John approaches his cases as if they are a logic puzzle, which means he covers all the issues in a manner that a lay client can follow. He is one of the safest pair of hands on the circuit.”

The Legal 500 2024, Chancery, Probate and Tax

John is a barrister specialising in Court of Protection work, he has appeared in the Court of Protection both in London, Bristol and other regional hubs. John brings his trust law experience and knowledge of financial issues to the help in property and affairs cases including challenges to remove attorneys and applications in relation to LPAs. His financial background has proved useful in cases concerning allegations of the misappropriation of funds. John has dealt with the approval of gifts, statutory wills and applications concerning Health & Welfare LPA and Deputyship issues. Other areas of John’s practice include contentious probate, real property and professional negligence cases; all of which can prove helpful in matters spinning off from Court of Protection work.

Prior to his career at the Bar John qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991, working for five years at what is now part of PricewaterhouseCoopers, in its litigation support department. He was seconded to the Serious Fraud Office to assist in the BCCI investigation.

Directory Quotes

John is great with clients and always has a good grasp of details. He is able to marshal information well and is a persuasive and unflappable advocate in court. His accounting background also proves very helpful.”

The Legal 500 2024, Commercial Litigation

“John is excellent, so easy to work with and also so skilled and bright. ‘He provides a fantastic level of service and is technically very strong.’ ‘He is approachable and a safe pair of hands. His advice is meticulous and well structured.’ He is extremely good on details and figures. He picks up every single detail, he is always very clear-headed and manages to make sense of chaos.’”

Chambers UK 2024, Chancery

John is a fantastic choice for contentious probate and chancery matters. ‘He is extremely thorough and has an excellent manner with clients.’ ‘John is very approachable, clear and unflappable.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Commercial Dispute Resolution

John is very thorough, and can marshal complex facts to provide clear legal advice. He is efficient and good with clients.”

The Legal 500 2023, Chancery, Probate and Tax

John provides technical advice in such a down-to-earth way that even the trickiest cases can be dealt with smoothly.’ ‘He deals with complex factual and legal matters with close attention to deal, immense patience and good humour.’ ‘John is extremely easy to talk to and provides high-quality, well-structured advice.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Chancery

John’s attention to detail is second to none. He is forensically superb – he can unpick a case extremely well. He’s extremely knowledgeable and has an excellent grasp of complex matters.”

Chambers UK 2022, Chancery

John is a calm and measured advocate, who is always very thorough, precise and clear in his written advice. Nothing is too complex for him to disentangle.”

Legal 500 2022, CHANCERY, PROBATE, AND TAX
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA Comb Hons (Exon.) ACA (Qualified as a Chartered Accountant 1991) Dip. Law (Distinction)
  • Professional memberships:

    • Chancery Bar Association
    • Associate member of the Association of Contentious Trust And Probate Specialists (ACTAPS)
    • Western Chancery & Commercial Bar Association
    • Professional Negligence Bar Association
    • Financial Services Lawyers Association
    • Chartered Accountant (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales) ACA
    • Associate Member of the Association of Pension Lawyers
    • Member of the Court of Protection Bar Association
  • John Dickinson 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.