Before coming to the law, Richard worked as an actuary, first for a major life insurance company and then as a partner in a leading firm of consulting actuaries. In the latter capacity he advised corporate, institutional and individual clients in a wide range of topics, including superannuation, life, general and health insurance and investment management. He also gave actuarial advice and evidence in personal injury litigation and in 1983 contributed to a book on the assessment of damages.

In 1986 Richard moved to a major funds management company where he came to be chief investment officer, responsible for approximately $25 billion in assets under management. His primary focus was on the Australian share market and on asset allocation, with particular attention to the use of derivatives. He was also heavily involved in all other aspects of a funds management business, including product design, marketing and sales, administration and compliance.

For 5 years to 1998 Richard was a director of the investment management industry body (AIMA) and then briefly of IFSA.

He retired from funds management in 2000 and in 2001 decided to pursue a long-held interest in the law when he started the LLM(LP) course at Monash University. He completed the course in 3 years.

Richard is an Accredited Mediator with the Victorian Bar.