RLK Solicitors announces Partner promotion as national litigation practice continues to grow

RLK Solicitors has promoted highly experienced commercial litigator Richard Cooper to Partner, strengthening its senior team following a significant period of growth, national expansion and independent industry recognition. 

The appointment follows the firm’s expansion into London, the opening of its Birmingham city centre office at 103 Colmore Row, and its first rankings in both Chambers UK and The Legal 500. Together, these milestones reflect RLK’s continued investment in building a specialist litigation practice advising businesses and individuals on complex, high-value disputes across the UK. 

Richard joined RLK in January 2025 and brings more than 20 years’ experience in corporate and commercial litigation. He has held senior positions at leading regional and national law firms, including Gateley, Knights and Sydney Mitchell, and has extensive experience of proceedings in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. 

His expertise spans shareholder and director disputes, unfair prejudice claims, contractual disputes, professional negligence and insolvency-related litigation, acting for both claimants and defendants. 

Before returning to private practice, Richard served as General Counsel for a multinational iGaming business. This in-house experience gives him a valuable understanding of the commercial pressures facing business owners and directors, and the importance of aligning legal strategy with wider business objectives. 

Richard has also received longstanding individual recognition in The Legal 500 for his litigation expertise and client-focused approach. 

Satish Jakhu, Director and Head of Dispute Resolution & Litigation at RLK Solicitors, said: 

“Richard’s promotion reflects the calibre of lawyers we are attracting and developing at RLK, and our ambition for the future of the firm. 

We have made significant progress over the past two years, expanding our presence across Birmingham and into London, strengthening our team and achieving recognition from both Chambers UK and The Legal 500. 

But our focus remains firmly on our clients. Richard brings more than 20 years of litigation experience, exceptional technical ability and the commercial understanding that businesses need when facing significant disputes. 

We are building a specialist litigation practice with the experience and capability to handle complex, high-value matters nationally, without losing the personal approach and commitment that have been central to our growth.” 

Building on national recognition 

Richard’s promotion comes just weeks after RLK achieved two significant milestones in its development. 

In September 2026, the firm secured its first ranking in The Legal 500 UK 2027 for Commercial Litigation in Birmingham. This was followed in October by its first Chambers UK 2027 ranking, achieving Band 4 recognition in the UK-wide Dispute Resolution Specialist Firms category. 

The rankings represent an important step in RLK’s development, recognising the firm’s specialist litigation expertise and growing standing within the legal sector. 

For clients, the firm’s continued investment means access to an increasingly experienced team of litigators, capable of advising on complex disputes involving substantial commercial and personal interests. 

From shareholder disagreements and contractual disputes to professional negligence, insolvency litigation and urgent injunctions, RLK combines senior-level expertise with a commercially focused approach, seeking early resolution where appropriate and pursuing litigation when necessary. 

With offices in Edgbaston, Birmingham city centre and London, the firm continues to strengthen its ability to support clients across the Midlands and nationally. 

Commenting on his promotion, Richard Cooper said: 

“I’m delighted to have been promoted to Partner at such an important time for RLK. 

Since joining the firm, I’ve seen first-hand the ambition behind its growth and the commitment to building a litigation practice that delivers for clients. 

Businesses are operating in an increasingly complex environment. The rapid adoption of AI is creating new opportunities, but also new legal and commercial risks, from contractual liability and data protection to questions of accountability when things go wrong. 

When disputes arise, businesses need more than technical legal advice. They need solicitors who understand the commercial realities, can anticipate and assess risks, and provide clear, strategic advice to protect their interests. 

With our expanding presence in Birmingham and London, and the recent recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500, there is a real opportunity to build on what we’ve achieved. I’m looking forward to playing my part in that next stage.” 

Richard’s appointment marks another important stage in RLK’s development as the firm continues to strengthen its specialist litigation offering, invest in senior legal talent and expand its presence across the Midlands, London and the wider UK. 

With successive rankings in Chambers UK and The Legal 500, an expanding national footprint and a growing team of experienced litigators, RLK is well positioned for its next phase of growth.