Richard, who read English and Law at Cambridge, has been associated with the firm for more than 50 years, and has been a Consultant since 2001, following his retirement as senior partner. During his long career, he has been the legal adviser to numerous well-known private clients and commercial and charitable organisations. He has specialised in maritime, commercial, charity and ecclesiastical law, for long periods acting as legal adviser to bodies such as the Dover Harbour Board, The King’s School Canterbury and the Canterbury Diocese.

He is the author of a number of publications, including three sections of Halsbury’s Laws of England and The Collision Regulations, as well as a treatise on the history of chancel repair liability and two major Government Reports: on the Review of Air Proximity Hazards and on National Preparedness for Mass Fatalities. He has lectured widely on Disaster Planning.

He has also held many public appointments. As Coroner for East Kent for more than 20 years, Richard conducted many high profile inquests, including those following the capsize of the Herald of Free Enterprise and the Deal Bombing. He has served at board level in organisations such as the Civil Aviation Authority, National Air Traffic Services, the Consumer Council for Water, Canterbury Christ Church University and the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. He was also the founding Chairman of Invicta Radio. He has been involved in many charities and is currently a Council Member of St John Ambulance for Kent.

He holds an honorary doctorate in Civil Law from the University of Kent, an Honorary Fellowship of Canterbury Christ Church University, a Life Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts and the OBE. He is also a member of the Order of St John.

Richard, although retired from full-time work, remains available to provide advice on areas of his special expertise.