Richard is a founding member of the firm. He is called upon to handle complex labor relations issues nationally. This ranges from handling mergers of represented and non-represented workforces, collective bargaining in consolidating industries and challenging economies, and strategic consulting with employers regarding the labor and employment relations implications of change.

Richard has consulted and bargained on behalf of employers from the oil fields of Alaska to health care in California, to hospitality in Florida and to heavy manufacturing in Pennsylvania. He led the labor relations strategy in the merger of two multi-national corporations and served as the chief spokesperson in bargaining for a national health care employer, leading its bargaining initiatives in nine states.

Richard was recognized by The Chambers 2024 Client’s Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a top tier labor lawyer for the 18th consecutive year. 

Richard for several years has also received the Super Lawyers (including Top 10 and Top 50) and Best Lawyers designation for labor and employment law, and the Client’s Choice award.

Richard is the past management co-chair of the American Bar Association Regional Liaison to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He is Vice Chair of the Manufacture Alabama Workforce Development Committee and past chair of the Workforce Development Subcommittee of the Governor’s Task Force on Manufacturing.

Richard is the past Chair of the Southeast Chapter of the Professional Liability Underwriters Society, an international organization of attorneys, underwriters and brokers who handle employment practices liability insurance claims and products. Richard is the editor, co-editor and author of several books and articles covering workplace issues and is often requested to speak nationally to employer groups about these subjects.