Working with Aboriginal groups in SA, NT, WA, Queensland and NSW, his experience includes
- acting on behalf of claimants in native title claims;
- negotiating mining and petroleum exploration and production agreements in relation to Aboriginal freehold and native title land;
- negotiating joint management agreements in relation to national parks and other conservation areas;
- negotiating with governments, mining companies and other bodies;
- advising Land Councils and other representative bodies on land rights, native title and related commercial issues;
- advising on laws for the protection of Aboriginal heritage.
Richard has been a member of the Law Society of South Australia’s Aboriginal Issues Committee since its inception in 1997 and has authored and presented many papers on land rights and native title.
Richard’s other primary area of practice is defamation law. He was involved in the landmark Chakravarti High Court decision which resulted in Johnston Withers’ client being awarded what was at the time the state’s highest defamation payout. He has represented a number of high profile clients (including South Australia’s then Premier, Mike Rann) in their defamation actions.
Richard also practises in commercial law matters generally.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts (Law/European studies)
Memberships
- Law Society of South Australia
