I act for victims and survivors of abuse, and whilst doing so, I try to achieve changes in the law and the system so that past failings are not repeated. I’m always inspired by the courage and determination of my clients to secure justice and change the world for the better. I deal with some truly dreadful cases, but I’m lucky to have wonderful clients and colleagues which makes it all worthwhile.
Get to know Richard
I began my career as a trainee solicitor in 1992 and qualified as a solicitor in 1994. I'm highly experienced in personal injury and human rights, with a specialist expertise in representing victims and survivors of abuse across the UK and have been described as “one of Britain’s leading specialists” in the field of abuse law.
During my career I’ve acted for hundreds of victims and survivors of abuse in many different settings including schools, churches, sports clubs, youth clubs, hospitals, the military and overseas. I have particular expertise in cases involving religious organisations such as the Catholic Church, Church of England, Jehovah's Witnesses and Islamic institutions such as mosques and madrassahs. I also represent many young women and men affected by child exploitation across the country, having acted for victims in many of the major cases, and I act for many victims of abuse with learning difficulties.
Additionally, I specialise in public inquiries. I represented over 100 victims and survivors in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). I represented bereaved families in the Manchester Arena bombing Inquiry. I am currently representing families of victims in the Thirlwall (Lucy Letby) public inquiry.
May I reiterate my, and my family's sincerest thanks for all your efforts in trying to highlight the horrible horrendous truth of what we suffered. I am deeply thankful that you have had the courage and tenacity to represent us often at great personal cost to you.
Client testimonial (for Richard Scorer)
Thank you for representing me. I hope you can continue to do work like this, you can help other people and make the world better.
Client testimonial (for Richard Scorer)
Thank you for all you have done on my behalf, pursuing truth and justice in response to my suffering. Thank you for your generosity to me with your time and expertise.
Client testimonial (for Richard Scorer)
Career highlights
No single case stands out as a career highlight for me - it’s a great privilege to give anyone who’s suffered abuse a sense of justice and help them access treatment and support to enable them to move forward with their lives.
I have, during my career, worked on many high-profile abuse cases, representing victims of abuse in the Catholic Church, the Church of England and other religious settings including mosques and gurdwaras; victims of child sexual exploitation in Rochdale and other parts of the country; victims of Jimmy Savile, Cyril Smith and John Worboys; and victims of abuse in many different institutions including (to give just a few examples) Ampleforth College, Chethams School of Music and Chelsea FC.
I’m consistently ranked as a Band 1 lawyer in Chambers and Partners and the 2023 guide states: "Richard is truly fantastic at what he does. He can see the bigger picture and communicates well with a wide range of people."
Also, I’m consistently ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the Legal 500, including in their latest 2023 edition.
In 2019 I contributed to “Letters to a Broken Church”, an important book about the abuse crisis in the Church of England. I write regularly for various publications including the New Law Journal.
I’m a founder member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL) and I’m also the Vice President of the National Secular Society, which campaigns for the separation of religion and state, and equal respect for everyone’s human rights, so no one is either advantaged or disadvantaged because of their beliefs. I served for nine years as a board member and director of the Big Life Group, a leading social enterprise in the North West. Since 2022 I have also been working as a part-time Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Kent, leading an international study of legal and policy tools for ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are better protected from abuse in religious settings.
Contact Richard Scorer
Find out more from our experts
Sexual and criminal abuse
Abuse claims solicitors
If you have been a victim of sexual or physical abuse, we understand how incredibly hard it is to talk about. When you’re ready, our abuse solicitors will listen and advise you throughout your compensation claim. Our team will work with you in complete confidentiality.
Sexual abuse and sexual assault can cause lasting trauma to sufferers. This guide to abuse and assault is intended to provide useful information to sufferers and their families.
Confidentiality and anonymity are always of paramount importance in abuse cases. Below we discuss the steps we undertake to ensure this is looked after.
Have you suffered abuse by the Church of England? We can help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact our specialist lawyers in religious abuse claims in confidence.
