Richard is a partner at Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers, LLP.
Richard litigates contaminated land and other environmental disputes before all levels of Ontario’s Courts and Tribunals, including the Superior Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal. Richard defends environmental charges in environmental, land use and conservation authority matters before the Ontario Court of Justice. He also appeals environmental and natural resource regulatory orders.
Richard acts in a broad range of environmental matters, including regulatory inspections and investigations, strategic advice to help clients maintain compliance with environmental laws, and negotiating resolutions with regulators on behalf of clients. He works with parties to respond to spills and discharges, assists clients with matters involving contaminated land, waste and water issues. Richard provides advice in a broad range of sectors including mining, agriculture, food, construction, infrastructure, waste management and insurance. Having started his career as a scientist, Richard has an in-depth familiarity with the technical aspects of environmental assessment.
Richard is recognized as a leading environmental law practitioner in Canada. He is a repeatedly recommended ‘Leading Lawyer’ by Lexpert in environmental law and is acknowledged by his peers by being named to the ‘Best Lawyers in Canada’ for environmental law.
Richard is an Osgoode Hall alumnus and was called to the Ontario bar in 2006.