Richard is ranked as a leading silk in crime by the Legal 500 (2007). He is also recognised as a leader at the Bar in both crime and criminal fraud by Chambers & Partners (2008) where he is described as "a man whose profile and fame have increased to epic proportions". Commentators describe Richard as "someone whose mere presence on a case commands respect" and "a lawyer who commands the best work". He has considerable expertise in devising and producing schedules and explanatory artwork for the assistance of Courts and juries in complex cases.
Richard specialises in all aspects of business crime. His clients include the SFO, CPS HQ, the DTI, HM Customs & Excise, The Bank of England and leading solicitors in London and on Circuit. He is frequently instructed in cases involving allegations of fraud, money-laundering and corruption. He is currently instructed by the SFO to prosecute an alleged $600 million fraud on the UK and US metal markets (R v Rastogi & Ors).
He is also recognised for his expertise in corporate manslaughter and health and safety law. He advised the IPCC in relation to its investigation into the fatal shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes by armed police officers at Stockwell underground station in 2005.
The primary focus of Richard's general crime practice is on homicide cases. He has prosecuted and defended in a number of recent high-profile cases including the murders of Mary-Ann Leneghan (R v Thomas & Ors) and Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman (R v Huntley & Carr).
Recent key cases
- R v Rastogi & Ors (2008): "The Metal Markets fraud" - a $700 million fraud by metal traders on banks in the United Kingdom and United States
- Advising the IPCC in their investigation into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes (2005-2007)
- R v Thomas & Ors (2006): "The Prospect Park murder" - prosecuting six members of a gang convicted of kidnapping and murdering Mary-Anne Legehan
- R v Humphries (2006): the murder of oxford academic Dr Barbara Johnson
- R v George (2005): Prosecuting the 1984 murder of anti-nuclear campaigner Hilda Murrell
- R v Ian Huntley & Maxine Carr (2003): The "Soham murders case" - leading counsel for the Crown
Contact Richard Latham QC
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7242 3555
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: clerks@7br.co.uk