Richard Atkins QC

Richard specialises in serious criminal and regulatory offences. Since taking silk he has concentrated on homicide, fraud and regulatory cases, with a particular emphasis on Consumer Law and Trading Standards. As a Junior Barrister he had what he described as a criminal F-word practice: fatality, fraud and filth, with extensive experience in murder and manslaughter cases; serious sexual cases; and complex multi-defendant high value frauds. He defends and prosecutes in equal measure and his reputation is as an approachable, engaging and entertaining advocate. He is well known for his ability to assimilate a large amount of facts and to put the matters across to the tribunal he is appearing before in an effective and easily digestible manner. He has considerable experience of dealing with Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation proceedings arising from the cases he has prosecuted and defended. He has appeared regularly in the Court of Appeal.

His regulatory practice comprises of Consumer Law and Trading Standards cases, Health and Safety cases and cases arising from business offences (including BIS and formerly DTI cases). He has appeared before the Professional Golfers Association National Disciplinary Committee and has advised the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association. He has prosecuted for the Serious Fraud Office and is on the FSA list of approved Counsel. He has previously dealt with liquor and entertainment licensing cases.

He is regularly instructed to defend in privately funded cases and encourages the use of fixed or capped fees providing certainty of costs for clients. He is also Direct Access qualified.

Richard regularly gives seminars in St Philips Chambers on Regulatory and Criminal Law topics. He has also been instrumental in providing in-house seminars for clients tailored to their specific needs and
requirements.

Richard sits as a Crown Court Recorder and is authorised to try all criminal offences except homicide. He has recently been appointed as one of a small number of Judicial College Tutor Judges in which role he trains Crown Court and High Court Judges and Recorders. He is also a Midland Circuit and Grays Inn Advocacy Trainer.

Richard is Head of the St Philips Chambers Criminal Group. He is a member of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales and sits on the Bar Council General Management Committee. He is the Chairman of the Bar Council Member Services Committee.

Richard is Chairman of the Governors of the Coventry School Foundation which governs Bablake and King Henry VIII schools in Coventry.