Clinical Negligence
Richard is instructed on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants in cases of clinical negligence of all types. He has a broad experience and active caseload including multi-million pound claims and is involved in claims at all stages from pre-action to trial. He frequently advises on substantive matters of liability and quantum, as well as on procedural and interlocutory matters. He also appears at inquests for families and medical professionals in cases where there is a suggestion that death could have resulted from clinical error.
Richard is recommended as a ‘Leading Junior’ for clinical negligence by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. Recent editorial includes:
- “Richard is charming to work with and remains calm under pressure, especially when dealing with sensitive cases.” Legal 500 2026
- “Richard is very strong across the board.” Chambers & Partners 2026
- “He has a uniquely excellent ability to manage complex issues and clients.” Chambers & Partners 2026
- “He is a safe pair of hands and very consistent, very measured and thoughtful.” Chambers & Partners 2026
- “Richard is very experienced and good with clients. He is a persuasive advocate and is willing to take in challenging cases and take a practical commercial approach.” Chambers & Partners 2025
- “Richard is a safe pair of hands. He is clever, reliable and gets on top of things.” Chambers & Partners 2025
- “Richard is a sensible, pragmatic and measured barrister who can advise on any claim. He is excellent at dealing with difficult or particularly sensitive cases.” Chambers & Partners 2025
- “In addition to his impressive legal knowledge, he is a strong advocate and a formidable opponent.” Chambers & Partners 2025
- “On his feet, Richard is an excellent advocate, able to keep things simple and precise and not get caught up in the detail and peripheral battles.” Legal 500 2025
1COR Seminar: Pitfalls for Professionals on Social Media - May 2023
On 8th June 2023 we will be hosting a seminar exploring the pitfalls for professionals using social media today. Our panel of expert speakers includes: Richard Booth KC (Chair) Jeremy Hyam KC ...
1COR Quarterly Medical Law Review – Winter 2021/2022 – Issue 11 - May 2022
Welcome to the eleventh issue of the QMLR, brought to you by the barristers at 1 Crown Office Row to update you on developments in Winter 2021/2022. Download the Winter 2021/2022 newsletter here:...
1COR Quarterly Medical Law Review – Summer/Autumn 2021 – Issue 10 - Jan 2022
Welcome to the tenth issue of the QMLR, brought to you by the barristers at 1 Crown Office Row to update you on developments in Summer and Autumn 2021. Download the Summer/Autumn 2021 newsletter...
Family of world famous opera singer brings clinical negligence claim - Oct 2021
The estate of the late soprano Jessye Norman have served proceedings against a private hospital and two doctors in relation to a spinal procedure which she underwent in 2015. Ms. Norman suffered...
1COR Quarterly Medical Law Review – Spring 2021 – Issue 9 - Jul 2021
Welcome to the ninth issue of the Quarterly Medical Law Review, brought to you by the barristers at 1 Crown Office Row. Download the Spring 2021 newsletter here: 1COR Quarterly Medical Law...
Richard Smith instructed in high profile Sepsis Inquest - Jan 2020
Richard Smith represents a Consultant Anesthetist in this high profile inquest into the death of a woman in the intensive care department of the West Suffolk Hospital. Press interest has been...
Richard Smith and Robert Wastell appear in high profile inquest into death of Colette McCulloch - Mar 2019
The inquest into the death of Colette McCulloch began on 6th March 2019. Colette was diagnosed as high functioning on the autistic spectrum and was under the care of a residential care home when she...
The Liability of Private Hospitals & Clinics: Lessons from the Paterson Litigation - Nov 2018
This seminar will look at developments in the law relating to vicarious liability following the Paterson Litigation. A hypothetical case study will be debated between a claimant and defendant team of...
Inquest into death of student from Meningitis - Jun 2018
Richard Smith represented the family at this widely publicised inquest into the death of Lauren Sandell. He was instructed by Anna Brothers of Leigh Day. Lauren Sandell was a few weeks into her...
Verdict of Neglect From Coroner in City Banker’s Death In Private Hospital - Oct 2016