I joined Porter Dodson in 1996 shortly after I was admitted as a solicitor and became a partner in 2001.

    I have over 18 years’ experience dealing in particular with issues relating to marital and relationship breakdown. I act for a wide range of clients, including landowners, farmers and high net worth individuals, and I offer both the more traditional court route for resolving disputes and collaborative law.

    I am an accredited Resolution specialist, a committee member of Dorset Resolution and am the Chair of North and West Dorset collaboratively trained lawyers group, which aims to promote and grow consensual dispute resolution.

    I provide a supportive, strategic and realistic approach to dispute resolution which delivers client-focused outcomes in a cost-effective way. My collaborative practice allows me to work with my clients to produce solutions which are tailored to their needs.

    I have been recommended in the Legal 500 as "a tenacious and thorough practitioner, who is able to deal with the most difficult of personalities in a calm and reasoned manner". I have been described as "knowledgeable, professional and friendly",“exceptional”, “a well-regarded collaborative lawyer” and “quick-thinking …show(ing) empathy and humour, and is straight down the line”.

    I have been recommended in Chambers UK since 2016.

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    Testimonials

    He has a great ability to cut through to the core of the issue.

    Chambers UK 2024

    He is outstandingly capable, caring, measured, calm and sensible.

    Chambers UK 2024

    He is very hard-working and determined.

    Chambers UK 2024

    He offers a great blend of experience and tactical awareness.

    Chambers UK 2024
    Richard is quick to establish the relevant details and can assimilate a large amount of complex information. He is always friendly, personable and exudes efficiency. He is sure footed and self-assured in his approach, which gives a great degree of confidence.
    Chambers UK 2023
    He is a tough, no-nonsense litigator, with a good sense of humour. He is good with details as well, which makes him a good negotiator. He has an immediate grasp of the figures.
    Chambers UK 2023

    He's very knowledgeable on the law, very sensible and pragmatic and a tough negotiator.

    Chambers UK 2022

    Richard Baker is a great tactician who has an uncanny ability to predict outcomes at an early stage and do everything he can to achieve the best outcome for his client.

    Chambers UK 2022

    Richard Baker was able to communicate effectively with my wife’s lawyers – something which my previous lawyer was unable to do and a resolution was found. Highly recommended.

    Legal 500 UK 2022

    Professional competence, humanity and sector experience. I have always found the individuals I worked with hugely accessible, personable and understanding – particularly Richard Baker.

    Legal 500 UK 2022

    Richard Baker as head of team is an absolute star. He is incredibly bright, hardworking and a great tactician, and puts everyone (including the opposition) at ease. He is also incredibly efficient, as are the other members of the team, which provides excellent value for money for clients. He can deal with clients from a broad range of backgrounds equally well and all with good humour.

    Legal 500 2021

    The team have outstanding legal knowledge, humour and tenacity; provide unbiased, fair and always accessible advice; and keep me involved and up to date with processes, enabling me to contact them ad hoc for advice. Richard Baker has been exceptional in tricky divorce proceedings.

    Legal 500 2021

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