Richard Wheeler

Richard Wheeler

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

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Clerks Details

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

Public and Administrative Law

Richard has extensive experience in public and regulatory law. He has been Attorney General Panel Counsel for 8 years and has acted for Government Departments in a range of cases, often engaging both public and private law issues.

Unlawful Detention Judicial Review & False Imprisonment

Richard has acted in a range of unlawful detention prison and immigration matters engaging Hardial Singh principles and related case law. He has experience in relation to asylum application procedures, trafficking and modern slavery cases, criminal casework, Adults at Risk policy, and issues relating to claims for aggravated and exemplary damages.

Richard has acted in judicial review proceedings brought by prisoners challenging detention decisions See, for example, R (on the application of Antonio Boparan) v Governor Of Stoke Heath Prison [2019] EWHC 2352 (Admin) (challenge to home detention curfew policy).

Human Rights Act

Richard has acted in many claims against Government Departments involving allegations of breach of Art 2 (right to life), Art 3 (torture) and Art 8 (private life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Examples of recent cases:

  • W v HCC & Ors - instructed in breach of human rights claim brought by estate of deceased prisoner. Alleged breaches of Art 2 (right to life), Art 3 (torture) and Art 8 (private life) European Convention on Human Rights.
  • S v SoS - Appearing for Secretary of State. Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.  Defeating appeal of fines imposed for carrying illegal immigrants across UK border.
  • K v Ministry of Justice  - High Court trial, human rights claim by convicted murder. Acting for Secretary of State.
  • T v SoS - for Justice Life sentence prisoner, restrictions on licence; Art 8, Art 14 European Convention on Human Rights
  • M v MOJ - Human Rights Art 3 (inhumane treatment), Art 8 (right to life), Art 14 (discrimination) - alleged failure by prison to provide access to medical care.

Data Protection & Privacy

Richard has acted for several Government Departments defending claims of alleged breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 and DPA 2018, GDPR, LED and related legislation. He has acted in claims involving breach of Art 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998, privacy and breach of confidence.

Many cases involve significant claims for distress and/or psychiatric damage, alleged diminution in house value, costs of moving home, costs of increased security.

Civil Proceedings Orders

Richard has acted in several cases on behalf of the Attorney General seeking an order from the High Court restraining vexatious litigants from issuing civil proceedings.

  • 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
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