Richard now specialises exclusively in matters relating to children, where he regularly appears in all levels of the Family Division. His case load consists of the most complex and sensitive care proceedings where he represents many local authorities throughout the country in addition to his representation of parents and children. He is particularly skilled at unravelling complicated medical evidence and is highly sought after for lengthy High Court cases by parents, guardians and local authorities alike. He is regularly instructed in high profile cases involving the most serious of injuries, sexual abuse and fabricated or induced illness. He is well known for cases involving issues relating to immigration and the placement of children abroad.
Areas of Practice
Complex care proceedings
Allegations of Physical and sexual abuse
Non- accidental injury and Non- accidental head injury
Fabricated and induced illness
Cases involving the death of a child
Cases involving medical complexity and/or controversy
Lengthy fact-finding hearings
Complex adoption proceedings including those with an international element
Cases involving child abduction (Hague convention and Brussels II Revised)
Recommendations
“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.”
Chambers UK 2023
“He is particularly skilled in complex medical and sexual abuse cases.”
Chambers UK 2022
“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.”
Chambers UK 2021
Notable Cases
Re CTD (A Child: Rehearing) [2020] EWCA Civ 1316
Wolverhampton City Council v JA and Ors
[2017]
EWFC 62
RO v A local authority (1),N (2), TM (3),F (4)
[2014]
EWHC 97 (Fam)
A City Council v DC [2013] EWHC 8 (Fam)
[2013]
1 W.L.R. 3009,
Re X, Y and Z (children)
[2010] EWHC B12 (Fam) [2011 1 FLR 1045
LAB v KB (Abduction: Brussels II Revised)
[2009] EWHC 2243 (Fam) [2010] 2 FLR 1664
Re T (Abuse: Standard of Proof)
[2004] EWCA Civ 558 [2004] 2 FLR 838
