Tributes have poured in for a widely-respected barrister who has died following a cycling accident last week.

London-based chambers 12KBW today confirmed the loss of Richard Viney at the age of 52.

Viney was its first deputy head of chambers and was repeatedly re-elected, staying in post even while serving as deputy district judge for the West Midlands and being a barrister member of the Civil Procedure Rule Committee.

In a statement, his chambers said Viney was ‘undoubtedly’ on the cusp of taking silk and was unanimously and deeply loved by all members and staff.

‘Richard was a wonderfully gentle, kind, modest and selfless man with a brilliant mind and a big heart who gave his all to chambers throughout his many years with us,’ the statement said.

‘He was a father to some, an uncle or a brother to others, and a son to the more senior members who nurtured him in his early years. Pressure always seemed to dissipate when Richard was there. His death leaves an unfillable void in all of our lives.’

The news has prompted a flood of tributes from across the profession. Charles Bagot QC, who competed alongside Viney in the London Triathlon, said: ‘I first met Richard when we shared a room when he was a junior tenant and I was a pupil in 1997/8. He was kind, thoughtful and self-effacing then and since.’

Jamie Clarke, a barrister with Crown Office Chambers, said: ‘I am deeply saddened and send my condolences to you all. I will remember Richard as the formidable, courteous and kind opponent that he was.

 

Twitter users share their memories of Richard Viney

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