Richard was educated at Torquay Boys Grammar School and obtained a law degree from Southampton University. He qualified in 1976 and became a partner in 1984. He is also an ex-World and five times British National Dinghy Sailing Champion. He is head of the Dispute Resolution department.

Richard specialises in a broad range of litigation work including disputes as to contract, intellectual property, inheritance, employment and construction. He has had cases in most Courts including the House of Lords.

He has a unique practice in relation to advice given regarding sailing and marine matters including America's Cup Challenges, Sponsorship Agreements, Round the World Races and advice to Olympic Competitors. He acts for a number of well known marine related businesses as well as for Ellen MacArthur and all five British Olympic sailing medallists from the 2004 Athens Games including Ben Ainslie (double gold medallist), Shirley Robertson (double gold medallist), Iain Percy (a Sydney gold medallist), Nick Rogers (silver), Chris Draper (bronze) and Nick Dempsey (bronze).