Ralph Harris is a peer review rated AV® Preeminent attorney in Martindale-Hubbell. Ralph’s practice includes commercial litigation, employment litigation and personal injury litigation,with emphasis on business, commercial and contract related disputes. He has a particular interest in environmental law issues and has written extensively on the topic. Ralph brings strong analytical skills and financial acumen to the table, which, combined with his instincts for negotiation, allow his clients to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively. When the situation demands, however, Ralph is an ardent advocate and proven trial attorney.
Prior to joining Burch & Cracchiolo, Ralph spent four years with other law firms in Arizona where he practiced primarily real estate and commercial litigation. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix for 10 years.
Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation
Construction
Personal Injury Litigation
Labor & Employment
Education
J.D., Arizona State University College of Law, 1981
• Staff, Arizona State Law Journal
B.A. with high distinction, Ohio Northern University, 1978, Political Science/Prelaw
Admitted In
Arizona
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Areas of Concentration
Business Litigation
Employment Litigation
Environmental/Toxic Tort Litigation
Professional Liability Litigation
Real Estate/Title Litigation
Restrictive Covenants and Agreements Not to Solicit or Compete
Honors & Awards
Ranked AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5*
*AV® Preeminent ™ and BV® Distinguished™ are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.
Representative Engagements
• Defended the sellers of real property in a jury trial for claims of misrepresentation supposedly made by their real estate broker
• Represented the plaintiffs in a jury trial pertaining to the events surrounding termination of a sub-franchise agreement for a restaurant chain
• Defended a husband and wife who signed a personal guaranty for their son's purchase of a business where the issue in a U.S. District Court trial was the validity and enforceability of the guaranty
• Represented the designer of an experimental aircraft in a partnership dissolution and accounting action which was tried as an adversary proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Arizona
• Tried a condemnation action in Yavapai County (Prescott), Arizona
• Defended a real estate appraiser in a gross negligence and appraisal malpractice jury trial
• Handled environmental common law claims for the owner of a gravel pit which was contaminated with diesel fuel by a third party
• Handled dozens of matters for a variety of farmers and farm related businesses across the state of Arizona, including produce farming operations
• Represented numerous plaintiffs and defendants in employment related actions pertaining to covenants not to compete, and actions for sexual and racial discrimination/harassment
• Represented numerous plaintiffs in personal injury and professional negligence claims
• Represented a number of plaintiffs and defendants with regard to corporate successor liability and other claims in the nature of piercing the corporate veil
• Provides general legal advice and counsel to a variety of individuals and businesses regarding business and commercial matters
Professional Leadership
Adjunct Professor, Grand Canyon University, 1994 – 2004
Professional Affiliations
American Bar Association
State Bar of Arizona
• Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section
Maricopa County Bar Association
The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Community Involvement
Pro Bono Counsel, Make-a-Wish International
Former speaker, Association of Managerial Accountants
Presentations and Publications
Ralph has published articles and regularly lectures on a number of business law related topics
Contributing Author, State Bar of Arizona Arizona Environmental Law Manual (1995
Article, "Trespassing Pollutants: Use of Trespass in Environmental Litigation," Arizona Attorney, December 1992
Casenote, "Civil Rights Act— Sections 1983 and 1985 Actions Against Deprogrammers," Volume 1979, Number Four, Arizona State University Law Journal, 1979