Chris Richards

Call 2016

richards@exchangechambers.co.uk

Photo of Chris Richards

Credit Hire

Chris was called to the Bar in 2016. He became a tenant of Exchange Chambers in September 2017 following the successful completion of his common law pupillage with Chambers.

Chris has extensive experience of claims involving credit hire, both acting for Claimants and Defendants. Chris regularly acts in cases involving significant value and complexity.

Chris has an excellent understanding of the law concerning credit hire and is fully able to deal with arguments about need, enforceability, impecuniosity, period and rate. Recent credit hire instructions include the following:

  • A trial where Chris secured the total dismissal of a claim for credit hire on the grounds that the hire agreement had inadvertently provided for hire of ‘zero days or less’.
  • A trial where Chris obtained a 90% reduction in a claim for credit hire after showing in cross-examination that the Claimant had several alternatives to hire;
  • A trial where Chris proved that a Claimant was not impecunious after forcing the Claimant to admit in cross-examination that there had been serious disclosure failings.

The strength of his practice in the complementary field of personal injury law means he is ideally placed to deal with cases involving a personal injury element.

Chris is incredibly client-focused and approachable and understands the importance of a strong relationship with his clients and instructing solicitors. He prides himself on quick turnaround of papers, and is happy to provide advice on an informal basis.