Richard Coates

Richard heads the directory recognised Dispute Management Team in Birmingham.

Richard’s team prides itself in delivering the right results with first class client service in a cost effective and client friendly manner.  Clients comment that “all problems and dangers are fully worked through” by the team, which focuses on “delivering a supportive, but not flowery, response and summary”.

The team is recognised by Legal 500 as “a strong team with an impressive range of experience”.

Richard is directory recognised for his “intellect” “ability to empathise with clients and extensive knowledge of law”: for being a “charming”, “pragmatic”, “focussed” and “strong lawyer [who is] … a pleasure to work with”.

Richard advises on a wide range of commercial litigation matters – specialising in: corporate and commercial disputes, contractual disputes (included acting for a national airline operating internationally in a contractual dispute with its ground and maintenance crews. Advice was coordinated cross-jurisdiction and disruption to the airline’s ability to operate was avoided) professional negligence claims (principally against solicitors (he is presently dealing with a claim against a firm of solicitors valued at in excess of £40m) and accountants), corporate governance and directors duties.

Richard also provides advice in relation to trust related matters and has also recently acted for an individual in relation to complex trusts claims over a £1.5 million plus property.

He also advises retailers in relation to their obligations to consumers – acting for large corporate clients and he has recently acted for an Austrian company in a dispute with a customer over alleged misrepresentations in its advertising.

Richard is a talented, pragmatic and tenacious litigator who acts for a diverse range of clients spanning from individuals to PLCs, in both domestic and international litigation.