Holland & Knight has bolstered its national Labor, Employment and Benefits Group with the addition of Partner Richard Harris in Philadelphia. Mr. Harris was previously a partner with Littler Mendelson P.C. 

A self-described “trial lawyer and storyteller by training, who grew into a crisis manager to help [his] clients see opportunities in the midst of a storm…,” Mr. Harris orchestrated a resolution averting a high-profile boycott of an international retail brand. Mr. Harris oversaw a resolution, culminating in implicit bias training for all of the client’s U.S.-based stores, and led a process that turned a public relations crisis into a positive outcome for the company, with a significant contribution to the organization’s ongoing culture.

His trial practice experience is extensive and includes representing Fortune 500 companies in multistate litigation. Mr. Harris has garnered a reputation as a preeminent trial attorney, having tried more than 50 jury trials in state and federal court.

“Effective crisis management requires legal experience, diplomacy and imagination,” said Mr. Harris. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to augment the enormous skill set of a national full-service firm that will add great value to my existing client relationships, and I’m excited to enhance the crisis management capabilities at Holland & Knight as we work toward optimizing our results on behalf of all our clients.”

“We are always working to expand our team with high-caliber talent,” said Bryan Neal, co-leader of the firm’s Labor, Employment and Benefits Practice Group. “Rich’s knowledge and experience, combined with his significant relationships with C-suite executives, provide a significant opportunity for collaboration across numerous disciplines.”

“Rich’s extensive experience in high-profile employment matters, particularly with nationally known businesses, will make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Eddie Diaz, co-leader of the firm’s Labor, Employment and Benefits Practice Group. “His arrival will help drive our firm’s commitment to pioneering approaches to crisis management in order to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”