What does he do?

Richard specialises in public law and community care law as well as education related matters.

Public what?

Public law involves a challenge to a decision made by a public body, such as a local authority.  Increasingly both businesses and individuals come into contact with public and other statutory bodies.  Richard has extensive experience of acting on behalf of commercial enterprises and individuals in public law actions. 

Specialist work

Richard has developed a niche practice acting on behalf of disabled people in the provision of accommodation and community care services, in particular people with a diagnosis of a learning disability and/or autism.  Over the last 9 years Richard has developed an extensive network of contacts with specialist barristers and experts (e.g. psychiatrists, psychologists and academics) on whose experience he can draw as and when required.

Recent cases

During the last few years much of Richard’s work has been devoted to pursuing compensation for victims of abuse from the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust following the Budock Hospital (Falmouth) scandal.  Richard was instrumental in assisting former NHS ‘watchdog’ the Healthcare Commission (now part of the Care Quality Commission) in undertaking its investigation of the allegations of abuse.   In 2009, Richard was appointed joint lead solicitor for the claimants in a class action against the Partnership Trust, in which he continues to represent approaching 100 learning disabled adults.  Richard expects the class action to settle by agreement before the end of this year so watch this space.

Recently Richard has also acted for several claimants in claims for judicial review against a social services authority in relation to domiciliary care charging.  The legal action resulted in the relevant local authority refunding charges to approaching 200 learning disabled people.

What did he do before joining Follett Stock?

Richard qualified in 2001 while working for a central London firm.  Before that he worked as a student welfare adviser for 5 years and before that as a teacher, live music promoter, painter and decorator and shelf filler at Woolworths (in that order).

What does he do when not working?

Richard has two young sons (currently aged 9 and 7 years).  He is actively involved in his local community and buys more CDs than his wife considers reasonable.

Why Follett Stock?

It’s simple. There are no contenders!

Client comments:

“I would just like to say that Richard Scrase has done an excellent job and without him I would still be struggling to get anywhere, he took on my case and put in his all.  He gave myself and my family our lives back, because of his hard work, determination and patience we can now move forward as a family which we could never envisage possible prior to him taking our case.”
 
"I want to say how happy I am with the work you are doing for me.  Your approach is positive, realistic and intelligent; you are hardworking and always reasonable and helpful with my queries and I have the strong sense that you are fighting on my side rather than treating it as just another job.  Follett Stock has proved to be a good choice and your representation even more so."

“We have finally achieved what initially appeared almost impossible, [L] is settled in her new 'home.'  It is now appropriate for [J] & I to write to you to officially express our gratitude.  It is without doubt that the legal team have, in no small measure, significantly assisted in keeping [L] alive and then going that 'extra mile' to ensure that she is well placed to continue that life.  We shall be eternally grateful for your efforts & advice, your tireless support, and above all, your legal knowledge. Many, many, many thanks."

"My faith in you is unquestionable."