Richard Wheeler

Richard Wheeler

Year of Call: 2004
Email Address: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]
Telephone: 01962 868884

Download Expertise CV Add Expertise to Shortlist

How to use the Shortlist tool?

Clerks Details

  • Clerk Name: Edward Holdstock
  • Clerk Telephone: 01962 868 884
  • Clerk Email: [email protected]

Inquests

“Richard is very analytical and knows the inquest process inside out.”

Legal 500 – Leading Junior 2026.

Richard is recognised as a leading junior in Article 2 jury inquests, particularly those involving deaths in custody, military contexts and healthcare failures.

He is regularly instructed by families, public bodies and insurers in high-profile and sensitive matters, often involving parallel civil claims and complex expert evidence.

  • Re S: Acted for HMP Winchester in a death‑in‑custody Article 2 jury inquest. Cross‑examination of the pathologist established that, contrary to his conclusion of death by electrocution, it was equally probable that death was caused by ingestion of a new psychoactive substance (Spice). Successfully persuaded the Coroner not to leave ‘but for’ causation to the jury.
  • Re W: Acted for the family at a jury inquest and in subsequent £650,000 fatal accident claim arising from the death of a farmhand struck by an 800kg concrete panel. Cross‑examined HSE and engineering expert to establish cause of death and systemic safety failures, and secured a PFD report addressing agricultural safety risks.
  • Acted for three former soldiers at the Article 2 jury inquests into the death of Sean Benton and Geoff Gray at Deepcut Barracks, where allegations of bullying and systemic failings were scrutinised. The inquest involved complex evidential and reputational issues arising from historic military practices.
  • Re K (ongoing): Representing the family. Successfully persuaded Coroner to resume the inquest following a road‑traffic death, on the basis that key questions as to speed, causation and public safety had not been fully examined in criminal proceedings. The argument emphasised the wider public interest in young driver safety and the need for scrutiny capable of informing a PFD report.
  • Re L: Represented the family in an Article 2 jury inquest arising from self-inflicted death following deceased’s escape from a psychiatric hospital. Successfully advanced submissions for a narrative conclusion examining suicide, intent, and whether failures in risk management and medical care more than minimally contributed to the death. Advised in subsequent successful civil action.
  • Re W: Acted for the family following self-inflicted death during mental health treatment in the community. Liability denied in concurrent civil proceedings. Detailed cross‑examination of psychiatric and nursing witnesses, placing clinical decision‑making and risk assessment under public scrutiny. Used the inquest to test the evidence, expose weaknesses in professional recollection and records, and develop the factual foundation for subsequent civil proceedings. Acted for family in contested civil proceedings which settled at JSM for substantial six figure sum.
  • Recommendations

    Richard is known for

    • Strategic judgment in high‑risk and high‑value litigation
    • Ability to cut through complex quantum and expert evidence
    • Calm and authoritative courtroom advocacy
    • Clear, practical and commercially realistic advice

    Legal 500 2026 – Leading Junior
    “Richard is an extremely knowledgeable personal injury barrister who cuts through complex cases to identify the crux of the issue. A tactically astute and shrewd advocate who fights hard for his clients.”

    “Capable of dealing with the highest value and most complex personal injury claims in relation to both liability and quantum.”

    “Always impressive in advocacy, presenting complex issues in a clear and relatable manner. Excellent in conference and very well-liked by clients.”

    Legal 500 2025 – Leading Junior
    “An excellent barrister: fearsome in advocacy, tactically astute, and always alert to all potential issues in a claim.”

    “Very analytical and knows the inquest process inside out; well prepared and puts families at ease throughout.”

    “Detail-orientated and able to distil vast quantities of information into clear, concise advice; highly persuasive on complex legal arguments.”

    Legal 500 2024 – Leading Junior
    “Excellent at inquest work: tenacious, intuitive, and adept at reading the coroner and adapting his approach.”

    “One of the best all-round barristers, with exceptional advocacy and paperwork, and excellent client care.”

    “Able to approach difficult issues flexibly and pragmatically to achieve the best outcomes, while building strong rapport with clients.”

    Legal 500 2023 – Leading Junior
    “Excellent and extremely detailed when assessing quantum, with a particular speciality in complex fatal cases.”

    “A brilliant barrister: fearsome, well prepared, and relentless in pursuit of his client’s case.”

    “Quick to grasp the essential elements of a case, with advice that is always careful and rigorous.”

    Legal 500 2022 – Leading Junior
    “A determined advocate who leaves no stone unturned, particularly on complex quantum issues.”

    “Tenacious and hardworking, with clear, tactical and analytically strong advice.”

    “Persuasive, client-focused advocacy delivered with sensitivity and understanding.”

    • Expand recommendations
View Full CV
<< /span> >