1978: BA (Hons) degree in Business Law
1980: Called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn)
Serious crime
Serious criminal conduct in child care proceedings in the Family Court.
1981: Elected to the Northern Circuit and joined 5 Castle Street Chambers in Liverpool
1997: Appointed Assistant Recorder
2000: Appointed Recorder authorised to sit in the Crown and County Courts.
2002 – 2006: Appointed to the Attorney General’s panel (A list) authorised to prosecute the most serious cases on behalf of Government departments. (Appointment relinquished automatically upon taking Silk)
2006: Appointed Queen’s Counsel.
2010: Elected Bencher of Gray’s Inn
2011 – 2013: Leader of the Northern Circuit
2012 – Head of 7 Harrington Street Chambers
2016: Appointed Tutor-Judge to the Judicial College, participating in the continuing training of both full-time and part-time Judges.
2021: Appointed to the Panel of Deemsters in the Isle of Man
2022: Appointed King’s Counsel, upon the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
‘Richard’s experience is his most valuable asset. As lead counsel, he has been involved in some of the biggest cases to come before the courts in the past two decades, and he therefore has the respect of the judges, and his delivery in speeches before the jury are a work of art.’
(Legal 500 2025) Ranked Tier 2 (Crime, Leading Silks)
Chambers and Partners 2024
Crime – Northern Bar Band 2Richard Pratt KC is head of chambers and is skilled as both prosecution and defence counsel for a range of criminal matters. He is particularly experienced in crimes of violence, including manslaughter and murder.
“He is vastly experienced, hard-working, great with clients and comfortable in any forum.”
(Legal 500 2023) Ranked Tier 3 (Crime, Leading Silks)
“Very active in serious violent crime, including areas such as infanticide” (Legal 500 2020) Ranked Tier 3 (Crime, Leading Silks)
Chambers and Partners 2022
Crime – Northern Bar Band 2
Richard Pratt QC is head of chambers and is skilled as both prosecution and defence counsel for a range of criminal matters. He is particularly experienced in crimes of violence, including assault, manslaughter and murder.
Recent work: Prosecuted a 17-year-old for the murder of a family friend who he thought had sexually assaulted his mother.
Chambers and Partners 2020
Crime Northern Bar – Band 3
Head of Chambers who is skilled as both prosecution and defence counsel for a range of criminal matters. He is particularly experienced in crimes of violence, including assault, manslaughter and murder.
Strengths: ” A very measured and capable advocate. He is extremely well regarded by the Judiciary; when he comes in, the robing room listens”.
Recent work: Prosecuted a woman who dumped a newborn baby in a hospital bin and stuffed tissue in its mount. She was charged with attempted infanticide.
“Highly experienced in defending and prosecuting in high-profie murder trials” (Legal 500 2018) Ranked tier 1
“Head of chambers who is skilled as both prosecution and defence counsel for a range of criminal matters. He is particularly experienced in crimes of violence, including assault, manslaughter and murder.”
Strengths: “He is a confident performer and if the work is heavy and gruesome, you want Richard there fighting for you.”
Recent work: Instructed to prosecute a man accused of the rape and murder of an ex-girlfriend and the murder of her mother.
(Chambers and Partners 2018)
“Head of chambers and skilled as both prosecution and defence counsel for a range of crimes of violence, including assault, manslaughter and murder”
Strengths: “He is a very charismatic silk”
Recent work: “Successfully prosecuted the aunt and grandmother of a seven year old girl on charges of child cruelty and murder.”
(Chambers and Partners 2017)
“A Criminal barrister who prosecutes and defends in equal measures. He has acted in a number of high-profile cases involving homicides and corporate manslaughters”.
Strengths: “His client care is exceptional, he is a gifted orator and is respected by the court and appreciated by the client”
Recent Work: He appeared before the Court of Appeal in a case concerning the murder of a man who died the day after a fight. The convicted’s sentences were markedly reduced, to manslaughter adn affray, after the appeal.
(Chambers and Partner 2016)
“Handles serious crime matters for the defence and the prosecution. He demonstrates particular expertise in high-profile and sensitive criminal law cases.
Recent Work: Defended a man accused of playing a part in the masked fatal shooting of a businessman.
(Chambers and Partners 2015)
“Recommended for heavyweight criminal cases” (Legal 500 2016) Ranked: Tier 1
“Equally adept in the prosecution and defence of serious crimes such as fraud and murder” (Legal 500 2015) Ranked:tier 1
“Richard Pratt QC Prosecutes and defends in high-profile murder, fraud and money laundering cases” (Legal 500 2014)
John Kilgallon at John@7HS.co.uk
Rachel Kehoe at Rachel.Kehoe@7HS.co.uk
Caz Dobson at Caz.Dobson@7HS.co.uk
Or alternatively email Clerks@7HS.co.uk
Prosecuting and defending all types of criminal cases with particular experience in homicide, fraud and money laundering and drug trafficking.
I will also accept instructions to represent alleged perpetrators of serious criminal conduct in child care proceedings in the Family Court.
R v W and others 2021 Prosecuting as leading junior 13 handed money laundering trial.
R v R. 2022 Defending young defendant charged with multiple child rape and grooming offences.
R v D 2022 Prosecuting 4 handed Drugs conspiracy 10 kilos of Cocaine trafficked from inside prison.
R v F 2022 Prosecuting Modern slavery – vulnerable youth trafficked across country as part of “county lines” drug operation.
R v H 2022 Defending Vulnerable adult Defendant accused of child abduction by impersonating social worker.
R v H 2023 Defending Child Defendant charged with Rape.
R v P 2023 Prosecuting four complainant sexual abuse case incorporating coercive and controlling behaviour allegation.
