Richard is a partner in our employment law team, based in our Birmingham office. Richard's focus is on the commercial sector and, while I advise on all aspects of employment law, I have a particular focus on complex litigation. Over the years I have advised a number of high profile corporates including Debenhams, Kuehne + Nagel, Next Retail, One Stop Stores and two of the midlands’ biggest football clubs.

Clients have commented on my “can do” attitude and I like to think that they would say that I am always there to help them regardless of the time of day. Having acted for a number of football clubs and large retailers, it is impossible to know when an issue might crop up. So, often to the annoyance of my wife, I am there for clients whenever they need me.

Nothing gives me more satisfaction than achieving a great result for a client. I have supported clients through difficult reorganisations, complex outsourcing exercises and messy litigation. A particular example that springs to mind was helping a major global retailer with a series of connected tribunal claims involving five claimants, eight separate issues and a total of three weeks in front of the judge. While our objective is always to avoid litigation for our clients, sometimes this isn’t possible and we have to put our client’s best case across. To achieve a great result for the client in these circumstances (including a rare costs award), and to see the faces of the witnesses whose actions have been vindicated, still gives an immense sense of satisfaction even when I think back to it now.

Clients have described me as commercial and pragmatic with a “can do” attitude. I have been praised by clients for putting their interests first and fighting their corner while always being conscious of their costs. The guide to the legal profession, Legal 500, described me as being very experienced and the in house counsel at Next commented on how I always deliver commercial advice but seem to be able to do it with a sense of humour!

A very long time ago I used to be a professional tennis player. I guess this explains my competitive side and my desire to fight for the best outcome for clients. I don’t miss it, however, as I love what I do now. 

I take a real interest in the law, sitting on the Birmingham Law Society Employment Committee, regularly contributing to publications and speaking at seminars across the whole country.