Richard English KC

Richard is an exceptional lawyer with a loyal following who combines skilful and persuasive advocacy in court with clear and realistic advice in conference. He is approachable, empathic and effective. He specialises in cases involving homicide, allegations of serious sexual violence and where those concerned are especially vulnerable as a result of mental ill-health, neurodiversity or age. Recent instructions include: JC who was charged with murder but whose plea to manslaughter as a result of diminished responsibility was accepted; SA who with two others was charged with a double murder but alone of the defendants was acquitted after trial; FF where the partial defence to murder of loss of control was left by the judge for the jury to decide upon and RM who was charged with gross negligent manslaughter of his wife. Richard appears regularly in the Court of Appeal on behalf of appellants and responding to applications by the Attorney General for an increase in sentence.

Richard qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and Ireland. He was made a partner at Burton Copeland before being called to the Bar in 2003. He took silk in 2025.

Northern Circuit

Criminal Bar Association

Mental Health Lawyers Association

American Bar Association (International Associate)