Solicitor – Admitted 2003
“Having had the privilege of working with Benn on a number of matters over the years, I have always found Benn to be incredibly professional, knowledgeable and commercial when dealing with case matters. I consider Benn to be a valued and safe pair of hands who not only looks at each case on its own merits, but also considers the responsibilities and duties of Insolvency Practitioners on case matters.”
“Benn Richards is a dream to work with, possessing that rare combination of outstanding technical knowledge and commercial acumen. “
“There are few solicitors practicing in his area of law who are as tenacious and determined. A real heavyweight.”
Overview
I am a Partner in the Restructuring & Insolvency team specialising in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency. I work closely with insolvency practitioners, creditors, lenders, corporate entities, charities, directors and other stakeholders.
I am a solicitor-advocate (all higher courts, civil and criminal) in both England and Wales, and I am also admitted to practice as a solicitor-advocate in the Eastern Caribbean Circuit.
I have significant experience acting on complex contentious matters, including acting on unlawful tax avoidance schemes, breach of duty claims against directors, cross-border insolvency issues, and acting on complex bankruptcy issues.
I have a depth of advisory experience and have recently advised on proposed Restructuring Plans under Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006; advised a large sports travel company on a joint-venture agreement in relation to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and a social housing organisation on a solvent wind-down. I have significant experience in the not-for-profit sector having (among other things) led the insolvency advice on the pre-pack sale of 4Children (August 2016).
I am a member of the International Bar Association, sit on the Consulting Editorial Board for Lexis PSL Restructuring and Insolvency, and the LexisAsk panel for insolvency law, and am a contributor to the Jordans publication the Law of Legal Services.
Recent experience
Advising loan note holders on a proposed Restructuring Plan under Part 26A of the Companies Act 2006
Advising a UK large sports travel company on a joint-venture agreement in relation to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Acting for a large group of Spanish creditors in relation to the UK administration of a time-share company, successfully seeking the removal and replacement of the administrators
Acting for the trustee in bankruptcy in Amin v Redbrige [2018] EWHC 3100 (Ch) – annulments and recessions of bankruptcy orders and costs orders
Acting for the petitioning creditor in a complex bearer share dispute concern property in the Czech Republic (which included appointing provisional liquidators) – GBI Investments Limited ([2010] All ER (D) 171 (Jun))