About the Firm
ABOUT RICHARD
Richard has practised as a barrister from Sydney’s CBD since 1981, appearing at every level of the Australian court system - from specialist tribunals to the High Court.
His practice spans commercial litigation, family law, contested deceased estates and complex multi-jurisdictional disputes, including matters involving substantial assets across the globe.
He has developed particular depth in cases with international dimensions, significant valuations or forensic reconstruction, from large-scale disputes to intricate smaller matters where strategy and cost-effectiveness matter equally.
-
After graduating in Arts and Law from UNSW, Richard worked as a solicitor in both a large Sydney CBD commercial litigation firm and a smaller western suburbs practice — grounding that still informs his approach at the Bar.
He became a member and director of prominent CBD chambers for over 35 years, including alongside two former Australian Attorneys-General. When Sydney’s construction boom claimed that building for the Martin Place Metro, he established chambers at 64 Castlereagh Street a few minutes away. (That light at the end of the tunnel really was an approaching train.)
-
Primary School Captain. High School Captain and debater. Member of the UNSW Debating Team and the combined Australian Students national team. Basically — always talking
-
Richard has published in NSW Bar News on mediation and dispute resolution strategy, contributed book reviews and authored an interview profile of a former Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW. He has also presented dozens of papers to the NSW Bar Association, Law Society, Crown Solicitor’s Office, Australian Advocacy Institute, LEXIS-NEXIS and several universities — alongside serving judges, barristers and experts from accounting, forensic, medical and psychological fields.
-
For many years Richard was longest-serving Chair of Northside Radio, one of Australia’s oldest community stations, interviewing guests ranging from ministers and judges to artists, community leaders and advocates. Those roles deepened his interest in not-for-profit and media law, and gave him early exposure to digital communication and technology tools now central to arbitration practice.
Richard serves as a judge in both secondary school mock trial competitions and university negotiation competitions, the latter alongside serving judges and fellow practitioners.
-
Current:
NSW Bar Association
Resolution Institute
AIFLAM — Accredited Family Law Arbitrator
Supreme Court of NSW Panel Mediator
Former:
NSW Bar Council Representative, Australian Disputes Centre
NSW Bar Association ADR Committee (from its early years)
NSW District Court Civil Users Working Party (chaired by the Chief Judge)
NSW Bar Council Family Law Committee
Our Services at a Glance
-
Arbitrator (e.g. Family)
AIFLAM-accredited arbitrator who brings hundreds of contested family law matters and a University of Adelaide Certificate in Arbitration (Distinction) to delivering binding resolutions without the cost and delay of court. Arbitration is available for matrimonial property and commercial disputes, with flexible scheduling and complimentary use of 64 Castlereagh Street Chambers.
-
Mediator
As a Supreme Court of NSW Panel Mediator, Richard draws on decades of experience across commercial, family and estate litigation to identify core issues and guide parties toward resolution. Mediations are conducted for matrimonial property, deceased estate and commercial disputes, with 64 Castlereagh Street Chambers available at no additional charge.
-
Barrister/Litigation
Commercial litigation experience spans oppression suits, insolvency, disputed financial transactions, partnership and workplace disputes, defamation, land and strata matters, and intellectual property — including copyright, trademark, passing off, confidential information, counterfeit goods and publishing disputes.