5RB has learnt with great sadness of the death of Richard Hartley, the former Head of Chambers at 1 Brick Court.
Joint Head of 5RB Jane Phillips said:
“We were incredibly sad, over the weekend, to hear that Richard had died. Richard was a true great of the libel bar. Dubbed ‘the Prince of Libel’ by The Observer Magazine, and Sir Hartley Redface by Private Eye, Richard’s unerring ability to sway a jury was legendary. As The Observer commented, he was ‘cool, efficient – but ruthless in cross-examination and devastating with the use of his voice. He modulates his tone in reading the offending passages over and over again to the jury with telling effect’. He was not only a wonderful advocate but a great friend to all those lucky enough to work with him. As Head of 1 Brick Court, his door was always open and he ensured that his infectious love of life spread throughout Chambers, making it a very happy place to be.”