Richard Raban-Williams

Senior associate

Richard is a senior associate within the commercial dispute resolution team in London. He has considerable experience of resolving an array of complex disputes for a variety of domestic and international clients including high net worth individuals, SMEs, and overseas companies.

He regularly acts for large groups of individuals in high-value and intricate professional negligence actions against professional advisers. Richard is also experienced in representing clients in arbitration proceedings which frequently feature an international element. In addition, he acts in disputes relating to the provision of financial services, commercial contracts, the activities of companies and their shareholders, and the operation of policies of insurance.

I relish securing the best possible outcome for those who find themselves involved in disputes that are often arduous and sometimes emotional. I always strive to understand my client’s objectives and guide them through the litigation process by offering clear, jargon-free advice and robust strategies from the outset.

Richard Raban-Williams, Senior associate

In recognition of the value in early disputes resolution, Richard habitually explores mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution with clients. However, if proceedings are commenced, he has experience of proactively and diligently handling cases until their conclusion. Richard also has experience of advancing and defending appeals within both the High Court and Court of Appeal.

Feedback from clients reveal that Richard is a ‘delight to work with’ and that he offers ‘first rate’ advice. The Legal 500 includes a client testimonial confirming they were ‘super impressed’ following their instruction of Richard, who formed a ‘super team’ with a colleague. Richard joined Penningtons Manches Cooper in 2022. Prior to this he acted in a broad range of disputes at both the London-listed law firm where he qualified and the established-West End practice he subsequently moved to.

Recent work highlights

Private equity dispute

Acting for a former member of a private equity firm in High Court proceedings regarding their entitlement to carried interest further to their various investments.

VAT-refund arbitration

Representing a Danish company in UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings concerning a contractual dispute regarding sums allegedly payable pursuant to a VAT-refund agreement.

Group actions

Assisting large groups of claimants in court proceedings brought against their previous legal advisers following the receipt of negligent advice.

Insurance arbitration

Acting for a group of 90 claimants in ad-hoc arbitration proceedings concerning the liability of an insurer under the terms of a firm of solicitors’ insurance policy following the professional negligence of those solicitors.

Financial services dispute

Advising a company specialising in digital finance in a protracted contractual dispute with a service provider following allegations of non-performance of contract.

Debt recovery

Assisting a company specialising in the provision of secure collaboration technology in recovering sums owed to it further to a consultancy agreement entered into with a customer.

LMAA arbitration

Acting for a Chinese steel producer in arbitration proceedings worth c. $20 million as a result of disputed consignments of iron ore following allegations of force majeure.

Enforcement action

Advising a client in their resistance of an application for a charging order over their family home following a High Court judgment against their spouse.

Time share litigation

Representing a professional corporate trustee in the High Court following a constructive trust claim concerning the disputed liability for Spanish corporation taxes of c. €2.6 million.

Commercial agency dispute

Assisting with a multi-million pound High Court claim regarding breach of a contract subject to The Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.

LMAA arbitration

Acting for a Chinese steel producer in arbitration proceedings worth c. $20 million as a result of disputed consignments of iron ore following allegations of force majeure.

Enforcement action

Advising a client in their resistance of an application for a charging order over their family home following a High Court judgment against their spouse.

Time share litigation

Representing a professional corporate trustee in the High Court following a constructive trust claim concerning the disputed liability for Spanish corporation taxes of c. €2.6 million.

Commercial agency dispute

Assisting with a multi-million pound High Court claim regarding breach of a contract subject to The Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.