Experience
Richard is recognised as one of the most innovative lawyers in Europe. With over 30 years of experience in defending insurers' and their customers' most complex and serious injury claims, Richard is particularly trusted by clients to protect their reputations, and to deliver the best possible outcomes on every case.
Richard is instructed by International and Domestic insurers, Transport Companies, Public Bodies, Claims Adjusters, and a Global Sporting Governing Body. He has strong experience in defending cross-border injury claims.
He is a well-known speaker and author on the defence of catastrophic injury claims, and is also well known for his work on client-facing innovation in legal services.
Testimonials
Chambers Legal Directory (2026) - "Richard is a terrific lawyer and astute tactician."
Legal 500 (2025) -"Well respected throughout the industry, well connected with superb legal knowledge and experience."
Chambers Legal Directory (2025)- "Richard has a real ear for innovation and development. He is a strategist and a thinker."
Legal 500 (2024) - "Richard West is a truly innovative thinker.... he is a pioneer!"
Gracechurch London Market Insurance Law Monitor 2023 - Nominated by client and market respondents for delivering outstanding service.
Financial Times 2019 - Top 10 Innovative Lawyers - profiled in the FT as one of the ten most innovative lawyers in Europe.
Memberships
- Law Society of England and Wales
- FOIL
- Society for Computers and Law
Recent cases
Instructed by World Rugby to defend claims brought by 800+ former players for concussion related matters.
Instructed on England's (to -date) largest claim for a single personal injury (pleaded in excess of £500m), involving complex heads of claim, cross jurisdictional liability and international product liability considerations and reputation protection.