Richard Coleman QC

Richard Coleman KC

Call 1994 | Silk 2012

"One of the top silks at the Bar. His advocacy is just phenomenal. He's a wonderful person to work with and has a razor-sharp intellect." "A seriously clever barrister. He has fantastic judgement and huge integrity."


Chambers & Partners (Professional Discipline)

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Katie Szewczyk

Katie Szewczyk
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0)20 7842 3710
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Oliver Duane
Team Leader
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Expertise

Harcus Sinclair LLP v Your Lawyers Ltd [2021] UKSC 32 [2021] 3 WLR 598

Acting for Your Lawyers at first instance, in the Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court in its dispute with Harcus Sinclair regarding the conduct of the VW group litigation (restrictive covenants and solicitors’ undertakings).


Barnes v Ingenious Media Ltd (Ingenious Litigation) [2019] EWHC 3299 (Ch) [2020] PNLR 10

Acting for Coutts and NatWest in their successful application to strike out claims based on (i) an alleged assumption of responsibility as lender to investors in film schemes intended to mitigate their tax liability and (ii) alleged vicarious liability for the negligent advice of the investors’ financial advisors (Banking & Finance, Commercial Dispute Resolution).


R (on the application of Holmcroft Properties Ltd) v KPMG LLP [2018] EWCA Civ 2093 [2020] Bus LR 203

Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in the judicial review challenge to KPMG’s approval of Barclays’ decision not to award compensation for alleged consequential losses under the redress scheme set up by Barclays in respect of the sale of interest rate hedging products (Administrative & Public Law).


Solicitors Regulation Authority v Wingate & Another and Malins v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2018] EWCA Civ 366; [2018] 1 WLR 3969

Acting for the SRA in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, Administrative Court and Court of Appeal in a case concerning the meaning of integrity in professional codes of conduct (Professional Discipline).


Law Society v Blavo [2018] EWCA Civ 2250; [2018] 1 WLR 1977

Acting for the SRA in an appeal concerning a challenge to its intervention powers and the recoverability of intervention costs by issuing a statutory demand (Administrative & Public law; Professional Discipline).


Solicitors Regulation Authority v Libby [2017] EWHC 973 (Admin); [2017] A.C.D. 81

Acting for the SRA in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and in the Administrative Court in disciplinary proceedings concerning misuse of money advanced under a litigation funding agreement (Professional Discipline).


Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd v Independent Power Tanzania Ltd, VIP Engineering and Marketing Limited & Another [2016] Civ 411, [2016] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 740, [2016] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 25, [2016] 1 C.L.C. 750

Acting for VIP in its challenge to the jurisdiction of the English Courts over a dispute arising from the financing of a power plant in Tanzania (Commercial Dispute Resolution, Banking & Finance).


Scotts Atlantic Management Ltd (in liquidation) v HMRC [2015] UKUT 66 (TCC), [2015] S.T.C. 1321, [2015] B.T.C. 504

Acting for HMRC before the First-tier Tribunal and on appeal to the Upper Tribunal in tax proceedings concerning employee benefit trusts and the wholly and exclusively rule (tax).


Sea-Cargo Skips AS v State Bank of India [2013] EWHC 177 (Comm), [2013] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 477

Acting for the State Bank of India in proceedings relating to the enforcement of a demand bond in connection with a shipbuilding contract (Commercial Dispute Resolution, Banking & Finance).


Solicitors Regulation Authority v Dennison [2012] EWCA Civ 421, (2012) 162 N.L.J. 542

Acting for the SRA in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, Administrative Court and Court of Appeal in proceedings concerning conflict of interest, dishonesty and sanction (Professional Discipline).


R (on the application of British Bankers Association) v Financial Services Authority [2011] EWHC 999 (Admin), [2011] Bus L.R. 1531, [2011] A.C.D. 71

Acting for the Financial Services Authority in the British Bankers Association’s claim for judicial review of rules and guidance for handling complaints about the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI)  (Banking & Finance, Administrative and Public Law).


HMRC v Lansdowne Partners LP [2011] EWCA Civ 1578, [2012] S.T.C. 544, 81 T.C. 318, [2012] B.T.C. 12, [2012] S.T.I. 36

Acting for HMRC in an appeal concerning mutual trading (Tax).


Ministry of Defence v Cartner [2011] EWCA Civ 1516, [2012] I.C.R. D17

Acting for the Ministry of Defence in its appeal against findings of sex discrimination.


Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National Plc (Bank Charges litigation) [2009] UKSC 6 | [2010] 1 A.C. 696, [2009] 3 W.L.R. 1215, [2010] 1 All E.R. 667, [2010] 2 All E.R. (Comm) 945, [2010] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 281, [2010] 1 C.M.L.R. 44, [2010] Eu. L.R. 309, (2009) 159 N.L.J. 1702 | (2009) 153(45) S.J.L.B 28, Times, November 26, 2009

Acting for the Office of Fair Trading in proceedings concerning whether charges imposed on current account customers who go overdrawn are subject to the test of fairness under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations (Banking & Finance, Regulatory & Investigations).


Fox Hayes v Financial Services Authority [2009] EWCA Civ 76, [2009] 1 B.C.L.C. 603 (2009), 106(9) L.S.G. 17, [2009] Bus. L.R. D109

Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in enforcement proceedings before the FSMA tribunal and in the Court of Appeal relating to the approval of financial promotions (Banking and Finance, Regulatory & Investigations).


Kuenyehia v International Hospitals Group Ltd [2006] EWCA Civ; [2006] C.P.Rep 34

Dismissal of proceedings that had not been served in time (service of claim forms – dispensing with service).


Halley v Law Society [2003] EWCA Civ 97, 153 N.L.J. 262, Independent, March 31, 2003

Acting for the Law Society in proceedings regarding the entitlement to the proceeds of fraud held in a solicitor’s client account (Civil Fraud).


Lubbe & Ors v Cape Plc [2000] 1 WLR 1545, [2000] 4 All E.R. 268, [2000] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 383, [2003] 1 C.L.C. 655, [2001] I.L.Pr. 12, (2000) 144 S.J.L.B. 250, Times, July 27, 2000, Independent, July 26, 2000 (House of Lords)

Acting for Cape Plc in a leading case on forum non conveniens (Commercial Dispute Resolution).

Richard has very broad experience of administrative and public law, especially as it relates to the regulation of financial and legal services and to professional discipline. He regularly advises on public law issues related to the exercise of the Financial Conduct Authority’s powers under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Notable Administrative & Public Law Cases


Advising the Financial Conduct Authority on regulatory issues arising from the test case concerning business interruption insurance claims arising from COVID-19.


Advising on regulatory issues in the financial services sector arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.


Advising regarding the scope of cover under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.


Solicitors Regulation v Solicitor Z (Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal)

Acting for the SRA in an application by Solicitor Z to stay disciplinary proceedings on the grounds that they breached article 2 right (right to life) and article 8 (right to respect for family life) under the European Convention of Human Rights.


R (on the application of Holmcroft Properties Ltd) v KPMG LLP (Barclays & The Financial Conduct Authority intervening) [2018] EWCA Civ 2093)

Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in the judicial review challenge to KPMG’s approval of Barclays’ decision not to award compensation for alleged consequential losses under the redress scheme set up by Barclays in respect of the sale of interest rate hedging products.


The Law Society v Blavo [2018] EWCA Civ 2250; [2018] 1 WLR 1977

Acting for the Law Society in a challenge to intervention powers and to recoverability of intervention costs by issuing a statutory demand.


Advising a regulator in relation to a threatened application for an injunction preventing publication of a decision to institute disciplinary proceedings.


Advising on questions of public law in relation to the listing and regulation of securities


British Bankers Association v The Financial Services Authority [2011] EW HC 999 (Admin)

Acting for the Financial Services Authority in the British Bankers Association’s claim for judicial review of rules and guidance for handling complaints about the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI).


R (on the application of Kaupthing Bank HF) v HM Treasury [2009] EW HC 2542 (Admin)

Acting for HM Treasury in a claim by an Icelandic bank for judicial review of the Treasury’s order transferring the bank’s deposits.


Yukos v Financial Services Authority & the London Stock Exchange (2006)

Acting for the Financial Services Authority in a claim brought by Yukos, the Russian Oil company, against the decision to permit Rosneft’s securities to be listed on the London Stock Exchange.


Acting for HM Revenue & Customs in proceedings brought by a taxpayer for judicial review of a decision concerning the taxpayer’s liability to pay capital gains tax.

Notable Aviation & Travel Cases


India Airlines Limited v Gia International Limited

cting in a dispute between an airline and aircraft supplier arising out of the failure to supply aircraft.


Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited v LTE International Airways SA

Acting in a dispute regarding the condition of aircraft leased to an airline.


Advising on public law issues regarding the Civil Aviation Authority’s powers.

Richard has very broad experience of banking and financial services disputes. He is a co-author of the chapter on the documentary credits in The Law of Banks Payments (5th ed 2017, edited by Brindle and Cox). He has been involved in the resolution of many of the important banking and financial issues of recent times (see Richard’s recent highlights above). He is regularly consulted on the application of the Unfair Consumer Contract Terms Directive 93/13/EEC to banking and financial services contracts.

Notable Banking & Finance Cases


The Ingenious Litigation

Acting for banks in large multi-party proceedings arising from alleged negligent advice and lending in relation to film finance tax avoidance schemes, including on a successful application to strike out claims brought against the banks as lender and on the basis of vicarious liability for the advice given by financial advisors ([2019] EWHC 3299 (Ch), [2020] PNLR 10).


Financial Reporting Council v KPMG & David Costley-Wood

Acting for the Financial Reporting Council in disciplinary proceedings arising out of events preceding the collapse into administration of Silentnight, the bed manufacturer: £13 million fine imposed on KPMG; £500,000 fine and 13-year exclusion order imposed on Mr Costley-Wood (report dated July 2021).


Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited v VIP Engineering & Marketing Limited [2016] EWCA Civ 411 [2016] 1 CLC 750

Acting for a borrower in a jurisdiction dispute regarding the enforcement of a syndicated loan advanced to finance the construction of a power plant in Tanzania.


Acting for a bank in an international investigation concerning its involvement in the manipulation of LIBOR, culminating in a global settlement with regulators in the UK and the US.


Acting for Guernsey funds (SPL) in litigation in the Commercial Court and in Guernsey against an investment manager following the collapse of the Arch-Cru funds ([2014] EWHC 4268 (Comm)).


Acting for State Bank of India in a number of disputes concerning whether the bank was liable to pay under demand bonds, e.g. Sea-Cargo Skips AS v State Bank of India [2013] EWHC 177 (Comm) [2013] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 477.


Acting for independent financial advisers who sold Keydata investments in Commercial Court proceedings brought by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.


Acting in many disputes regarding interest rate swaps and other hedging products (including the leading cases Crestsign v RBS (appellate proceedings only) and Thornbridge v Barclays).


Advising as to the application of the Unfair Consumer Contract Terms Directive 93/13/EEC to banking and financial services contracts.


Advising on compliance issues concerning execution-only sales of pension annuities.


Acting in a dispute concerning the beneficial ownership of money in a bank account that was said to be subject to a Quistclose trust.


Acting for a bank in a dispute involving allegations of breach of confidence arising out of the acquisition of a chain of petrol stations.


Acting for a bank in a lender liability claim.


Acting for investment managers in various disputes over the management of investment portfolios pursuant to discretionary mandates.


British Bankers Association v The Financial Services Authority [2011] EW HC 999 (Admin)

Acting for the Financial Services Authority in the British Bankers Association’s claim for judicial review of rules and guidance for handling complaints about the sale of payment protection insurance (PPI).


Financial Services Authority v Fox Hayes [2009] Bus. L.R. D109 (Court of Appeal)

Acting for the Financial Services Authority in the first appeal by the Financial Services Authority from a decision of the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal to the Court of Appeal.


Acting for the Financial Services Authority in a challenge by Atlantic Law LLP/Greystoke against various sanctions imposed by the Financial Services Authority in relation to breaches of the FSA’s Principles and Conduct of Business Rules.


Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in enforcement proceedings before the Regulatory Decisions Committee.


Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National Plc [2010] 1 AC (Supreme Court)

Acting for the Office of Fair Trading in the Bank Charges Litigation.


Log Book Loans Limited/Nine Regions Limited v Office of Fair Trading

Acting for the Office of Fair Trading in appeals against its decision to revoke the consumer credit licence of a lender that advanced money against the security of a bill of sale over the borrower’s vehicle.

Richard has acted in proceedings involving allegations of legal and equitable fraud, including between shareholders.

Notable Civil Fraud Cases


Acting for Guernsey (SPL) investment funds in litigation in the Commercial Court and in Guernsey against an investment manager arising from the collapse of the Arch-Cru funds [2014] EWHC 4268 (Comm).


Acting for reinsurance brokers Willis in Commercial Court proceedings brought by American Reliable for alleged dishonest assistance of breach of fiduciary duty in relation to the placing of reinsurance in the PA LMX spiral.


Thyssen Litigation

Acting for the trustee in proceedings in Bermuda in which the settlor sought to have a family trust set aside on the grounds that it had been procured by abuse of confidence.


Acting for the defendants in claims brought in the Chancery Division by shareholders alleging that the sale of their shares had been procured by fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy to injure.


Halley v The Law Society [2003] EWCA Civ 97, 153 N.L.J. 262, Independent, March 31, 2003

Acting for The Law Society in its defence of a claim to recover the proceeds of a fraudulent transaction deposited in a solicitor’s client account.


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in numerous prosecutions arising out of solicitors’ involvement in dubious financial transactions.

Notable Commercial Disputes Cases


Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in the test case concerning whether business interruption claims arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are covered by certain policy wordings (the first case to be admitted under the Financial List’s Financial Markets Test Case Scheme).


The Ingenious Litigation

Acting for banks in large multi-party proceedings arising from alleged negligent advice and lending in relation to film finance tax avoidance schemes, including on a successful application to strike out claims brought against the banks as lender and on the basis of vicarious liability for the advice given by financial advisors ([2019] EWHC 3299 (Ch), [2020] PNLR 10).


Acting for Your Lawyers in the High Court, in the Court of Appeal and in the Supreme Court in a dispute with Harcus Sinclair regarding the conduct of the VW Emissions Litigation [2021] UKSC 32 [2021] 3 WLR 598.


Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited v VIP Engineering and Marketing Limited [2016] EWCA Civ 411 [2016] 1 CLC 750

Acting for a borrower in a jurisdiction dispute regarding the enforcement of a syndicated loan advanced to finance the construction of a power plant in Tanzania.


Acting for Guernsey funds (SPL) in litigation in the Commercial Court and in Guernsey against an investment manager following the collapse of the Arch-Cru funds ([2014] EWHC 4268 (Comm)).


Acting in charging order proceedings to enforce the judgment of the Commercial Court obtained by Kazakhstan Kagazy plc against Baglan Zhunus and others in respect of the misappropriation of assets in Kazakhstan.


Tchenguiz Litigation

Acting on an interlocutory application.


Advising on the management of group litigation arising from an industrial accident.


Acting for a bondholder in a dispute with the issuer regarding the enforceability of a settlement agreement alleged to have been induced by misrepresentation.


Acting in a dispute regarding the identity of the authorised representatives of a sovereign wealth fund.


Acting for independent financial advisers who sold Keydata investments in proceedings brought by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.


Acting in many disputes regarding interest rate swaps and other hedging products (including the leading cases Crestsign v RBS (appellate proceedings only) and Thornbridge v Barclays).


Acting for a bank in a dispute involving allegations of breach of confidence arising out of the acquisition of a chain of petrol stations.


Acting in a dispute over an investment bank’s valuation of shares.


Acting for a bank in a dispute regarding a bank’s alleged breach of mandate concerning bearer shares.


Office of Fair Trading v Abbey National plc [2010] 1 AC (Supreme Court)

Acting for the Office of Fair Trading in the Bank Charges Litigation.


Acting for reinsurance brokers Willis in Commercial Court proceedings brought by American Reliable for alleged dishonest assistance of breach of fiduciary in relation to the placing of reinsurance in the PA LMX spiral.


Acting for investment managers in various disputes over the alleged mismanagement of investment portfolios pursuant to discretionary mandates.


Lubbe & Ors v Cape plc [2000] 1 WLR 1545 (House of Lords)

Acting for Cape plc in a leading case on forum non conveniens.


Giving expert evidence in Icelandic insolvency proceedings in relation to a guarantee issued by a failed Icelandic bank.


Giving expert evidence on English law and practice in proceedings in California.


Advising on English law issues arising in bankruptcy proceedings in the US concerning a litigation funding agreement.

Notable Commercial Disputes - Conflicts of laws Cases


Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited v VIP Engineering and Marketing Limited [2016] EWCA Civ 411 [2016] 1 CLC 750

Acting for a borrower in a jurisdiction dispute regarding the enforcement of a syndicated loan advanced to finance the construction of a power plant in Tanzania.


Acting for State Bank of India in anti-suit injunction proceedings.


Lubbe & Ors v Cape plc [2000] 1 WLR 1545 (House of Lords)

Acting for Cape plc in a leading case on forum non conveniens.

As a member of the Attorney General’s panels (including the A Panel from 2007-2012), Richard gained a wide experience of complex and sensitive employment litigation. He has also acted in high-value employment claims for and against financial institutions.

Notable Employment Cases


Acting in ongoing High Court proceedings brought by former employees of the Cayman-based Xio Group.


Ministry of Defence v Cartner ([2011] EWCA Civ 1516, [2012] ICRD 17 (Court of Appeal)

Acting for the Ministry of Defence in its appeal against findings of sex discrimination.


Acting for HM Prison Service in a claim for sex discrimination and harassment.


Kenney v Ministry of Defence (UKEAT/0614/07)

Acting for the Ministry of Defence in a claim for sex discrimination.


Acting for the HM Prison Service in a claim under the Disability Discrimination Act 1996.


Acting for an investment bank in a claim for sex and race discrimination.


Acting for a Government Department facing multiple redundancy claims.


Acting for a chief executive of a public company in a wrongful dismissal claim.


Acting for a senior employee of a private equity firm in a wrongful dismissal claim for unpaid bonus and other contractual entitlements.


Acting for a public company in a dispute concerning an employee’s entitlement to shares.


Acting in wrongful dismissal proceedings between an orchestra and its former conductor.

Richard was named ‘Financial Services & Insurance Silk of the Year’ at The Legal 500‘s 2023 Bar Awards.

Notable Insurance Cases


Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in the test case concerning whether business interruption claims arising from the COVID-19 pandemic are covered by certain policy wordings (the first case to be admitted under the Financial List’s Financial Markets Test Case Scheme).


Acting for reinsurance brokers Willis in Commercial Court proceedings brought by American Reliable for alleged dishonest assistance of breach of fiduciary duty in relation to the placing of reinsurance in the PA LMX spiral.


Advising on insurance issues arising from the split capital trusts scandal.


Acting for insurers in a substantial coverage dispute.

Richard has considerable experience of arbitration under the various arbitral rules.

Notable International Arbitration Cases


Acting in a dispute concerning an international sale of fertilizer (before Lord Collins, Sir Mark Waller and Sir Simon Tuckey).


Acting in a dispute regarding a bank’s liability to pay under a demand bond.


Acting in a dispute concerning the buyer’s obligation to open a letter of credit.


Acting in a dispute between a nation state and an international oil company concerning an oil exploration concession.


Acting in a dispute between an insurer and a law firm concerning the firm’s professional indemnity cover.


Acting in a dispute concerning the charter of a luxury yacht.

Notable Media & Entertainment Cases


Acting in the civil proceedings arising from the Ingenious film schemes.


Acting in a dispute regarding the production rights to an album by “Garbage”.


Acting in an action for an account between two music companies.


Acting in a wrongful dismissal proceedings between an orchestra and its former conductor.

Notable Offshore Cases


Advising in relation to English law issues relevant to proceedings pending before the courts in Cayman Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, and Hong Kong regarding a private equity fund.


Thyssen Litigation

Acting for the trustees in the litigation in Bermuda (a challenge to a private trust).


Advising in relation to proceedings in Guernsey concerning the Arch Cru funds.


Expert witness in proceedings in California between an aircraft manufacturer and a Russian space company.


Expert witness on English law in Icelandic bankruptcy proceedings.

Shortlisted by Chambers & Partners as Professional Discipline Silk of the Year in 2017 and in 2020, Richard has substantial experience of disciplinary proceedings and investigations in relation to the financial services industry and the legal profession and is regularly instructed in matters involving the Financial Conduct Authority, the Financial Reporting Council, the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Richard has 20 years’ of experience acting for and advising law firms, solicitors and the Solicitors Regulation Authority in relation to regulatory issues (including reporting obligations, investigations and disciplinary proceedings) and has been involved in a number of the leading cases, including Clifford Chance, Baker McKenzie (Tom Cassels) and Mischon de Reya (Liz Ellen).

Notable Professional Discipline - Financial Services Cases


Financial Conduct Authority v Aviva Plc

Acting for the Financial Conduct Authority in enforcement proceedings against Aviva Plc for failing to take reasonable care to ensure that information in a market announcement regarding its ability to cancel certain shares issued by Aviva and General Accident at par, and its consideration of whether or not to do so, was not misleading and did not omit anything likely to affect the import of the information in the announcement, in breach of Listing Rule 1.3.3R and Transparency Rule 1A.3.2 (Final Notice 26 October 2020).


Financial Reporting Council v KPMG & David Costley-Wood

Acting for the Financial Reporting Council in disciplinary proceedings arising out of events preceding the collapse into administration of Silentnight: £13 million fine imposed on KPMG; £500,000 fine and 13-year exclusion order imposed on Mr Costley-Wood (report dated July 2021).


Financial Services Authority v Fox Hayes [2009] Bus. L.R. D109 (Court of Appeal)

Acting for the Financial Services Authority in the first appeal from the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal to the Court of Appeal.


Acting for the Financial Services Authority in a challenge by Atlantic Law LLP/Greystoke against various sanctions imposed by the Financial Services Authority in relation to breaches of the FSA’s Principles and Conduct of Business Rules.


Log Book Loans Limited/Nine Regions Limited v Office of Fair Trading

Acting for the Office of Fair Trading in appeals against its decision to revoke the consumer credit licence of a lender that advanced money against the security of a bill of sale over the borrower’s vehicle.

Richard has 20 years’ of experience acting for and advising law firms, solicitors and the Solicitors Regulation Authority in relation to regulatory issues (including reporting obligations, investigations and disciplinary proceedings) and has been involved in a number of the leading cases, including Clifford ChanceBaker McKenzie (Tom Cassels) and Mischon de Reya (Liz Ellen).

Notable Professional Discipline - Lawyers Cases


Acting for Liz Ellen in disciplinary proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal against Mischon De Reya and Ms Ellen (allegations against Ms Ellen dismissed).


Acting for Tom Cassels in the disciplinary proceedings brought against him, Gary Senior and Baker & McKenzie in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (allegations against Mr Cassels dismissed).


Solicitors Regulation v Solicitor Z (Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal)

Acting for the SRA in an application by Solicitor Z to stay proceedings on the grounds that they breached article 2 (right to life) and article 8 (right to respect for family life) of the European Convention of Human Rights.


Axiom Fund Collapse

Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in Solicitors Regulation Authority v Wingate & another and Malins v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2018] EWCA Civ 366 [2018] 1 WLR 3969 (the leading case on professional standards) and in a number of other cases arising out of the collapse of the Axiom fund (including Solicitors Regulation Authority v Libby [2017] EWHC 973 (Admin), [2017] A.C.D. 81).


Solicitors Regulation Authority v Clifford Chance LLP and Alexandros Panayides Case No. 11716-2017

Acting for Clifford Chance LLP in disciplinary proceedings arising out of the conduct of the Excalibur Litigation.


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in proceedings against Howard Kennedy LLP.


Acting for Your Lawyers in a dispute with Harcus Sinclair regarding the conduct of the VW Emissions (the leading case on the enforcement of solicitors’ undertakings): [2021] UKSC 32; [2021] 3 WLR 598.


The Law Society v Blavo [2018] EWCA Civ 2250

Acting for the Law Society in a challenge to intervention powers and to recoverability of intervention costs by issuing a statutory demand.


Acting for Zahid Dar in the appeal and cross-appeal to the Administrative Court ([2019] EWHC 2831 (Admin)).


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in proceedings against Christopher Charles Edward Hayes [2018] EWHC 1248 (Admin).


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the disciplinary proceedings arising out of the conduct of a solicitor acting for the purchasers’ Spanish property who had been defrauded.


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in proceedings concerning the effect of the statutory trust that arises upon intervention into a firm.


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the disciplinary proceedings against former partners of Rowe Cohen in respect of the firm’s work under the TAG scheme – the decision in respect of one partner was appealed to the Court of Appeal (Solicitors Regulation Authority v Dennison [2012] EWCA Civ 421, (2012) 162 N.L.J. 542).


Mulla v Solicitors Regulation Authority [2010] EW HC 3077 (Admin)

Acting for the claimant in a judicial review of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s decision to refuse to issue a certificate of enrolment.


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in an appeal against the penalty imposed by the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal on two former partners of Fox Hayes.


Acting for a King’s Counsel facing allegations of professional misconduct.


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in a number of proceedings in the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal arising from solicitors’ involvement in dubious investment transactions (The Law Society v Simms [2005] ALL ER (D) 281 (Mar), The Law Society v Wilson-Smith and The Law Society v Barnett).


Acting for the Solicitors Regulation Authority in contested interventions under the Solicitors Act 1974.

Notable Professional Negligence Cases


The Ingenious Litigation

Acting for banks in large multi-party proceedings arising from alleged negligent advice and lending in relation to film finance tax avoidance schemes, including on a successful application to strike out claims brought against the banks as lender and on the basis of vicarious liability for the advice given by financial advisors ([2019] EWHC 3299 (Ch), [2020] PNLR 10).


Acting for Guernsey investment funds (SPL) in a claim against an investment manager for dishonest assistance and professional negligence arising from the collapse of the Arch-Cru funds ([2014] EWHC 4268 (Comm)).


Acting for investment managers in various disputes over the alleged mismanagement of investment portfolios pursuant to discretionary mandates.

Notable Sports Cases


Acting for Frank Warren’s company (Sports Network) in a dispute with another boxing promoter.

Richard has been instructed by HM Revenue & Customs in a number of significant revenue matters in the High Court and in the specialist tribunals concerning issues such as:

  • Employee benefit trusts and tax avoidance
  • Mutual trading and discovery
  • Corporation tax relief
  • Film finance tax avoidance schemes
  • Chargeable gains
  • Capital allowances
  • Non-trading loan relationships

Notable Tax Cases


Scotts Atlantic Management Limited & Another v HMRC [2015] UKUT 0066 (TCC)

Employee benefit trusts and tax avoidance.


HMRC v Lansdowne Partners Limited ([2011] EWCA Civ 1578, [2012] STC 544)

Mutual trading and discovery.


Marks & Spencer

Corporation tax relief and the surrender of losses by foreign subsidiaries and the repercussions of the decision of the ECJ in the Marks & Spencer case.

"Methodical, calm and unflappable - the complete barrister who acts with complete integrity with everything he does."


Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

"A well-regarded figure across the City, who is appreciated for his talent and experience in both litigation and other modes of dispute resolution."


Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

"A superb tactician and excellent advocate."


The Legal 500 (Commercial Litigation)

"Richard is a calm and unflappable barrister, who can distil a case to its core issues. He handles his client’s case with deadly but always good humoured effectiveness."


The Legal 500 (Professional Negligence)

"A superb value silk and one of the first choices for banking disputes."


Chambers & Partners (Banking & Finance)

"A world expert in mis-selling matters and a first choice for investment or hedging product cases."


The Legal 500 (Banking & Finance)

"An extremely strong barrister particularly on the claimant side of complex banking cases. The one you need for trial in a difficult banking case. He is courageous but also measured."


The Legal 500 (Banking & Finance)

"A go-to barrister for difficult pieces of work. He's brilliant, can distil concepts into simple ideas, and is incredibly flexible in the way he works. He gets things back to you in good time and he's incredibly willing to get into the detail. Nothing is too much trouble for him."


Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

"Very thorough, user-friendly and courteous. Excellent with complicated legal detail and a brilliant advocate. He is resilient, persistent and has an excellent legal mind."


Chambers & Partners (Professional Discipline)

Chambers & Partners – Global
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
Chambers & Partners
  • Banking & Finance
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Financial Services
  • Professional Discipline (Band 1)
The Legal 500
  • Banking & Finance (Tier 1)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Financial Services Regulation (Tier 1)
  • Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law (Tier 1)
  • Professional Negligence

  • LLM, Yale Law School
  • MA, Cambridge University: Richard was awarded a 1st overall in each year at Cambridge University (1987-1990), gaining a 1st in 13 out of 14 subjects, and coming 1st equal in his first year, 1st in his second year and 4th in his third year, as well as achieving the highest marks in his year in Commercial Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Roman Law I and Roman Law II.

  • Called to the New York Bar

  • 2012: King’s Counsel
  • 2007 – 2012: Attorney General’s A Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown
  • 2004 – 2007: Attorney General’s B Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown
  • 1999 – 2004: Attorney General’s C Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown
  • 1995: Member of the New York Bar (non-practising)
  • Hardwicke Scholar
  • Inns of Court Studentship
  • Various Cambridge University prizes for coming first equal in year in part IA of the Tripos, first in year in part IB, first in year in Constitutional Law, first in year in Roman Law I, first in year in Roman Law II and first in year in Commercial Law; College Land law prize
  • Girdlers’ Scholarship (1987) (awarded each year to one New Zealander to study for an undergraduate degree at Cambridge University)

Richard’s other experience includes:

  • 1991 – 1992: Working for a year at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, a U.S law firm, in Washington D.C.
  • 1998: Working for three months in the project finance and arbitration department of Gide Loyrette Nouel in Paris
  • 2002 – 2013: Teaching on and assisting with the organisation of the South Eastern Circuit’s Advanced International Advocacy course
  • 2005 – present: Teaching advocacy in Lincoln’s Inn
  • Case assessor for the Bar Pro Bono Unit for several years
  • 1996 – 2003: Advising at the Legal Advice Centre in Bethnal Green

  • Richard is a co-author of the chapter on the documentary credits in The Law of Banks Payments (5th ed 2017, edited by Brindle and Cox).

  • French (working knowledge)

For enquiries please contact

Katie Szewczyk

Katie Szewczyk
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0)20 7842 3710
Click here to email

Oliver Duane
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3779
Click here to email

"Methodical, calm and unflappable - the complete barrister who acts with complete integrity with everything he does."


Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

"A well-regarded figure across the City, who is appreciated for his talent and experience in both litigation and other modes of dispute resolution."


Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

"A superb tactician and excellent advocate."


The Legal 500 (Commercial Litigation)

"Richard is a calm and unflappable barrister, who can distil a case to its core issues. He handles his client’s case with deadly but always good humoured effectiveness."


The Legal 500 (Professional Negligence)

"A superb value silk and one of the first choices for banking disputes."


Chambers & Partners (Banking & Finance)

"A world expert in mis-selling matters and a first choice for investment or hedging product cases."


The Legal 500 (Banking & Finance)

"An extremely strong barrister particularly on the claimant side of complex banking cases. The one you need for trial in a difficult banking case. He is courageous but also measured."


The Legal 500 (Banking & Finance)

"A go-to barrister for difficult pieces of work. He's brilliant, can distil concepts into simple ideas, and is incredibly flexible in the way he works. He gets things back to you in good time and he's incredibly willing to get into the detail. Nothing is too much trouble for him."


Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

"Very thorough, user-friendly and courteous. Excellent with complicated legal detail and a brilliant advocate. He is resilient, persistent and has an excellent legal mind."


Chambers & Partners (Professional Discipline)

Chambers & Partners – Global
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
Chambers & Partners
  • Banking & Finance
  • Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Financial Services
  • Professional Discipline (Band 1)
The Legal 500
  • Banking & Finance (Tier 1)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Financial Services Regulation (Tier 1)
  • Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law (Tier 1)
  • Professional Negligence

  • LLM, Yale Law School
  • MA, Cambridge University: Richard was awarded a 1st overall in each year at Cambridge University (1987-1990), gaining a 1st in 13 out of 14 subjects, and coming 1st equal in his first year, 1st in his second year and 4th in his third year, as well as achieving the highest marks in his year in Commercial Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Roman Law I and Roman Law II.

  • Called to the New York Bar

  • 2012: King’s Counsel
  • 2007 – 2012: Attorney General’s A Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown
  • 2004 – 2007: Attorney General’s B Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown
  • 1999 – 2004: Attorney General’s C Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown
  • 1995: Member of the New York Bar (non-practising)
  • Hardwicke Scholar
  • Inns of Court Studentship
  • Various Cambridge University prizes for coming first equal in year in part IA of the Tripos, first in year in part IB, first in year in Constitutional Law, first in year in Roman Law I, first in year in Roman Law II and first in year in Commercial Law; College Land law prize
  • Girdlers’ Scholarship (1987) (awarded each year to one New Zealander to study for an undergraduate degree at Cambridge University)

Richard’s other experience includes:

  • 1991 – 1992: Working for a year at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, a U.S law firm, in Washington D.C.
  • 1998: Working for three months in the project finance and arbitration department of Gide Loyrette Nouel in Paris
  • 2002 – 2013: Teaching on and assisting with the organisation of the South Eastern Circuit’s Advanced International Advocacy course
  • 2005 – present: Teaching advocacy in Lincoln’s Inn
  • Case assessor for the Bar Pro Bono Unit for several years
  • 1996 – 2003: Advising at the Legal Advice Centre in Bethnal Green

  • Richard is a co-author of the chapter on the documentary credits in The Law of Banks Payments (5th ed 2017, edited by Brindle and Cox).

  • French (working knowledge)

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