Acuity Law

Planning & Environmental

Richard is a partner specialist in Risk and Regulation, with longstanding experience in environmental law defence work, which he has practiced for 20 years.

Richard’s clients appreciate his tactical and pragmatic approach, augmented by time spent in industry and his environmental science background. Richard has a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and, prior to qualifying as a lawyer, spent a number of years with the HSE as a specialist in environmental major hazard legislation in the Hazardous Installations Division, where he prosecuted his own cases. He also spent two years as a risk management consultant, most notably leading a World Bank project on environmental catastrophe prevention in West Africa, and developing environmental and health and safety protocols for energy companies in the Sahara.

Richard advises and defends organisations in their dealings with the Environment Agency, HSE, Local Authorities and other government regulators.

Expertise:

• Interpretation and advice on regulatory legislation (environment, health and safety, food, fire, security, planning, trading standards, bribery etc)
• Specific major hazard industry regulatory representation in UK (COMAH and abroad)
• Regulatory litigation – defending criminal cases brought by HSE/EA/EHOs, etc
• Directors, senior officer and shareholder risk/liability management from threats such as corporate manslaughter, bribery and environmental law
• Inquest representation for organisations and individuals
• Liability on internal and external security issues
• Contractor control and risk limitation
• Environmental, health and safety accident/incident investigation leadership
• Regulatory risk and liability management systems such as ISO 14001, 18001/45001, etc
• Mediation of commercial disputes