Richard Hurford knows the intricacies and complexities of negotiation firsthand from the many decades he has devoted to leading, supporting, conducting, and coaching successful negotiation outcomes in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

A respected and accomplished negotiator, mediator and arbitrator, Richard draws from his experiences as a shareholder in two large national law firms, the director of litigation for a Fortune 200 corporation, and a college professor. Along the way, he earned an MBA and a Green Belt in process improvement and team leadership. His background and experience is perfectly suited to identifying the roadblocks, issues, and personalities that stand in the way of agreement and resolution. He is a frequent lecturer and author, and a nationally recognized thought leader on negotiation and dispute resolution topics.

Richard leverages his unique technical and practical insights to help individuals and organizations overcome obstacles, achieve short- and long-term results, and build meaningful relationships. His experience spans several industries including automotive, services, and manufacturing.

Education

  • Pepperdine University, Masters Negotiation Program
  • Eastern Michigan University, Executive M.B.A., magna cum laude
  • University of Detroit School of Law, Juris Doctor, summa cum laude
  • Oakland University, Master of Arts in History, summa cum laude
  • University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts in History

Certifications

  • Legal Lean Sigma Green Belt
  • Michigan Certified Civil Mediator
  • Michigan Business Court Neutral

Honors & Awards

  • Member, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
  • Distinguished Fellow, International Academy of Mediators
  • Best Lawyers™ in America
  • Legal Leaders - Top Rated Lawyer
  • dBusiness Top Lawyer
  • Speaker, "Negotiation: Practical Tactics for the Business World," 2017 Inc. Magazine Growth Conference

Professional Associations

  • American Arbitration Association
  • Association for Conflict Resolution
  • International Academy of Mediators
  • Engineering Society of Detroit 
  • State Bar of Michigan