here.

Recent cases include:

  • Belford v Parry (2023) unrep – Joss represented the defendant in a four-day trial before HHJ Salmon in a dispute concerning allegations of nuisance, trespass, equitable easements and inference with rights of way.
  • S v C (2023) – property misrepresentation claim arising out of the sale of a property formerly owned by a premiership footballer.
  • P v R (2024) – dispute concerning the enforceability of historic express easements. Final hearing in the First-Tier Tribunal listed for November 2024.
  • Culliford v Thorpe [2018] EWHC 426 (Ch) – Trial before HHJ Matthews. Joss represented the defendant, who successfully resisted an order for possession and obtained a declaration that he had a beneficial interest in the property, acquired on the basis of common intention constructive trust and/or proprietary estoppel.

Resources

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  • 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.