Richard Nicholl
Call 2019
Instruct Richard
To instruct Richard please contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7842 5555 or email [email protected].
Richard joined Chambers in 2024 following the successful completion of his third six pupillage. He is developing a broad commercial practice and accepts instructions across all of Chambers’ areas of work.
Richard is regularly led by other members of Chambers and outside counsel, including recent experience at the Commercial Court and the Upper Tribunal and in a five-day LMAA arbitration. Richard also has extensive experience as sole counsel, including in an arbitration under CIArb rules relating to a renewable energy project.
Before coming to the Bar, Richard worked as a paralegal in the public and private sectors, including spending two years in the compliance department of a leading litigation funder. Richard has a first-class degree in Law from Emmanuel College, Cambridge and a distinction in his master’s degree in Legal and Constitutional Studies from the University of St Andrews.
Commercial Litigation
Featured Commercial Litigation cases
Sole counsel representing a personal investor in an ongoing debt claim against property developers, including drafting a statutory demand and resisting a set-aside application.
Drafted particulars in respect of a claim for breaches of warranties in a share purchase agreement, ultimately securing a favourable settlement.
Advised on the validity of an investor’s charge over assets of an insolvent computer games developer, with particular focus on the applicability of sections 39 and 40 of the Companies Act 2006.
Advised on the interpretation of a contract for the purchase of construction goods, a rebate agreement over those purchases, and on the applicability of competition law to the dispute.
Advised on the breadth of a company’s discretion under a share purchase agreement, the availability of set-off and the possibility of an application for pre-action disclosure.
Assisted in drafting costs submissions for an ICC arbitration.
Shipping
Featured Shipping cases
Junior counsel (led by Sean O’Sullivan KC) in Eletson Gas LLC v A Limited & Ors [2025] EWHC 1855 (Comm), a three-day trial at the Commercial Court concerning the control of a company exercising a purchase option over LPG tankers.
Junior counsel (led by James Watthey) in a five-day LMAA arbitration concerning the effect of sanctions on a sale and purchase contract for container ships. Drafted opening submissions on Russian law and quantum, and conducted cross-examination of the respondent’s quantum expert. Awaiting decision.
Sole counsel on several claims in respect of negligent repairs to yachts and other leisure craft, on both claimant and defendant sides.
Sole counsel on several claims pursued by marinas, including representing a marina seeking unpaid mooring fees and advising a marina on the breadth of its powers under its bylaws.
Advised on the compatibility of an inflation indexation clause with consumer rights law.
Advised on the prospects of recovery in relation to storm damage sustained to a replica historic vessel.
Advised on the prospects of recovery by a secured creditor against the administrators of an insolvent shipping company.
Assisted in drafting defence submissions for an LMAA arbitration in a dispute about bunkering and redelivery notices.
Construction, Engineering and Energy
Featured Construction, Engineering and Energy cases
Junior counsel (led by Ben Pilling KC and Mek Mesfin) defending cladding claims under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Junior counsel (led by James Leabeater KC and Mek Mesfin) claiming for remedial works to defective glass.
Sole counsel defending a glazing company against allegations of professional negligence.
Sole counsel in an arbitration claim in respect of defective wind farm equipment. Secured a favourable settlement under limitation pressure.
Sole counsel in a claim in respect of defective pressing equipment.
Advised on the application of the Ofgem Backbilling Requirements to a claim against an entertainment venue for unpaid electricity bills.
Assisted in advising on the prospects of an application for an anti-suit injunction in respect of international proceedings on petroleum contracts.
Assisted in drafting statement of case for an LCIA arbitration in respect of repair obligations over an airport hotel.
Technology & Telecoms
Featured Technology & Telecoms cases
Sole counsel defending multiple separate claims for negligent web design and hosting.
Regular instructions from a major technology firm striking out consumer claims at the County Court.
Assisted with advising on prospects and drafting particulars in respect of a major automotive company’s claim for legal indemnity under an IT contractor’s framework agreement.
Assisted with drafting application for security for costs in respect of a disputed termination of an IT consultancy agreement.
Financial Services, Banking and Insurance
Featured Financial Services, Banking and Insurance cases
Junior counsel representing the FCA at the Upper Tribunal, resisting a challenge to a Decision Notice.
Sole counsel in a dispute over the interpretation of a travel insurance policy.
Eletson Gas LLC v A Limited & Ors [2025] EWHC 1855 (Comm): important findings by the Commercial Court on the recognition of foreign arbitral...
A. Introduction On 14 July 2025, judgment was handed down by the Commercial Court in Eletson Gas LLC v A Limited &...
Judgment handed down in Contract Natural Gas Ltd v Zog Energy Ltd – Gideon Shirazi
On 21 January 2025, the Chancery Division of the High Court handed down judgment in the case of Contract Natural Gas...
The FTT’s approach under BSA 2022, Section 124 : “defects”, “building safety risk” and “just and equitable”
As is now well known, section 124 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (the “BSA”) confers jurisdiction on the First-tier...
4 Pump Court to attend Society of Construction Law Ireland Conference
On Thursday 21st November, Jessica Stephens KC, Richard Nicholl and Billy Griffiths will be in Dublin for the The...
Instruct Richard
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