Richard Liddell KC

Queen’s Counsel, 4 New Square

Richard Liddell KC’s practice primarily covers four areas: commercial disputes (including insurance coverage and international arbitration), professional liability claims, construction and engineering litigation and sports law.

Many of his cases have an international dimension and he is frequently instructed in commercial and construction disputes in the Middle East before the DIFC Courts (where he has rights of audience) and in arbitration claims.

Rick is currently instructed to advise on various coverage issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to acting as an advocate and adviser, Rick is also regularly appointed as Arbitrator.

Rick took silk in 2020 and is recommended as a leading practitioner in the legal Directories for Professional Negligence, Construction and Sports law.

Rick is also recognised and regarded for offering expertise in the fields of sports law and sports disciplinary law. He is regularly instructed by World Rugby and has acted for numerous other international and domestic governing bodies, including the IAAF, England Netball and England Lacrosse. His cases include acting for an Olympic Gold Medalist in a selection appeal to British Rowing, the National Governing Body for Rowing; successful high profile doping appeals on behalf of the International Association of Athletics Federations at CAS; acting for a Spanish football club in a CAS appeal; advising a professional footballer on a doping appeal to the FA; advising rugby players in doping appeals and disciplinary cases; and acting in FA Rule K Arbitrations.

Rick also regularly sits as an arbitrator and was recently a member of an English Football League Arbitration Panel (together with Sir David Foskett and Andrew Smith) which determined an appeal brought by a League Two Football Club against a decision of a Disciplinary Commission.  He is also frequently appointed as a sole arbitrator in FA Rule K Arbitrations.