Richard practices in the field of clinical negligence and personal injury litigation. He undertakes a broad spectrum of clinical negligence work acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants (including NHS Resolution, medical and dental defence organisations and the Ministry of Defence). Richard has experience of trials (both as sole counsel and as led junior counsel) and interlocutory hearings in clinical negligence matters, as well as healthcare related inquests. He also regularly attends conferences with experts. Furthermore, Richard has considerable experience of drafting pleadings and providing written advices on liability, evidence and quantum. He is regularly instructed on high value, complex and sensitive matters and his thorough preparation and attention for detail allows him to bring the best out of his client’s case.
Richard has experience of a variety of clinical negligence cases, including the following core areas:
- Brain injury
- Spinal/serious Injury
- Cancer
- Medical cases
- Surgical cases
- Gynaecology and Urology
Further details of Richard’s experience in the above areas can be found via the links to his specialist areas CVs.
Further Information
Richard is happy to undertake work on a conditional fee agreement basis where appropriate.
He has also given a number of talks and seminars about various aspects of civil procedure, clinical negligence, personal injury and inquest work.
Recommendations
"Richard is extremely knowledgeable in clinical negligence cases and in every new case, he does detailed research into that particular medical issue and understands the medical records and expert evidence. He is not afraid to challenge the medical experts in their field of expertise and ensures no stone is left unturned. He is extremely approachable and responds promptly to any queries. His work is always completed to a very high standard."
Legal 500 2023 Tier 1 (Clinical Negligence)
“An impressive junior who can boast notable experience in inquest work. He acts for both claimants and defendants in a range of complex clinical negligence cases, including those alleging failures in diagnoses and surgical errors. He has a very good eye for detail, is empathetic, and always goes out of his way to help.”
Chambers UK 2022 (Clinical Negligence)
“Meticulous, exceptionally analytical and well prepared. He provides superb tactical and pragmatic advice whilst also being precise and persuasive in written and oral argument.”
Legal 500 2022 Tier 1 (Clinical Negligence)
“An impressive barrister who has a strong command of Article 2 inquests involving prisons, or those examining the quality of medical care. He’s really pleasant to work with, very friendly and open and also has a very tactile manner in court. He is incredibly impressive and has such attention to detail.”
Chambers UK 2022 (Inquests and Public Inquiries)
“Incredibly well prepared and very thorough in his questioning of witnesses to bring out the best evidence.”
Legal 500 2022 Tier 1 (Inquests and Inquiries)
“He is technically extremely capable and is very meticulous in the work he does. His client care skills are also excellent, and he is always easy to get hold of.” “Very client-focused and attentive.” “A thorough advocate with an eye for detail.
Chambers UK 2021 (Clinical Negligence)
“Pragmatic and exceptionally analytical, with excellent strategic judgement and in-depth knowledge.”
Legal 500 2021 Tier 1 (Clinical Negligence)
“He was well prepared, approached the matter very well and had an impressive style on his feet.”
Chambers UK 2021 (Inquest and Inquiries)
Reported Cases
Atkinson v South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2014] EWHC 1590 (QB); [2014] All ER (D) 199 (May)
Appointments
Recorder (Civil and Crime)
Deputy Master (Queen’s Bench Division, High Court)
Assistant Coroner (2017-2021) for Birmingham and Solihull
Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional ‘B’ Panel)
Contributing Editor – ‘Civil Procedure (The White Book)’ since 2022
Senior Junior Counsel to the Inquiry – UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry
Awards
Inner Temple Prize for ‘Outstanding’ Bar Vocational Course Result (2010)
College of Law Prize for Top Overall Bar Vocational Course Result (2009/10)
College of Law Prize for Top Advocacy Assessment Results (2009/10)
Inner Temple Exhibition Award (2009)
Memberships
Midlands Circuit
Inner Temple (Exhibitioner, 2009)
PIBA
AvMA
Coroner’s Society
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Law with Business Studies, University of Warwick (First Class Honours)
Bar Vocational Course, College of Law (Outstanding, ranked overall 1st in year)
