A property litigation expert, ranked in Band 1 for Chambers with over two decades of experience in the field, has joined leading South West law firm Stephens Scown LLP.

Richard Bagwell joins the firm as a partner in its growing dispute resolution team, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in handling UK and international property disputes.

Richard’s legal experience began back in 1996 as a trainee solicitor for Prettys; he then qualified in 1998 and, after working at Mills & Reeve in Norwich, moved on to Foot Anstey in 1999. Richard was head of the property litigation team at Foot Anstey before deciding to move to Stephens Scown.

By joining Stephens Scown’s dispute resolution team, Richard’s considerable property litigation expertise complements and enhances services already offered by the firm. As well as working on property dispute cases throughout the South West and nationally, Richard also deals with French property disputes involving UK citizens. Richard is fluent in French and studied law at l’Université de Paris Ouest.

Speaking about why he chose to move to Stephens Scown, Richard said:

The firm’s focus on the South West, its reputation in its dedicated sectors as well as the strength of the existing property litigation team convinced me to move.”

Commenting on Richard’s appointment, Stephens Scown’s managing partner Robert Camp said:

Richard was impressed with our South West based strategy and has seen how far the firm has come over the last few years. It is a real coup to attract such a big hitter. We look forward to the skills and expertise Richard will bring to us.”

Stephens Scown has over 300 staff, including more than 50 partners, across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. The firm has been ranked for four consecutive years in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2017.