Richard represents clients in complex commercial litigation, especially franchise matters and disputes over property—both real and intellectual.
After beginning his career as a sound engineer for television and film, Richard decided to enroll in law school, with an eye toward the entertainment industry. A judicial internship opened his eyes to the strategic world of litigation, and he realized this was the perfect fit for a person with a creative background and mindset. Richard enjoys blending his real-world experience with commercial litigation prowess.
For Richard, litigation is a matter of lining up favorable facts and legal strategies in creative ways. He excels at finding the best path to victory—or to the best business outcome possible—for a client, and he’s always prepared to go to trial when it’s in the client’s best interest.
While Richard is experienced with a variety of business disputes, he has a particular focus on property litigation, whether real or intellectual. He has represented clients in various tribunals related to brand enforcement and trademark disputes, as well as other intellectual property litigation. Richard is equally experienced with commercial real property litigation, particularly commercial landlord/tenant disputes.
Richard also focuses his practice on providing strategic litigation solutions for franchisors, including enforcement of non-compete agreements, brand protection, and defending against vicarious- or agency-based liability claims. Indeed, Richard has helped franchisor clients be dismissed from cases brought by franchisee customers and has enforced non-compete obligations not only against franchisees but also affiliated parties, such as family members.
A zealous advocate with a gift for creative strategies, Richard is also a realist who provides clients with pragmatic advice. He’s a people person who excels at building relationships and bridges, and he’s good at working toward amicable solutions when appropriate. Richard is known as an excellent communicator who keeps clients informed, and he aims to offer a full picture of potential outcomes. He sees his role as providing both his opinion on the client’s best course of action, as well as a full list of options, tailoring his strategies and recommendations to client needs.