SILK PROFILE
Richard Littler KC

Richard Littler KC

UK Bar 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Exchange Chambers

Career

Richard is a criminal silk who is simply outstanding in front of a jury, has exceptional advocacy skills and a wealth of experience. Examples of the serious/high-profile criminal cases he has defended in silk are Reynhard Sinaga (2020), the most prolific sex offender in worldwide legal history; Eddie Ratcliffe or Boy Y in the Brianna Ghey murder (2024); Gregory Frankel in the Frankel & Others “Gold case”, the largest money laundering case in UK legal history concerning Bernie Eccleston and James Stunt (2020-24); Mark Peers (2022-24) BBC reporting as the “UK’s biggest ever drug conspiracy”; Jonathan Hirst (2019-2024), the largest HMRC tax avoidance case of all time. Richard is a heavyweight silk in criminal defence.

Richard prosecuted at the highest level and is instructed in high profile complex homicide and also by the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division of the CPS. This gives Richard a tactical advantage of understanding both sides, making him more effective as a leading defence silk and ideally suited to private prosecutions, which have become a significant part of his silk practice.

Richard defends police officers up to and including the rank of superintendent, in the Crown Court, Police Appeal Tribunals and the High Court. He defends professionals before the GMC, GCC, FA Disciplinary Panels and in Inquests.

Richard has published legal articles, presents lectures, attends schools/ universities and has contributed towards a Government report on “ADHD in the Criminal Justice System: A case for Change” (a topic Richard has a strong personal interest in).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Crime - Northern (Bar)

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Richard Littler KC is a popular choice for high-profile, sensitive criminal cases, including those involving homicide and sexual offences. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

Professional Discipline - The Regions (Bar)

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Richard Litter KC is a highly regarded silk with notable regulatory experience. He regularly defends officers, including superintendents, before police misconduct and appeal tribunals.

Financial Crime - The Regions (Bar)

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Richard Littler KC heads Exchange Chambers' criminal department in Manchester as well as the set's professional discipline practice. He has particular experience acting in high-value as well as high-profile financial offences, including in money laundering, fraudulent trading and duty evasion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Richard is a very able advocate. He is strong, forceful and does not miss legal points.

    CrimeUK Bar
  • He's a super jury advocate.

    Financial CrimeUK Bar
  • Richard Littler is a first-rate criminal specialist. He's good with clients and proactive. He's a calm individual.

    Financial CrimeUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Exchange Chambers (107)

All Circuits

North Eastern (Bar)

Northern (Bar)

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership