I am a partner and Head of Commercial Litigation in Southampton. I am a highly experienced commercial litigator with over 30 years of experience handling cases of substantial value for a wide variety of clients, from public listed companies to owner managed businesses.
My most high profile case was Johnson v Gore Wood, a case which went to the House of Lords and is still the leading authority on abuse of process concerning claims brought by related parties.
My other reported cases include Youlton v Charles Russell, a £4 million professional negligence claim which involved a 6 day trial in the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice (and in which judgment was given in our client’s favour) and Kingsway Hall Hotel Limited v Red Sky IT (Hounslow) Limited, a ten day trial over defective software, which again was successfully decided in our client’s favour.
I am ranked Band 2 in Chambers and Partners 2020 and highlighted for my longstanding experience in commercial litigation, with a focus on contract claims, shareholder disputes, professional negligence and IP contentious matters. I have been quoted as “an excellent advocate, calm and controlled and a good communicator.”
"Richard is appreciated by clients, who describe him as ‘excellent’, offering a good mix of technical knowledge and technicality." - Chambers UK Guide
Areas of Expertise
Case Study
Acting for a consultant who provided services to a well known and long established asset finance business which successfully concluded in mediation.
Acting for a distributor of JCB branded power tool accessories and diamond blade cutting equipment in a contractual dispute over a joint venture which resulted in a 5 day trial in November 2017 in the High Court of Justice.
Advising on a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against a company director arising out of the use of a tax planning scheme with a claimed value of £4million +.
Acting for a major construction company in connection with a warranty claim arising out of a management buy out.
Acting for an Italian car manufacturer in a dispute with a British based automotive research company over the production of a prototype electric limousine.
Acting for a manufacturer of specialist equipment used in the oil field industry in a dispute with a joint venture partner over the fitness for purpose of a product manufactured by that partner following a claim by a leading US oil company which resulted in an 8 day trial in the Technology and Construction Court and success for our client.
Acting for a local property development company in connection with a professional negligence claim against a firm of Solicitors over a striking out of a claim following failure to comply with directions.
Away from the office
I enjoy reading, music, films, all forms of sport, albeit in a sedentary capacity.
