“Who is Equity’s Darling?

‘Equity’s Darling’, as all law students will know, is the term the courts have coined to refer to the one person whose rights will trump prior equitable interests – the bona fide purchaser who acquires property for value and without notice of the equitable rights.

It is also the blogging nom de plume of Charlotte John, barrister.

 

About Charlotte John

I am a member of Gatehouse chambers (formerly known as Hardwicke), London.

My practice focuses on Chancery and property litigation and encompasses both traditional Chancery and commercial work. I have represented and advised beneficiaries, executors and trustees in a diverse range of estate and trust disputes. I have experience of a broad range of real property matters, including the construction and validity of charges, boundary disputes, sale of land and adverse possession. I also accept instructions in Court of Protection matters concerning the property and affairs of incapacitated parties. I undertake family property work in the areas of matrimonial finance, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and cohabitation claims.

Much of my work draws on the principles of Equity developed in the Court of Chancery and solutions to modern day problems can often be found in principles of ancient origin.

Prior to coming to the Bar, I lectured in equity and trusts law. This blog is born out of my enthusiasm for the subject and in the hope of offering some illumination on an area that is often thought to be esoteric and impenetrable by students and practitioners. The focus of this blog is on matters concerning family property – such as disputes relating to the estate of a person who has died, trusts, and cohabitation disputes.

I give talks and seminars to a professional audience on a regular basis, if you would be interested in booking me to offer training in house or to speak at an event, please get in touch.

I endeavor to combine an enthusiasm for the intricacies of Chancery law with a focus on practical and cost-effective advice. Above all else, I pride myself on being approachable and committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for my clients.

I am ranked in Chambers and Partners as a Band 2 leading individual in real estate litigation. I am described by clients as follows: “Very clever and very committed to her cases. Very personally involved.” (Chambers and Partners 2017). “I was very impressed with her. I found her to be very confident and self-assured but also realistic.” “Her knowledge is encyclopaedic and clients love the thoroughness of her approach.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)

Should you wish to read my CV in more detail, you can find out more about me on my chambers’ website profile at Charlotte John – Gatehouse Chambers (gatehouselaw.co.uk)

You can follow me on twitter @lottiejohn1

If you are a solicitor who would like to instruct me, please do not hesitate to contact the practice management team, who will be very happy to assist. They can be emailed any time at [email protected] or reached on +44 (0)20 7242 2523 during our office hours from 8.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Charlotte John
Barrister