Richard Copnall
When I know an inquest is going to be very defensive, I instruct Richard. He is an amazing advocate and always ready to fight the client's case. His skills are very much needed.
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Inquests & Public Inquiries (Band 2)
About
Richard specialises in claims involving harm caused by professionals working in the public sector, including the NHS, local authorities, police, prison, probation, armed forces, central government departments and associated solicitors’ negligence claims. Such claims typically involve the Human Rights Act in addition to traditional common law claims. He practices in the coroner’s court, the Court of Protection, the divisional court (for judicial review) as well as the mainstream civil courts.
His work cuts across the conventional divisions between: personal injury clinical negligence; professional negligence; inquests; court of protection and abuse and this is reflected in Richard’s listing in 4 practice areas and in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
He acts for claimants and defendants and undertakes direct access work in appropriate cases.
Richard was on the Attorney General’s panel for 10 years and was often instructed in media sensitive inquests on behalf of central government departments. He has extensive experience in the Court of Appeal and in 2019 was leading counsel in a successful case before the Supreme Court. He edited the first and second editions of the APIL Guide to Pleadings. He provides regular training to practitioners, particularly in the application of the Human Rights Act to traditional “common law” litigation.
His academic background is in science, and he is often at an advantage in cases involving technical, engineering, medical and accounting issues. He retains a good working knowledge of French (being fluent when living in Brussels as a child) and his Italian is improving.
The guides have described him as: “confident assured and bright”; “very thorough in his approach and one of the best cross-examiners on circuit”; undertaking “erudite analysis of cases”; providing “a high-quality service” and “a non-nonsense barrister who gets on and does the job.” They note that he: “takes the burden off the client”, “has flair in court”; solicitors “feel confident on difficult cases when they know that he is on their side”; “He’s very empathetic and puts the client at ease when explaining the next steps.” and “He’s diligent, considered, methodical and very reassuring”.
Areas of Expertise
Contact Richard Copnall
Accolades
Richard Copnall
He is a formidable advocate who has exceptional attention to detail and is great with clients.
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Personal Injury (Band 1)
About
Richard specialises in claims involving harm caused by professionals working in the public sector, including the NHS, local authorities, police, prison, probation, armed forces, central government departments and associated solicitors’ negligence claims. Such claims typically involve the Human Rights Act in addition to traditional common law claims. He practices in the coroner’s court, the Court of Protection, the divisional court (for judicial review) as well as the mainstream civil courts.
His work cuts across the conventional divisions between: personal injury clinical negligence; professional negligence; inquests; court of protection and abuse and this is reflected in Richard’s listing in 4 practice areas and in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
He acts for claimants and defendants and undertakes direct access work in appropriate cases.
Richard was on the Attorney General’s panel for 10 years and was often instructed in media sensitive inquests on behalf of central government departments. He has extensive experience in the Court of Appeal and in 2019 was leading counsel in a successful case before the Supreme Court. He edited the first and second editions of the APIL Guide to Pleadings. He provides regular training to practitioners, particularly in the application of the Human Rights Act to traditional “common law” litigation.
His academic background is in science, and he is often at an advantage in cases involving technical, engineering, medical and accounting issues. He retains a good working knowledge of French (being fluent when living in Brussels as a child) and his Italian is improving.
The guides have described him as: “confident assured and bright”; “very thorough in his approach and one of the best cross-examiners on circuit”; undertaking “erudite analysis of cases”; providing “a high-quality service” and “a non-nonsense barrister who gets on and does the job.” They note that he: “takes the burden off the client”, “has flair in court”; solicitors “feel confident on difficult cases when they know that he is on their side”; “He’s very empathetic and puts the client at ease when explaining the next steps.” and “He’s diligent, considered, methodical and very reassuring”.
The foundation of Richard’s practice was mainstream personal injury work of all types. He was at the cutting edge of the development of the law on the “6 pack”. He undertakes all aspects of high value personal injury including: catastrophic injuries; fatal accidents; Article 2 claims; RTA, employers’ liability, public liability; fatal accidents; nervous shock; MIB; accidents abroad; holidays; assaults; defective premises; product liability; occupiers’ liability; highways; schools; residential homes and other areas of public liability.
Member of PIBA
Legal 500 ranked Tier 1 leading junior for personal injury.
Chambers and Partners ranked “band 1” for personal injury.
All aspects of historic and non-historic abuse of children and vulnerable adults including: failures by local authorities to safeguard; abuse in all environments including: schools, children’s homes, foster placements, clubs, supported living and care homes.
Richard has particular expertise in the application of the Human Rights Act to such claims, including claims under Article 3, Article 5, Article 6 and Article 8.
All aspects of professional negligence, with a particular focus on:
- Solicitors’ negligence arising from Richard’s practice areas;
- Failures by professionals in the public sector giving rise to physical and mental harm, such as: social workers, prison and probation staff, police officers; firefighters; healthcare professionals; “complementary” practitioners (such as chiropractors); and engineers;
Richard has particular expertise in the application of the Human Rights Act to such claims, including claims under Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (mistreatment), Article 5 (deprivation of liberty), Article 6 (access to the courts) and Article 8 (family life) and associated inquests in fatal claims.
Richard is a member of the PNBA
Legal 500 ranked Tier 1 leading junior for professional negligence.
Legal 500:
https://chambers.com/lawyer/richard-copnall-uk-bar-14:224364
All areas of medical, paramedical and nursing negligence, including: psychiatric; care homes; general practice and cosmetic surgery.
Richard has particular expertise in the application of the Human Rights Act to such claims, including claims under Article 2, Article 3, Article 5 and associated inquests in fatal claims.
Richard is a member of AvMA and the PNBA.
Legal 500 leading junior for clinical negligence.
Chambers and Partners, leading junior for clinical negligence
Legal 500
Chambers and Partners
Richard is probably the most experienced inquest practitioner in the region. His inquest work began 20 years ago when he spent 10 years on the Attorney General’s list, undertaking numerous inquests on behalf of the prison service, each lasting a number of weeks, with significant media sensitivities and all with Human Rights Act elements and many with a jury. He continues to appear regularly in long inquests relating to deaths in prison, police custody, hospitals, mental health facilities, care homes, and for those under the care of the ambulance service and mental health trust in the community.
Legal 500 ranked Tier 1 leading junior for inquests and enquiries.
Chambers and partners: leading junior for inquests and public enquiries.
Legal 500
Chambers and Partners
Richard acts for local authorities, CCGs and other public bodies in all aspects of CoP work, with a particular focus on health and welfare issues.
Legal 500 ranked Tier 2 leading junior for Court of Protection and Community Care
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Chambers and Partners (2025) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "He is a formidable advocate who has exceptional attention to detail and is great with clients."
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "Richard is a counsel with vast knowledge and a wealth of experience to advise and assist on all clinical negligence work matters." "Richard is quick to respond and clear with his instructions. He is on top of the evolving case law and delivers clear and helpful advice." "Richard has a lovely manner with clients and instils confidence."
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Inquests & Public Inquiries (Band 2) - "When I know an inquest is going to be very defensive, I instruct Richard. He is an amazing advocate and always ready to fight the client's case. His skills are very much needed." "Richard Copnall is a very robust advocate. He fights hard for his clients." "Richard is extremely capable at the hearing. His written submissions are impressive and he keeps the client on track by being polite, firm and focused. His eye never leaves the ball."
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Professional Negligence (Band 2) - "Richard is very thorough. His attention to detail is excellent." "Richard is an exceptional advocate with a wealth of expertise. He deals with cases of significant complexity and is a barrister of choice."
The Legal 500 (2025) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Richard is incredibly responsive and has a good understanding of the issues at hand and medical procedures when in conference with the experts."
The Legal 500 (2025) - Inquests and Inquiries (Tier 1) - "A fearless advocate on his feet."
The Legal 500 (2025) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Richard is incredibly responsive and has a good understanding of the issues at hand and medical procedures when in conference with the experts."
The Legal 500 (2025) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "Richard is a strong advocate."
The Legal 500 (2025) - Court of Protection and Community Care (Tier 2) - "A strong advocate, who demonstrates a deeply pragmatic stance in how to progress matters effectively."
Chambers and Partners (2024) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Richard is a fantastic advocate: unrelenting in cross-examination and a formidable opponent." "Richard is very knowledgeable and offers clear and straightforward advice to clients. He is a no-nonsense barrister who can be relied upon in a battle."
Chambers and Partners (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "Richard is an excellent and great player." "He is fantastic: he really distils the information and gets the results."
Chambers and Partners (2024) - Inquests and Public Inquiries (Band 2) - "Richard has great advocacy skills and always gets fantastic results."
Chambers and Partners (2024) - Professional Negligence (Band 2) - "Richard Copnall has a noteworthy practice focusing on claims of negligence brought against social workers."
The Legal 500 (2024) - Inquests and Inquiries (Tier 1) - "He represents the interests of the bereaved with energy, determination and focus."
The Legal 500 (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1)
The Legal 500 (2024) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "Richard combines a no-nonsense approach with technical excellence. An unrelenting cross-examiner."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Richard Copnall is known for his commanding presence at trial and in negotiations, making him a powerful representative for clients. He principally acts in high-value catastrophic injury cases, though he also represents clients during inquests, and has additional experience in human rights issues. He is able to draw on his scientific background when advising on cases with complex technical elements."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "Richard Copnall earns considerable praise for his work in clinical inquests that lead to civil claims. His matters include cases concerning failures of hospital staff to provide appropriate care, as well as failures to properly monitor patients with mental health issues. He possesses a strong command of surgical negligence issues."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Inquests and Public Inquiries (Band 2) - "Richard Copnall draws strength to his inquests practice through his experience of handling clinical negligence cases. He has a varied practice but is particularly adept at handling inquests that involve allegations of medical negligence, typically representing bereaved family members."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Professional Negligence (Band 2)
Legal 500 (2023) - Inquests and Inquiries (Tier 1) - "A fearless advocate who provides detailed and realistic advice to clients and prepared to take on difficult cases."
Legal 500 (2023) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "A very confident and capable advocate with a razor-like intellect."
Legal 500 (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 2)
Legal 500 (2023) - Professional Negligence - "He is a concise and knowledgeable barrister."
Chambers and Partners (2022) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Extremely keen on the details - he is good in conference and is also a good advocate."
Chambers and Partners (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "He always thinks outside the box and as an advocate he puts forward very technically savvy submissions both on paper and in advocacy hearings."
Chambers and Partners (2022) - Inquests and Inquiries (Band 2) - "He's a very good advocate and is able to calmly and ably explain things in a sensitive manner." "He is well prepared and his ability to deal with a lot of evidence is impressive."
Chambers and Partners (2022) - Professional Negligence (Band 2) - "Richard is prompt, knowledgeable and able to distil the issues in an evolving area of law."
Legal 500 (2022) - Inquest and Inquiries (Tier 1) - "He is very logical, organised and has a commanding presence as an advocate. Coroners and defendants respect him."
Legal 500 (2022) - Personal Injury (Tier 1) - "A barrister who quickly identifies the issues which need to be determined and wastes not a word in his pleadings or submissions."
Legal 500 (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 2)
Legal 500 (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 2) - "He is technically astute and extremely competent with a no-nonsense approach."
Legal 500 (2021) - Personal Injury (Tier 1) - "He is technically astute and extremely competent with a no-nonsense approach."
Legal 500 (2021) - Inquests and Inquiries (Tier 1) - "Thoroughly prepared and organised for any eventuality. Great rapport with clients and strong, tactical and sensical advocacy which gets to the route of the matter. Adaptable to different cases and works well under high pressure."
Legal 500 (2021) - Professional Negligence (Tier 1) - "A standout senior-junior.’ Known for his commanding presence at trial and in negotiations, making him a powerful representative for clients. He principally acts in high-value catastrophic injury cases, though he also represents clients during inquests, and has additional experience in human rights issues. He is able to draw on his scientific background when advising on cases with complex technical elements." Strengths: "He's very empathetic and puts the client at ease when explaining the next steps." "He's diligent, considered, methodical and very reassuring." "A very bright barrister with excellent analytical skills. He's superb at cross-examinations."
Chambers and Partners (2021) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "He provides clear and concise advice."
Chambers and Partners (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "He thinks outside the box in terms of how to technically progress a claim and he has a very good eye for detail."
Chambers and Partners (2021) - Inquests & Public Inquiries (Band 2) - "If you have an inquest where you know the other side is going to be tricky, he is the one to instruct because you know he will get the result you need."
Chambers and Partners (2020) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Earns considerable praise for his work in clinical inquests that lead to civil claims. His matters include cases concerning failures of hospital staff to provide appropriate care, as well as failures to properly monitor patients with mental health issues. He possesses a strong command of surgical negligence issues. Strengths: "He is good in dealings with clients: he's reassuring and good at guiding them through the process."
Chambers and Partners (2020) - Clinical Negligence (Band 3) - "A strong clinical negligence junior"
Legal 500 (2020) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "A very experienced and professional barrister who is strong in conference with clients and takes a no-nonsense approach in negotiations with the other side. He is the go-to person for complex and high-value cases." "He is robust but always sensible, giving clear and confident advice. He knows how to make the complicated uncomplicated."
Legal 500 (2020) - Inquests and Inquiries (Tier 1) - "Analytical, persuasive and highly intelligent. "
Chambers and Partners (2019) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "A highly intelligent barrister who masters complex issues with ease. He presents his points in a concise way, so the client has an excellent understanding of the process. Highly skilled in cross-examination, he is particularly good on complex expert evidence."
Legal 500 (2018/2019) - Inquests and Inquiries - "Confident, intelligent and assertive in cross-examination." Richard "is well known for handling Article 2 inquests, often pertaining to deaths in custody and in prison."
Legal 500 (2018/2019) - Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence - "He leaves no stone unturned in a case."
Chambers and Partners (2018) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "Earns considerable praise for his work on clinical negligence inquests that lead to civil claims. His matters include cases concerning failures of medical care, as well as failures to properly monitor patients with mental health issues."
Chambers and Partners (2018) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Known for his commanding presence at trial and in negotiations, making him a powerful representative for clients. He principally acts in high-value catastrophic injury cases, though he also represents clients during inquests, and has additional experience in human rights issues."
Legal 500 (2018) - Inquests & Inquiries - "Superb on his feet with a keen eye for detail."
Legal 500 (2017) - Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence - "A very strong advocate and negotiator."
Chambers and Partners (2017) - Clinical Negligence - "Earns considerable praise for his work on clinical negligence inquests that lead civil claims."
Chambers and Partners (2017) - Personal Injury - "Known for his commanding presence at trial and in negotiations, making him a powerful representative for clients. He principally acts in high-value catastrophic injury cases, though he also represents clients during inquests, and has additional experience in human right issues."
Legal 500 (2016) - "A man you want on your side in difficult cases."
Chambers and Partners (2016) - "Hugely well respected for his handling of high-value catastrophic injury cases on behalf of both claimants and defendants. Recognised expertise in cases with human rights aspects. Strengths: "He is very well prepared and has a charming manner. He has always done an excellent job." "He has the ability to get to the heart of the matter, making him an effective negotiator. He is very empathetic with clients."
Legal 500 (2015) - "Calm, good attention to detail, and very sensible"
Chambers and Partners (2015) - "Specialises in high-figure clinical negligence and personal injury cases. He is also heavily engaged in inquests with regard to human rights issues in custody." Recent work: He acted in Iris Alison Pearson v South Tees Hospitals, a fatal claim arising from a post-operative overdose of anticoagulant that caused brain haemorrhage.
The Legal 500 (2014) - "Confident, assured and bright"
Chambers and Partners (2014) - "Handles high-value catastrophic claims, in addition to offering niche expertise in inquests and fatal claims, particularly in relation to deaths in hospital."
Chambers and Partners (2013) - "Richard focuses his practice on personal injury and clinical negligence work. He has an interesting niche in cases concerning the human rights issues raised by deaths in custody. He recently handled the case of Chan which concerned a catastrophic head injury caused by a failure to grit an icy road."
Chambers and Partners (2012) - "Richard is ranked under Band 1 making him one of the top 5 specialist Personal Injury practitioners on the North Eastern Circuit. Plaudits say he handles a steady stream of disease and accident work for such clients as the MOD and the Prison Service; he also undertakes inquiry work in the medical and mental areas."
Chambers and Partners (2011) - "A very thorough in his approach and one of the best cross-examiners on circuit".
Chambers and Partners (2010) - "Richard Copnall's "erudite analysis of cases" was much commented upon. Solicitors "feel confident on difficult cases when they know that he is on their side."
Chambers and Partners (2009) - "Lauded for providing a high-quality service encompassing all areas of personal injury work, Richard Copnall "takes the burden off the client, always choosing to run with a deal rather than constantly seeking the client's opinion."
Legal 500 (2007) - "Well known for his impressive court presence."
Chambers and Partners (2007) - "A sought-after advocate. Well versed in employers' liability and general personal injury matters, he has built a strong reputation for achieving best results in top-quality work."
Chambers and Partners (2006) - "No-nonsense barrister who gets on and does the job."
Chambers and Partners (2005) - "Has flair in Court'
Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA) Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) Professional Negligence Bar Association (PNBA) Association of Victims of Medical Accidents (AVMA)
Reported Cases
Xv Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 2021
Failure to treat glaucoma in a child leading to total blindness. Settled for £2million.
A v West Sussex County Council 2021
Infant trafficked to the UK from Africa. Social worker conceals from the court that the mother has been identified and wishes to be re-united with her child. Court makes adoption order on the misunderstanding that the mother has abandoned the child.
L v Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 2021
Failures at birth leading to severe cerebral palsy. Settled with periodical payments equivalent to a lump sum in the region of £5 million.
B v M 2021
Civil claim against an amateur football club arising from historic abuse.
Reported in: The Guardian , The Guardian (a second time), BBC
D v Ministry of Defence 2021
Army sergeant died when an IED in Afghanistan caused his vehicle to overturn.
Reported in: BBC, The Daily Mail
G v Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (2021)
Deceased suffered a heart attack. Paramedic arrived soon after, but delayed in entering the building and failed to use the defibrillator.
Reported in: BBC, Metro, Hull Daily Mail
Re Ewan Brown 2020
Inquest following the failure of the police and NHS trust to safeguard the deceased who was experiencing the onset of psychosis and was detained in police custody rather than taken to a place of safety under the Mental Health Act.
Reported in: Chronicle Live and The Northern Echo
Edwards v Hugh James [2019] UKSC 54
Richard acted for the claimant at first instance, before the court of Appeal and was leading counsel before the Supreme Court. A solicitor’s negligence claim arising from the miners’ VWF compensation scheme. Now one of the leading cases on the valuation of a “lost chance”.
Re John Lawler November 2019
Inquest following “treatment” by a chiropractor causing a fractured cervical vertebra and the failure of the chiropractor to provide an accurate account to the attending paramedics.
Reported in: The Daily Mail, BBC and Metro
Re Dominic Sowa 2019
Inquest following the failure of the NHS Trust to safeguard the deceased against the risk of suicide.
Reported in: The Times, Independent, Yorkshire Post
X v Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Trust 2018
Incorrect choice of operation for congenital hip deformity. Settled a mediation for £475,000
S v Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Trust 2018
Anticoagulants stopped prior to cardio version resulting in strike and sight loss. Settled at mediation £680,000
Re Wayne Moore. November 2018
Inquest following the failure of the prison and multiple NHS trusts to prevent the deceased’s death from perforated duodenal ulcer.
Reported in: Nottingham Post
Re Jay Gascoigne 9/18
Inquest following a failure of the local authority and NHS trust to manage the deceased substance and mental health issues.
Reported in: Chronicle Live
Re Matthew Johnson
Inquest following the failure of the prison and NHS trust to protect the deceased from death by hanging.
Reported in: Yorkshire Evening Post
Re SR [2018] EWCOP 36
The court considered whether it was in P’s best interests to return to live with her husband, notwithstanding his publicly stated support for euthanasia.
Ridyard v Secretary of State for Justice [2017] EWCA Civ 280
A prisoner was released on licence following a conviction for murdering his partner. In breach of the conditions of his licence, he entered into a (abusive) relationship with the Claimant, without informing the Defendant. Consideration of the scope of the common law duty of care owed by the probation service.
Re Stephen Berry
Inquest following the failure of the police to obtain medical attention for the deceased who died in a police cell whilst intoxicated.
Reported in: Chronicle Live
Whitehead v Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement [2012] EWCA Civ 263
A game keeper suffered serious injuries when his shotgun discharged as his climbed over a wall. The court considered the application of the work equipment regulations.
Field v British Coal [2008] EWCA Civ 912
The meaning of “knowledge” under the s14 of the Limitation Act in an industrial deafness case.
Yorkshire Traction v Searby [2003] EWCA Civ 1856
The application of the Work Equipment Regulations to a bus following an assault by a passenger on the driver.
Green v Yorkshire Traction [2001] EWCA Civ 1925
The application of the Work Equipment Regulations to a bus following a slipping accident.
Hall v Bolton MBC [2001] EWCA CIV 1717
The duty owed by the defendant to a teaching assistant at a special school who was assaulted by a pupil.
Craven v Riches [2001] EWCA Civ 375
C was rendered quadriplegic following a motorcycle accident at a track day. Extent of duty owed by the organisers.
King v RCO [2000] I.C.R.608 (CA)
The application of the manual handling regulations to the spreading of grit.
Swain v Denso Marston [2000] I.C.R.1079 (CA)
The application of the Manual Handling Regulations to urgent maintenance of machinery.
Stark v Post Office [2000] I.C.R. 1013 (CA)
The leading case on the work equipment regulations, which established that the duty was absolute.
Dunn v Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 13/1/99 (CA)
Fall from a trolley whilst waiting in A&E.
Hall v Hi-Tec [1995] 10 WLUK (CA)
Crush injury to hand.
Attorney General's Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional Panel) 2007-2012 and 2000-2007.
Editor - APIL Guide to Personal Injury Applications and Pleadings (Jordans, 2005); Editor - APIL Model Pleadings and Applications (Jordans, 2012); contributor to APIL Personal Injury Law, Practice and Precedents.
BSc (Hons) Physics and Applied Physics, Nottingham University
