Richard Hadley KC is a specialist silk in all aspects of Child Law, both public and private.
Richard is a well-respected and highly sought after practitioner in the most sensitive and highly complex child law cases. He has a national reputation having acted in some of the largest and high profile cases involving inflicted injury, death, fabricated illness and sexual abuse.
He is well-known for the forensic rigour he brings to his cases, and for his compassionate and personable approach to his clients who include parents, local authorities and children. He is viewed as a formidable but fair advocate who enjoys the respect of his opponents. In private law disputes, he has a particular interest and expertise in intractable contact disputes and ‘parental alienation’.
Richard regularly represents parents, children and local authorities in public law proceedings and parents or guardians in highly complex private law proceedings. He has a particular expertise in cases involving medical issues and has appeared in a number of high profile cases involving allegations of sexual abuse. He regularly acts in cases concerned with inflicted injury (including brain injury), the death of a child, poisoning and emotional abuse.
In public law cases, Richard has extensive experience of complex adoption proceedings, including those with an international element. In private law cases, Richard has a particular interest in those cross-over cases between private and public law where issues of implaccable hostility and parental alienation arise.
No5 Barristers’ Chambers is “a fantastic set with an incredible strength in depth” Legal 500 2026 Chambers is delighted to be ranked in 16 practice areas…
On 21 February 2025, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Re M (Care Order: Risk: Family Placement) [2025] EWCA Civ 163. Stefano Nuvoloni KC and…
"Richard is the best junior barrister in Birmingham. He is a master tactician; he can see a case and build a picture"
"Richard’s level of detail and analysis is exceptional"
"Richard has an amazing legal mind. His knowledge of law and procedure is second to none"
"Richard is an outstanding junior who has been instructed on many occasions in some extremely complex matters. Richard offers an excellent service to his clients." "Richard has a measured and engaging advocacy style." "Richard is a superb advocate. He has the ability to simplify matters with ease, and a sharp mind, and his tactical awareness is second to none."
"He is particularly skilled in complex medical and sexual abuse cases."
"He has an assured and confident style. His cross-examination is erudite and purposeful. His case preparation is flawless and he is always willing to help and advise." "He is the best junior barrister on the West Midlands Circuit. So calm, assured and well prepared, and you know that the other parties respect what he has to say. He is a master tactician, always thinking two or three moves ahead of his opponents."
No5 Barristers’ Chambers is “a fantastic set with an incredible strength in depth” Legal 500 2026 Chambers is delighted to be ranked in 16 practice areas…
On 21 February 2025, the Court of Appeal handed down judgment in Re M (Care Order: Risk: Family Placement) [2025] EWCA Civ 163. Stefano Nuvoloni KC and…
