Richard is a retired partner of Davis & Harman LLP, where he concentrated on tax and legislative matters. Since 1991, he has represented the firm's clients on a wide range of issues—including taxation of insurance companies and products, tax-advantaged affordable housing, and tax aspects of business aviation.
Richard practiced law in both New York and Connecticut before entering public service. He served as Chief Counsel to the Senate Majority and Republican Leader who happened to be Senator Robert Dole. From 1980 to 1984, Richard was Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, where he headed the committee's tax staff. His role in the tax legislation of the Reagan years is one of his most memorable career accomplishments. "It probably will be the high point of tax reform as I think of it—low rates and broad tax base—for some time."
"I enjoy solving problems and have always been fascinated by the use of language to communicate and persuade," says Richard Belas. "It is gratifying to find a clear and precise way to express an idea."
In addition, Richard has lectured widely throughout the United States on tax issues and has taught tax policy in the MBA program at Chaminade University in Honolulu.
Richard received a B.A. degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. He earned his J.D. degree from the University of Virginia Law School in 1973 and his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1977. While at the University of Virginia, he was a member of the Law Review Editorial Board.
Prior Experience
- Chief Counsel to the Senate Majority and Republican Leader Senator Robert Dole
- Deputy Chief Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
- Private practice in New York and Connecticut
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