With a heart for justice and a hand for community, Richard Harris, founding partner of Richard Harris Law Firm, has been a fixture in Las Vegas's legal landscape since 1980. Beyond his impressive career as a personal injury attorney, Harris has cultivated a legacy of community service that stems from a deep-rooted sense of gratitude.
"Giving back was taught to me from a young age," Harris reflects. "My dad was the hardest worker I've ever known, but he always found time to volunteer and serve others. My mom had the biggest heart and was a living angel. I miss them both, but their examples live on."
This early lesson in gratitude has shaped Harris' approach to both his legal practice and community engagement. The Richard Harris Law Firm has become known not just for its expertise in personal injury law, but for its commitment to social responsibility.
"As an injury law firm, every single one of our clients has been hurt or lost a loved one. It's a heavy responsibility to help people get through difficult times," Harris explains. "But as challenging as that is, there are so many people in the world who suffer from other things, such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, being the victim of crime, and on and on. If we can help take away some of these burdens whether from social injustice, or an accident, we've made a difference."
Among the firm's notable initiatives are Project Backpack, their association with the Nevada Wheelchair Foundation, and support for Adam's Place Camp Cope, which helps families through the grieving process. These projects reflect Harris's belief that community work and legal practice are intrinsically linked.
"It's really one and the same," he says. "Fortunately, we have a hardworking internal marketing team whose efforts are equally focused on business development and community outreach. In fact, our most effective marketing showcases how much we do for the communities we serve."
For Harris, gratitude is not just a personal philosophy but a professional necessity. "When you express and practice gratitude, you shift the focus from what's lacking to what you have," he observes. "I've been humbled by many of my permanently injured clients with life-altering conditions who tell me it could have been worse. What a lesson in gratitude and resilience."
As he reflects on his career and community involvement, Harris expresses thankfulness for his family and the opportunity to make a difference. "I'm grateful for my kids and grandkids, good health, and countless friendships with lawyers, staff, and others trying to make the world a better place."
In a profession often associated with adversarial relationships, Richard Harris stands out as a defender of gratitude and community spirit. His approach to law and life serves as a reminder that even in challenging circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for – and always an opportunity to give back.