Richard obtained his B Soc Sci and LLB degrees from the University of Natal. In 2002 he joined Schoerie Hayes Macpherson as a professional assistant in the litigation and commercial department. He went on to serve as a litigator after the takeover of Schoerie Hayes Macpherson by SWN in 2003, and was instrumental in founding the Durban office of SWN in 2005.

Since then Richard has built up a strong litigation department and gained substantial High Court experience. With the merger of TMJ and SWN in 2010, Richard headed up both the High Court and Magistrates' Court litigation departments at TMJ's Durban office. He specialises in High Court commercial litigation and has a particular interest in building industry disputes. He now practices as a Senior Executive Consultant out of the Durban office.