Richard English

Call To The Bar: 2003

“Richard English is a notable practitioner with a significant reputation for his work in cases involving mentally disordered defendants. He primarily practises on the defence side, but he is also called upon to prosecute in complex multi-handed cases.” – Crime – Chambers and Partners 2024

“Richard is personable and his attention to detail is great.” – Crime – Chambers and Partners 2024

“Richard prosecutes and defends in serious and often sensitive cases, and he is an intelligent and astute advocate who jurors like. His closing speeches are some of the finest on the circuit, and he has significant experience in cases with a mental health element and is frequently sought out for severely mentally disordered defendants, as well as cases involving very vulnerable witnesses and complainants.”  Crime(General and Fraud) – Legal 500, 2024

“Richard is very effective and empathetic.” Chambers & Partners, 2023

“Richard is a brilliant advocate.” Chambers & Partners, 2023

“He puts clients at ease and guides them through very complex areas of law.” Chambers & Partners, 2023

“He is highly experienced, he inspires confidence in every client and he deals with difficult issues and decisions sensitively but firmly.” Chambers & Partners, 2022

“He is brilliant with clients with mental health issues.” “His legal knowledge is outstanding.” Chambers & Partners, 2022

“He does not leave any stone unturned and is careful in his preparation.” Chambers & Partners, 2021

“An extremely thorough and personable advocate who has an excellent rapport with juries and clients..” The Legal 500 , 2021

“A notable practitioner with a significant reputation for his work in cases involving mentally disordered defendants. He primarily practices on the defence side, but he is also called upon to prosecute in complex multi-handed cases.” Chambers & Partners, 2020

 “An intelligent and astute advocate.” “He excels at representing clients with mental health concerns.” Chambers & Partners, 2020

“His preparation is first-class and his drafting of advice on complex issues is excellent.” Legal 500, 2019

Richard is a skillful and persuasive advocate who prides himself on providing the best advice, and the most effective representation.

Richard is a native of Dublin.  He studied History at Trinity College, Dublin University.  He qualified as a solicitor in England in 1996, and in Ireland in 1997 where he practiced for two years.  As a solicitor he was involved in a number of high-profile and complex cases amongst them – the London City Bond fraud and the Sally Clark appeal.  He became a partner with Burton Copeland Solicitors in 2000.

He was called to the Bar in 2003 and practices at the Criminal Bar, appearing in courts in the North West and throughout the country.  He has a predominately defence practice, but does prosecute in complex, document heavy, multi-handed cases.

He was a Law Society trainer on the Human Rights Acts and have been trained by Amicus in death row cases.  He has advised the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas and has written for their journal on mental health issues.

“With Richard controlling my case I felt reassured that everything will be dealt with professionally and without any drama”  – Client Testimonial

Specialisms

Mental Health – Richard has a particular interest and expertise in offences involving mentally disordered defendants. He is instructed because of his skill, patience and understanding of those who are particularly vulnerable when faced with the ordeal of appearing in court.

He also appears in Mental Health Review Tribunals. He is a member of the Mental Health Lawyers Association, and in 2017 he was awarded a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Law from the University of Northumbria.

Sexual Offences – Richard is regularly instructed to represent those alleged to have committed the most serious sexual offences, which very often, are said to have happened many years before. Allegations of this type are invariably devastating to all involved; they require detailed preparation, patient, and when necessary robust advice, as well as thoughtful and sensitive consideration both in and out of court.

Offences Involving Children – Over the years Richard has been involved in many cases where the Police believe a child has been the victim of serious, often fatal violence. In the process he has developed an understanding of the complex medical and other evidential issues involved.