Richard is the perfect package for divorce and financial remedy work. He provides strong realistic advice, has an excellent client manner and is extremely well respected by judges.”

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Richard accepts instructions in children private law disputes under the Children Act 1989. These are often complex and include allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse to both adults and children, alienation, along with issues requiring expert evidence (and challenging the expert evidence) of psychologists, psychiatrists, independent social workers etc. Richard also acts in cases involving an international element including leave to permanently remove from the jurisdiction.

Recent cases include:

  • Re ED – representing a young child in 4 year long proceedings concerning unsubstantiated allegations of physical and sexual abuse and multiple psychiatric and psychological assessments culminating in a 5 day final hearing at which a transfer of residence was ordered.
  • Re RFC – representing the father in High Court proceedings concerning allegations of murder, ritualistic sexual abuse and international jurisdictional dispute. Successfully reinstated substantial contact arrangements.
  • W v W – representing the father in proceedings to remove children from the jurisdiction to Australia and to reinstate contact. Issues include allegations of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence and alienation. Contact successfully reinstated.
  • Re L – representing the father in proceedings where he stands accused of rape.

Richard accepts instructions on a Public Access basis in appropriate cases.

Directory Quotes

Richard is an excellent barrister who is a joy to work with. He is always well prepared and has great client care skills. He is lovely with clients, he gives them confidence and his preparation is very thorough. ‘Richard gives sound advice; he is commercial and will always go the extra mile’.”

Chambers UK 2024, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Richard Norman acts on a broad range of family law matters. ‘Richard is extremely thorough, and you know he cares about how a case is progressing. He works collaboratively and invests time in ensuring his cases are on the right track.’ ‘He has sound technical knowledge and is straightforward to deal with.’ ‘Richard is hugely knowledgeable and is able to find practical solutions to complex problems.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Richard is a very approachable and user-friendly barrister. He gives pragmatic and sensible advice, yet will always fight the client’s corner. He takes a very considered approach but can push hard when needed. A junior who punches well above his weight.”

Legal 500 2023, Divorce & Financial Remedy

Richard has been sensitive and understanding towards the client throughout and provided excellent, practical advice. He is calm in court and doesn’t get too belligerent yet is still strong in how he presents cases. He is very forensic and has great knowledge.”

Chambers UK 2022, Family/Matrimonial

Richard is an excellent negotiator. He does not run weak points, which makes him formidable in opposition. Clients like his no nonsense and matter of fact approach.”

LEGAL 500 2022, DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL REMEDY

Richard is one of my go-to barristers. I find him easy to work with – he is very approachable, and has an excellent manner with clients. I think he is particularly good with cases where businesses are involved, and has an excellent grasp of technical issues.”

LEGAL 500 2021, FAMILY & CHILDREN LAW

Richard has an excellent understanding of complex technical issues, and his no-nonsense approach wins great favour with clients. ‘He has a fantastic attention to detail, is always very well prepared and has an excellent bedside manner with clients.’ “

Chambers UK 2021, Family: Matrimonial Finance

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA Hons, University of Bristol
    • Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP
    • Bar Vocational Course, City University (Outstanding)
    • Lord Justice Holker Scholarship, Gray’s Inn

  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Western Circuit

  • Additional information:

    He studied music at Bristol University before moving to London to study law. He completed his Bar Exams at City University, London (formerly the Inns of Court School of Law) and was assessed as ‘Outstanding’. Richard returned to the West Country and commenced pupillage with St John’s Chambers Family Practice Group in 2009. He was offered a tenancy one year later upon successful completion of pupillage.

  • Richard Norman is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.