Richard B. Harper

Rich Harper advises and litigates on behalf of some of the world's most sophisticated technology, media, and entertainment companies. He leads litigation teams in business tort and breach of contract disputes, ranging from trade secret litigation to business defamation claims for clients such as PepsiCo and Formula 1 Racing. Within the business tort field, Rich has built a leading national practice in fiduciary duty and securities litigation, having represented the company and/or directors of Liberty Media, NASCAR, Starz, and Charter Communications.

With a proven track record of success managing complex risk issues, Rich is a trusted advisor to management teams and directors, aligning business and legal strategies to achieve success in high-stakes commercial litigation. As co-chair of the firm’s Artificial Intelligence practice group, he helps clients navigate emerging AI-related litigation and regulations. In 2024, he will be teaching a seminar on Artificial Intelligence and the Law at Florida State University Law School. He also advises clients on ESG, joint ventures, and other corporate structuring issues.

In addition to leading the AI group, Rich serves as the Partner-in-Charge of Baker Botts' New York office. He previously served as the New York office's Litigation Department Chair and Hiring Partner, as well as on the firm's Executive Committee. For over a decade, Rich has also served as part of the faculty for the Intensive Trial Practice Workshop at the University of Chicago Law School.