Richard Harris is a Partner in DTM Legal’s Dispute Resolution team. Richard brings a wealth of experience in resolving complex legal disputes through both litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Whether navigating the intricacies of commercial disputes, contractual issues, finance disputes or intellectual property, Richard focuses on providing practical, cost-effective solutions to achieve the best outcomes for DTM Legal’s clients.
Education and Training
Richard graduated with an honours degree from the University of Sheffield and obtained a distinction in the Legal Practice Course (LPC) from the University of Law. Richard completed his training contract at a top 50 International Law Firm before joining DTM Legal over 10 years ago.
Role within the DTM Legal Team
With a strong emphasis on tailored solutions and building a partnership with clients, Richard is always looking to develop dispute resolution strategies that align with his clients’ commercial interests and objectives. Richard is experienced in litigation from County Court to Supreme Court level and will advise and support clients throughout the Court process to put their best case forward and achieve their aims. Richard is also an advocate for ADR methods such as mediation which can save time, costs and preserve relationships whilst allowing a clients’ litigation aims to be achieved. Whether it is a high value contract dispute or a personal shareholder matter, Richard will guide you through the legal process with clarity and strategic insight.
Richard has particular expertise in contract disputes, construction litigation, intellectual property disputes, shareholder disagreements, defamation, insolvency and recovery litigation, finance litigation and restrictive covenant disputes. Richard has been a named individual in the Legal 500 for over 5 years and his expertise in Dispute Resolution and Insolvency and Business Recovery.
“My philosophy is to develop a partnership with clients to best understand their values and objectives and then to deliver practical and commercial solutions to deliver objectives on a day-to-day basis.”
Richard has a proven track record of achieving outcomes in commercial disputes for clients whether that is through the Court or utilising ADR methods. Richard focuses on finding practical, sustainable solutions to resolve dispute efficiently with a client-centred understanding that each dispute is unique requiring tailored advice and strategies to meet DTM Legal’s clients’ needs.
Richard’s career highlights have seen him advise on numerous high profile and high value reported disputes, including a £50m multi-jurisdiction dispute and act for clients such as Funding Circle, Azzurro Associates Limited, Swishfund, Mercia Asset Management PLC, Time Finance PLC as well as local authorities, political parties and SMEs assisting in a range of disputes. From start-up to PLC Richard has worked with clients to achieve their best possible results when faced with a dispute.
ESG, Publications, Speaking Engagements and Recognition
Alongside Richard’s legal work, he is also leading on DTM Legal’s ESG Strategy and has been at the forefront of the ESG journey including working to report on the firm’s carbon footprint, integrating ESG as well as organising and speaking at a number of ESG focused events across the Liverpool City Region.
Richard also has a particular expertise and interest in FinTech having advised in that sector for 10 years working with FinTechs from start-up to PLC. Richard has been involved in the production of the Liverpool City Region Fintech Report and has been a founding member of the Liverpool Fintech Growth Group which is designed to bring together and grow the Fintech ecosystem in the Liverpool City Region as well as being a part of a number of FinTech events in the region.
Richard has been a regular contributor to speaking events across the Liverpool City Region including speaking at ESG focused events, Fintech North Liverpool events as well as events focused on exploring the topic of “how to get paid”.
Richard has been a named individual in the Legal 500 for over 5 years and his expertise in Dispute Resolution and Insolvency and Business Recovery.
Personal Interests
Away from the office, Richard can be found enjoying time with his family, and when time allows, he will have his nose in a book or be cheering on the mighty reds at Anfield.
“Richard Harris is very personable and goes the extra mile to help. He is fast and effective; but also balanced and careful. A rising star.”
“Richard Harris is a fighter who gets stuck in whilst at the same time never losing sight of the client’s objectives and the routes to get to the same.”
“Richard Harris is not just a solicitor; he brought an extraordinary level of dedication and strategic insight to the table. In a highly complex property planning dispute, his support was instrumental in navigating an expensive and frustrating process…..
What makes him stand out is his exceptional ability to integrate into my business, offering perspectives that significantly influenced my decision-making process. This level of involvement and commitment is rare, setting him apart from competitors who may lack the same depth of engagement and empathy.
I valued the proactive approach, the readiness to explore every possible angle, and the relentless pursuit of fairness and justice. His partnership and Counsel I consider indispensable”
