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)
Recommendations
Chambers UK 2010
- Richard Stead is particularly well thought of for his work on Animals Act cases. He is described by interviewees as “being absolutely reliable and always meticulously prepared.”
Chambers UK 2009
- Described as “an established heavyweight with a superb bedside manner,” Richard Stead is an acknowledged expert in agricultural and construction health and safety, as well as accidents related to animals and sporting events.
Legal 500 2009
- Richard Stead is a regional heavyweight; he appeared in Gravil v Redruth RFC.
Articles
- ‘Does the Animals Act 1971 need amending? [with Christopher Sharp QC] (2006) Personal Injury Law Journal
