John Sharples is my go-to barrister for complex and technical property disputes who not only achieves outstanding results but is a joy to work with.”

Chambers UK 2025, Chancery

John is a very experienced adviser and advocate and has practised in the area of wills and trusts for over 25 years.

He is ranked in Band 1 for both chancery and real estate litigation in Chambers UK and is one of Legal 500’s leading individuals. Chambers UK describe him as “… an exceptional barrister both in terms of his judgement and his people skills and as good as any senior junior in the country.”

He has a First Class Law degree from Oxford University and Masters of Law degrees from Cambridge University and the University of Pennsylvania. He was formerly an Attorney in New York.

John’s particular specialisms in the area of wills and trusts include the following:

  • Proprietary estoppel claims based on promises of current or future benefits including inheritances
  • Family provision claims under the Inheritance Act
  • Co-ownership and trusts of land
  • The interpretation of wills and trusts
  • Disputes arising out of the administration of estates and trusts
  • Claims under Trusts of Land & Appointment of Trustees Act 1996
  • Contentious probate

John understands the particular sensitivities involved in disputes in these areas. Chambers (2018) also praises him as a ‘Just a bright, clever and straight-dealing guy. He’s quite respected and highly regarded.’ “

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Directory Quotes

John is a property barrister who often acts for public authorities, developers, landowners, house builders and private individuals. He is held in high esteem for his client care skills. ‘John is an excellent advocate, a very good team player and a pleasure to work with.’ ‘He is very good on technical legal points.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Chancery

John is scarily intelligent and he will always find an angle that everyone has missed. He’s incredibly approachable, user-friendly and client-friendly. He is able to set out technical legal points clearly and concisely and in plain English. He is calm, collected and measured in his delivery.”

Chambers UK 2022, Chancery

He is very analytical and has confidence in his own abilities and transmits that to clients.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, CHANCERY

Very easy-going, very accessible, very good to deal with and technically a super property lawyer, particularly in the field of landlord and tenant.’ He has that rare but precious combination of being able to offer outstanding advocacy skills and advice with superb client skills.”

CHAMBERS UK 2020, CHANCERY

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  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA (Oxon) 1st Class 1986
    • LLM (Cantab) 1987
    • LLM (University of Pennsylvania) 1988
    • Thouron Scholar (University of Pennsylvania) 1987-8
    • Attorney-at-Law New York State 1991
    • Queen Mother’s Scholar 1992
    • Sachs Prize & Campbell-Foster Prize 1993 (all Middle Temple)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Member of Chancery Bar Association
    • Member of the Agricultural Law Association
    • Secretary of the Western Chancery & Commercial Bar Association

  • Additional information:

    Before joining the Bar, John practised as an attorney-at-law in a Wall Street law firm from 1989 to 1991. His practice there included contentious take-overs and major litigation for international banks, insurance companies and brokerage houses.

  • John Sharples 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.