Clare Richards

Clare Richards is a specialist in corporate law. She qualified in 1987 and spent many years working in London at two well-regarded City firms, becoming a partner at the second. Clare moved to Suffolk in 1998 and joined Barker Gotelee in 2007.

Clare’s practice in London was focused on corporate structure and transactions – mergers and acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, investments, borrowings, refinancing and shareholder arrangements, including a substantial amount of listed company work. She was heavily involved in one of the privatisations in the 1990’s and advised various household names.

Corporate and financial transactions continue to be a core part of Clare’s work. She also advises clients on day-to-day matters, including terms and conditions and bespoke commercial contracts.

Clare says:

‘I work very closely with owner/managers as they take their businesses through significant change. I recognise the stresses that go with change and part of my work is to ensure that the start, middle and end of any change to a business runs as smoothly as possible’.

Clare finds that her particular business expertise is often called upon by non-business clients. She frequently works with her divorce colleagues in connection with financial settlements.

Over many years Clare has acted for non-profit organisations and has delivered public talks, including at an international level.

Clare recognises that her area of expertise may seem particularly daunting and makes every effort to keep her advice clear and straight-forward.

Clients say:

‘We have now used Clare to guide us successfully through two share sale deals and we are currently working together on a third. Whilst possessing comprehensive technical skills in corporate law and wide ranging experience of mergers , acquisitions and disposals, Clare has a rare (in our experience) ability to press firmly to achieve the best results for her clients whilst managing to maintain a friendly & cooperative relationship with the other side & their advisors which undoubtedly achieves optimum outcomes in reasonable timescales. She is also extremely proficient in explaining details and complicated legal jargon in language that can be easily understood by the layman. We would not hesitate to recommend her services’.

“If you want a solicitor that is plain speaking, knows what they are doing, is able to respond quickly and offers great value then you will be very happy with Barker Gotelee. Not only that, there is a great human and business element too, which means understanding goes well beyond legal technicalities.”

Chambers UK 2025 – Band 1 Lawyer

“Clare has very good attention to detail and provides practical advice.”

“Clare is a hugely experienced commerical and corporate solicitor.”

“Clare provides an exceptional service.”

Legal 500:

‘Excellent support and communication in all aspects of business. I always feel that whatever legal support I need will always be well addressed with the correct level of knowledge and expertise. I have complete faith and trust in everything that Barker Gotelee advise us on.’

‘Clare Richards and Liz Gifford provide well-rounded and fully comprehensive advice in a manner that is easy for us to understand and feel comfortable with.’

‘Great communication, speed of response and the ability to explain stuff in language that I understand.’

Call me
01473 617311

Solicitors Ipswich Suffolk – for more information on our range of legal services, please contact us