Park Square Barristers
Barristers
Richard Wright
- Phone0113 2459763
Work Department
Criminal and Regulatory & Publc
Career
Call 1998, SIlk 2013
Appointments:2006Deputy district judge (magistrates’ courts)
2012Recorder of the Crown CourtNorth Eastern Circuit Executive CommitteeBar Council Advocates Graduated Fee Working Group
2017Elected as a Master of the Bench of the Middle Temple
Memberships
North Eastern CircuitLiberty
Position
Crime
Richard Wright QC is a criminal advocate who has defended or prosecuted many of the highest-profile cases in the North of England. He was described as “the standout junior” on the North Eastern Circuit (The Legal 500, 2011) and “in the ascendant” (Chambers and Partners, 2013).
He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013 and, since taking silk, has been constantly in demand to act in a series of significant and complex cases.
In addition to his portfolio of legally aided cases, Richard regularly acts for companies and individuals on a private-fee basis in both criminal and regulatory cases (particularly environmental, health & safety and food-hygiene breaches).
As the only QC in England and Wales currently sitting as a deputy district judge (magistrates’ courts), Richard is often retained to act on a private basis in driving cases, of which he has acquired an extensive and specialist knowledge.
Regulatory & PublicDescribed in legal directories as a “born leader” and “masterful silk” he has been instructed in a wide range of regulatory cases. His regulatory practice includes Health & Safety cases, those involving Environmental Waste, Fire Safety, Food Safety (particularly food allergen cases), Food Hygiene and Animal Welfare cases brought by DEFRA and he has been instructed in the highest profile Gross Negligence Manslaughter prosecutions.
Richard also has particular expertise in Trading Standards prosecutions and his keen tactical judgement has led to him often being retained at an early stage in proceedings to provide advice to individuals and companies. This often results in the successful defeat of investigations before they result in charges. Richard also acts in professional disciplinary and misconduct cases.
Education
1997University of Leeds, LLB