Since his admission to the New Hampshire bar in 1979, Rick's practice has been devoted almost exclusively to the representation of individuals and businesses in commercial disputes and transactions. Since the mid-1990s, his work has consisted in large measure of representing commercial contractors and other parties to the construction process. His clients have also included, however, a wide range of businesses including media organizations, banks, professional practices, high tech companies, manufacturers, brokerages, retailers and consulting firms, among others.
Rick's dispute resolution experience includes primary responsibility for hundreds of litigation matters in New Hampshire's courts, both state and federal. He is a member of the bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Rick also has extensive experience with alternative forms of dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. In addition to serving as an advocate for parties to such proceedings, he regularly serves as mediator and as arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association in construction and other commercial disputes.
Rick has earned the highest possible ("av") rating from Martindale Hubbell, the nation's oldest and most respected lawyer rating organization. He has also been recognized in recent years as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in the annual publication of that name. In recognition of his service as a member of the New Hampshire Judicial Council from 1986 to 2000, and as Chairman of the agency for ten years, Rick was awarded the 2000 President's Award for Special Service to the Profession and the Public by the New Hampshire Bar Association.
Rick remains active in a number of professional and trade organizations. Among other affiliations, he is a past board chair of the New Hampshire/Vermont chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors and currently serves as a national director for the organization. He regularly serves as a panelist or speaker on construction and media topics at seminars and conferences presented by bar groups and industry organizations.
Born in Maine and raised in Concord, New Hampshire, Rick graduated from Harvard College with honors in 1976 and earned his law degree, also with honors, from Boston University School of Law in 1979. He is a member of the Nashua, New Hampshire and American Bar Associations, and a member of the ABA's Forum on the Construction Industry and its Communications Forum. He lives in Amherst with his wife, Kelly and their daughter, Rachel.