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 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.

  • Qualifications:

    • 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.