Richard obtained his law degree from the University of British Columbia. He was called to the bar in British Columbia in 1984. He articled with the Vancouver law firm of Warner & Peterson, now known as Jones, McCloy & Peterson. Between 1985 and 1992, Richard practiced law with the firm of Ginther & Cleveland based in White Rock British Columbia.His practice covered a wide range of legal matters with special emphasis in the area of civil litigation. In June of 1992, Richard established his own law office at the firm's current address at the "Five Corners" intersection in White Rock, the geographical center of the City.

In 1995, Richard was joined by his new partner, Dale R. Doan, and together they formed Cleveland Doan LLP.

Richard has a significant client base in both litigation and commercial matters. He has extensive experience before all levels of the Courts in British Columbia and has successfully litigated matters ranging from shareholder's disputes and commercial enforcement issues through to complex estate and family law litigation. Richard has successfully handled a number of matters before the British Columbia Court of Appeal.

In addition to Richard's litigation preference, he enjoys a significant practice in the area of Wills, Estates, and Trusts, serving the large base of retired citizens in the White Rock and Surrey region. He also has varied experience teaching seminars and courses in the areas of Will and Estates, Family Law and Business legal matters.

One of the central ingredients of Richard's practice is the efficient and timely handling of documentation while ensuring the need for certainty and accuracy. He has established the firm as a group of individuals committed to the provision of quality legal services in a timely fashion at reasonable cost.

Richard and his family are active in the Semiahmoo Peninsula community. He is a member of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia, White Rock/South Surrey Chamber of Commerce, White Rock/South Surrey Foundation, the Knights of Columbus, and other community organizations.

As a result of Richard's ongoing interest in holistic health care, Cleveland Doan LLP is proud to sponsor a $500 CDN scholarship in memory of Mrs. Angeline Fleming awarded to a Canadian Student studying naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle Washington. Please visit the Bastyr University Homepage.