Richard Waugh | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I have over 18 years’ experience of representing international and UK businesses in a wide range of complex and high value disputes including corporate and shareholder disputes, contractual disputes, trade and distribution disputes and project-based disputes.

I represent clients across a range of industry sectors but with a particular focus on energy, manufacturing, engineering/technology, retail and life sciences.  Many of the disputes that I handle have an international dimension with recent cases involving parties in the CIS, USA, BVI (and other offshore jurisdictions), the Nordics, Israel and Serbia.

I am an expert in applying for, and defending applications for, urgent injunctive relief in relation to assets and goods, including freezing orders and search orders in claims of alleged commercial fraud.  I am currently acting in one of the largest cases to be heard before the English courts.  

Another key area of my practice is international arbitration.  I conduct high value and complex disputes under the major institutional rules (LCIA, ICC and UNCITRAL) as well as "ad hoc" arbitrations.  I am currently leading a team of English and Russian speaking lawyers in a very high value arbitration for a Central Asian client in the oil and gas sector and recently led a team in the successful defence of three life sciences companies (in the UK, Germany and Austria) in a substantial LCIA arbitration, also defeating a subsequent High Court challenge.  I regularly attend and speak at conferences and seminars on topics related to international arbitration.

I have been recommended as an expert in litigation and arbitration in the leading legal directories. Chambers & Partners have recognised me for handling “high value litigation with an international focus” and Legal 500 have described me as “highly regarded for international arbitration” and giving “sound and commercially driven advice”.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Legal 500
Great breadth of knowledge and identifies the key issues quickly ... highly regarded for international arbitration
Chambers and Partners
Very professional and learned in our industry

Authored pieces

All Resources
An offshore oil rig is silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky. Bright flames are seen burning from a flare stack on the left side, and various equipment and lights illuminate the platform, which is surrounded by calm ocean waters.
Public and Regulatory
Insight

North Sea drilling: opportunities and legal risks

31.07.2026
Political signals may point towards renewed opportunities for North Sea oil and gas projects, but recent litigation demonstrates that developers should continue to expect rigorous environmental scrutiny and legal challenge.
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Energy and Natural Resources
Insight

Why gas still matters as Europe’s power demand grows

30.07.2026
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Dispute Resolution
Insight

Navigating energy pricing disputes — an increasing trend

22.04.2026
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Dispute Resolution
Insight

Can they claim the war as force majeure? Key considerations for the oil and gas sector

10.04.2026
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Dispute Resolution
Press Release

Fieldfisher secures spot in the GAR 100 for fourth consecutive year

16.04.2025
Fieldfisher is proud to announce its continued recognition in the prestigious Global Arbitration Review (GAR) 100 for the fourth year in a row, affirming the firm’s growing reputation as a global leader in international arbitration.
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What others say…

Legal 500
Great breadth of knowledge and identifies the key issues quickly ... highly regarded for international arbitration
Chambers and Partners
Very professional and learned in our industry