John Sharples
Partner - Barrister
More about John Sharples
John is a partner in the Express Chambers specialist advocacy team. He joined the firm in 2026 and is a practising barrister with full rights of audience. He was called to the Bar in 1992 and therefore has a wealth of experience representing individuals and organisation before a wide variety of tribunals.
Before joining the employed Bar, John spent several years working as a barrister in independent practice, based in Manchester. He moved in-house because he enjoys a collegiate approach to work and direct access to the clients he represents.
John’s principle areas of practice are personal injury work, clinical negligence and inquests. Before Express, he practised for many years as a barrister and partner in a national firm specialising in healthcare work, representing healthcare trusts and individual practitioners. His experience of defendant work has given him valuable knowledge and insight, which he now applies in evaluating and progressing the claims of individuals who have suffered injury because of the negligence of others.
John has appeared in some important legal cases over the years, one involving clarification of a fundamental aspect of coronial law and another which considered the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses in childcare proceedings. He has significant experience appearing before higher courts, particularly in connection with judicial review proceedings. John has also represented clients through alternative dispute resolution processes, notably the Court of Appeal Medication Scheme.
John is a dedicated lawyer who does his utmost to secure successful outcomes for all his clients. He takes a practical and realistic approach to his cases but is happy to take risks where the potential rewards justify it. John prides himself on his written and oral communication skills, whether that be explaining difficult legal concepts to clients in a straightforward and accessible manner, or arguing his client’s case persuasively in court.
Away from work, John enjoys reading, cooking and sports.