Freeths LLP

Dispute Resolution

Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, Birmingham office

Richard has acted for individuals to PLCs in disputes up to £500m, both at home and abroad. He has particular experience in representing clients in complex chancery/commercial and corporate disputes. He also acts for companies and individuals in prosecuting and defending restrictive covenant claims within an employment context.

Recent cases include acting for:

an independent UK manufacturer of diesel generators and power generation systems in successfully defending a claim issued by a company based in the Caribbean;

several defendants (including corporate and individuals) in relation to a multi-million pound, multi-jurisdictional shareholder dispute;

an equity partner in the dissolution of a law firm;

a partner in a multi-party high value partnership dispute;

an exiting an equity partner from a law firm;

a finance director summarily removed from his position and the consequential dispute arising over his shares;

a European wide provider of specialist care in dispute with a supplier; and

various individuals/companies in relation to professional negligence disputes in the building, surveying and legal sectors.

In addition to providing strategic and focused advice in the context of litigation, Richard understands the importance of avoiding litigation and has acquired a wealth of experience in advising clients in relation to methods of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation.

Client feedback:

"Having engaged the services of Richard Coates and his team over the past 30 months to support me with a number of commercial legacy issues I inherited I can highly recommend him.

He is not only fiercely strategic and crucially proactive but also objective and pragmatic.

He is without doubt the solicitor you should have on your team”.

“Confidence in the ability and integrity of your most senior legal adviser is paramount in managing a successful commercial organisation in today’s ever moving business environment. Richard Coates provides unerring confidence to our board members whenever legal advice is required ensuring business decisions are taken from a trusted legal position”.
Duncan Williams Excool CEO

Legal guides

Recommended in Legal 500, 2015.

Described as “pragmatic” and “focused”, Legal 500, 2014

Trained – The Wilkes Partnership, Birmingham

2004 – 2002, Assistant, Associate – Cobbetts LLP

2012 – 2016 – Director of Litigation Services, Emms Gilmore Liberson

2016 – Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, Freeths LLP

King Edward VI

University of Hull

College of Law, Birmingham