Richard Stead (Head of Chambers)
Call 1979 (Middle Temple)
Qualifications MA (Cantab), ACI Arb
Professional Memberships Personal Injury Bar Association, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Society of Construction Law, and Technology and Constructions Bar Association
Judicial Office Recorder 1996
Mediation Richard is also a trained mediator
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Areas of Practice
Head of Chambers Richard Stead is one of the most senior practitioners on Circuit. His experience and expertise mean that he is very much in demand.
Personal Injury
He is regularly instructed for claimant and defendant clients in complex catastrophic injury, employer’s liability and RTA matters, and is well-known nationally for his particular expertise in Animals Act cases, and those involving aspects of agriculture, arboriculture and construction.
Reported Cases
- Court of Appeal case of Gravil v Redruth Rugby Football Club [2008] EWCA Civ 689
- Welsh v Stokes [2007] EWCA Civ 796
- Poll v Viscount Asquith of Morley [2006] All ER 158
- Blake v Galloway [2004] EWCA Civ 814
- Mirvahedy v Henley [2002] 2 WLR 882 – construction of s.2(2) Animals Act 1971
- Harris v Evans & anr [1998] 1 WLR 51285
- Williams v Globe Coaches and ; Darby v. Ginsters Cornish Pasties [1996] 1 WLR 553
- Hunt v Wallis [1994] PIQR P128
- Widdicombe v Ross Young’s Ltd Newlawonline 295047702
Civil Fraud
Throughout his time at the Bar, Richard has undertaken civil jury trials, and trials before a single judge, where fraud is alleged. Fraudulent claims relate particularly to fire, flooding, and other forms of property damage, burglary and motor-car theft / damage.
Professional Negligence
Acting for claimants, defendants and their insurers, Richard has strong expertise in negligence claims against:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Quantity and Building Surveyors
- Project Mangers
- Solicitors (in respect of claims arising out of litigation involving construction / personal injury disputes)
Direct Access
Richard is qualified to undertake Direct Access work in appropriate cases, for further information, please visit our Direct Access page.
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2012
- Richard Stead is an all-rounder with the ability to “calm and control proceedings.” This helps explain why he is especially good in mediation. He has a good track record in catastrophic head and spinal injury cases and is also recognised for his experience of Animal Act cases.
Chambers UK 2011
- Head of chambers Richard Stead provides “clear, concise advice,” and has a “first-class understanding of legal principles and how to apply them practically.” He recently acted in the Court of Appeal case Gravil v Redruth, a matter which arose from a rugby injury. In addition, he also has notable expertise in Animals Act cases.
Legal 500 2011
- Richard Stead specialises in brain and spinal injury claims, and is an equine and Animal Act expert.
Legal 500 2010
- Head of chambers Richard Stead is a regional heavyweight and an expert in Animals Act cases.
Articles
- Does the Animals Act 1971 need amending? [with Christopher Sharp QC] (2006) Personal Injury Law Journal
