Commercial
Richard is also experienced in general commercial claims arising out of the Sale of Goods Act and the Supply of Goods and Services Act and in claims involving the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.
Selected Cases
- Acting for claimants in claim arising out of a fire at a thatched cottage, and advising on possible claim against insurers under Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010.
- Acted in claim against major delivery company following loss of goods by theft during carriage.
- Acted for insurers on a coverage argument following a c.£2m fire at residential property. Key issues involved whether defendant was engaged in a “private pursuit” at time of fire, and if so whether covered by insurance policy, and application of Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 1930.
- Acting for Imperial Tobacco Limited in a High Court claim against logistics and haulage companies following the theft of tobacco products. Claims include breach of contract, negligence and bailment.
- Bhandal v HM Revenue & Customs [2015] EWHC 538 (Admin); [2015] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 343 – Acted (led by Michael Kent QC) for HMRC in excess of £60m claim arising out of fraudulent evasion of VAT and excise duty.
- Premier Waste Management Limited v Towers [2011] EWCA Civ 923; [2012] B.C.C. 72; [2012] 1 B.C.L.C. 67; [2012] I.R.L.R. 73 – Acted as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal in a case involving the ambit of directors’ fiduciary duties and the extent of the no-profit rule.
Awards
- Arbitration Club Phillip Ranner Prize
- Kings College Construction Law Association Prize
- Lord Mansfield Scholar (BVC), Lincoln’s Inn
- Lord Haldane Scholar (CPE), Lincoln’s Inn
News
- Members of Chambers recognised by the Legal 500 EMEA 2023 for their construction expertise in the Middle East
- King v Stiefel: a useful guide to making and responding to wasted costs applications
Articles
- King v Stiefel: a useful guide to making and responding to wasted costs applications
- New Guidance Published on Responsible Contractual Behaviour
Events
Qualifications
- BA History (First Class), Oxford University
- CPE (Distinction), City University
- BVC (Very Competent), BPP University
- MSc Construction Law & Dispute Resolution (Distinction)
Memberships
- Technology and Construction Court Bar Association (TECBAR)
- Society of Construction Law
- Adjudication Society
- Young International Arbitration Group
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
- Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
- London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association (LCLCBA)
Recommendations
“Richard has provided comprehensive advice at all stages and has been particularly strong in conference, in complex and changing areas of law, coupled with strong drafting skills and advocacy.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Richard is great on detail, and on working with technical experts to ensure sometimes extremely complex technical issues are presented in the most effective and comprehensible way. He is very easy to get on with, user-friendly, and good with clients and experts.” “Tactically astute; very user friendly. No obvious weaknesses.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He is a pleasure to work with, extremely responsive and produces tightly written well considered pleadings and advice.” “”Richard is very good on the detail as well as the analysis of the law and expert issues.” “”He is a pleasure to work with, extremely responsive and produces tightly written well considered pleadings and advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2023
“He advises his clients with great skill and sensitivity and he’s an excellent team player and a brilliant advocate.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Richard is a class act and very knowledgeable. His key strengths from an international perspective are his ability to work as part of a team and his excellent tactical acumen. His advice is clear, concise, and commercially-minded.”
Legal 500, 2022
“His attention to detail is very good and he always thinks through to the end game. He is thoroughly easy to deal with, very approachable and very good with clients.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Richard’s technical expertise is first rate, but his true strength is his ability to communicate complex technical legal issues in a manner which is readily understandable by the lay clients.”
Legal 500, 2021
“A very responsive and thorough purveyor of sound, measured analysis. He is also very easy to deal with.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Very hardworking and will dedicate himself to a case. He is always available to provide a guiding hand and his advice is invaluable.” “His quiet confidence belies a sharp, keen mind and a steady, measured determination and focus that make him an incredibly reassuring and competent advocate to work with.” “He is tactically astute, responds quickly and has excellent drafting skills.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is sharp and focused and has an unassuming brilliance.” “He is very collaborative in his approach.” “He is exceptional and very highly regarded.”
Legal 500, 2020
“Extremely sensible and a really good, safe pair of hands.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020