Richard Wright KC > Park Square Barristers > Leeds, England > Barrister Profile
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Park Square Barristers Ltd.
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Richard Wright KC
Work Department
Criminal and Regulatory & Publc
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 & Public
Described 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.
Career
Call 1998, SIlk 2013
Appointments:
2006
Deputy district judge (magistrates’ courts)
2012
Recorder of the Crown Court
North Eastern Circuit Executive Committee
Bar Council Advocates Graduated Fee Working Group
2017
Elected as a Master of the Bench of the Middle Temple
Memberships
North Eastern CircuitLiberty
Education
1997
University of Leeds, LLB
Lawyer Rankings
Regional Bar > North Eastern Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Richard Wright KC – Park Square Barristers Ltd. ‘He is a highly experienced silk, very client-friendly and sagacious.’
Regional Bar > North Eastern Circuit > Inquests and inquiries
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Richard Wright KC – Park Square Barristers ‘Richard has an exceptional ability to condense large amounts of complex information into clear and succinct explanations. As an advocate he draws attention, has a natural court presence and is authoritative without being overbearing.’
Viewed as a ‘first-rate set‘ for inquests work, members of Park Square Barristers are equally strong in handling high-profile inquiries. Richard Wright KC ‘does everything to a standard of excellence‘, and Craig Hassall KC is ‘a formidable advocate‘. Recent instructions for the team include Hassall acting for the family of Rina Yasutake in the inquest into her death, having previously defended them in criminal proceedings concerning the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of Yasutake’s body; the charges were dropped on the grounds that the defendants suffered from a rare psychiatric disorder. The coroner gave an open verdict. Among the juniors, the ‘very passionate‘ Kirsten Mercer is sought after for her expertise in handling Article 2 inquests, and Holly Clegg garners praise for ‘her ability to deal diligently and confidently with any inquest matter‘. In September 2022 the team was bolstered by the arrival of Matthew Stanbury from Garden Court North Chambers.
Regional Bar > North Eastern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Richard Wright KC – Park Square Barristers Ltd. ‘He has that rare ability to explain complex legal concepts to clients, juries and instructing solicitors with apparent ease. He is a skilled advocate.’
Viewed as ‘a go-to set for criminal matters‘, Park Square Barristers‘ team of ‘very talented barristers‘ continues to handle cases across the gamut of high-profile criminal cases, spanning high-profile murders, large-scale drugs conspiracies, serious sexual offences and serious violence. In recent instructions of note, Richard Wright KC prosecuted a man for the murder of his teenage son; the son had suffered life-changing injuries after the father had suffocated him as a toddler, over two decades before the son’s death in 2019 – the case focused on whether the son’s death was caused by the actions of the defendant, who was convicted of the original assault and subsequently convicted of murder. At the junior end, Taryn Turner ‘communicates well with clients and is committed to achieving the best results possible‘. In 2022 Kate Batty was appointed to the circuit bench, while Andrew Petterson joined from Exchange Chambers.