Joss is very tenacious. ‘He is very calm and reliable and gives sound, sensible and commercially minded advice. He provides advice well beyond his year of call in terms of his experience.’ ‘Joss is easy to work with, he is good with clients and his advocacy is nimble.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Chancery

Joss is a wills and trusts specialist, ranked as a leading junior in Chambers UK and the Legal 500.

Joss has particular expertise in probate claims, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, disputes concerning the construction and rectification of wills, and claims for an interest in property on the basis of proprietary estoppel, resulting trust or constructive trust.

Joss also advises on all matters relating to the estate administration, and has particular experience in applications for the removal of executors under s.50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985, and the administration of insolvent estates.

He regularly acts in claims where the validity of a will is disputed on the grounds of lack of capacity, undue influence or want of knowledge and approval, recently appearing for the successful claimant in Oliver v Oliver [2024] EWHC 2289 (Ch).

Reported cases include:

  • Oliver v Oliver [2024] EWHC 2289 (Ch) – Trial before HHJ Matthews in the High Court in Bristol. Joss represented the claimants, who successfully overturned the last will of their late father on the grounds he lacked testamentary capacity and further, was the subject of undue influence exerted by the Defendant. Read more here.
  • Larsen & Anor v Annan [2023] EWHC 662 (Ch) – Claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 in the High Court in Cardiff before Zacaroli J. Joss represented the claimants, who were children of the deceased in a claim which was partially successful.
  • Bracey v Curley [2022] EWHC 359 (Ch) – Trial for a determination of the true construction of a will, alternatively rectification. Joss represented the Defendants in a claim where rectification was granted, with consideration also given to whether to make a third-party costs order against the will drafting solicitors.
  • Culliford v Thorpe [2018] EWHC 426 (Ch) – Joss represented the defendant who successfully established that the estate of his late partner held property on constructive trust for him, alternatively on the basis of proprietary estoppel.

Joss is a member of the Chancery Bar Association and ConTrA. He regularly lectures on wills and estates matters, and has written for Trusts and Estates Law & Tax Journal.

Cases

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Resources

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Directory Quotes

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

Joss is a confident and commercially-minded barrister.’ ‘He is a real up-and-comer, great with clients, great on his feet & has a real talent.’ ‘Joss is an excellent advocate and easily matches barristers of greater experience.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Chancery

Joss is a very effective advocate. He provides sound advice.”

Legal 500 2022, Chancery, Probate and Tax

A strong advocate who gets to the heart of a problem and provides sound, clear advice.”

legal 500 2021, chancery, probate and tax

Seminars & Events

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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.