Senior Associate, Irwin Mitchell LLP, Birmingham
Joint Coordinator of APIL’S Child Abuse Special Interest Group
Richard is a senior associate in the abuse litigation department of Irwin Mitchell LLP (based in Birmingham) and he is the appointed joint coordinator of APIL’s child abuse special interest group.
He is a specialist Abuse Litigation solicitor, supporting both child and adult survivors of abuse bring civil legal claims for compensation. Richard represents clients across the whole of England & Wales.
Richard has a mixed and varied caseload spanning the full gamut of abuse-related litigation, including vicarious liability claims and claims brought against individual perpetrators. He has also developed particular expertise and interest in Local Authority negligence/human rights claims following the appellate decisions in CN v Poole and HXA & YXA v Surrey CC & Wolverhampton CC.
Richard is a highly capable lawyer and has a great track record of securing excellent client outcomes for vulnerable clients on difficult cases, utilising his sector leading legal expertise.
In addition, he has developed strong relationships with charities supporting survivors of sexual abuse, providing pro-bono legal advice clinics and support on a regular basis.
Richard is committed to staying on top of the legal and practical developments within abuse litigation and welcomes the opportunity to support the wider legal community in securing the best possible outcomes for claimants.
Testimonials
Legal 500 (2024/25) - ‘Luke Daniels, Christopher Hurlston, Richard Sweetman, Tom Fletcher are all outstanding. I have known each of them to go the extra mile for their clients and to treat them with dignity and respect. They are all very efficient and typically respond within hours when I email requests for advice or information.'
Legal 500 (2024/25) - ‘The abuse team at Irwin Mitchell has great depth and experience. They are well resourced and have national reach… Richard Sweetman has excellent legal knowledge and a great manner with clients.’