Richard has been involved in condominium law for over 20 years.  He opened Elia Associates in 2001. 

Richard holds a Masters of Law with a focus on Appropriate Dispute Resolution and the “A.C.C.I.” - Associate of the Canadian Condominium Institute - designation, which is the country’s only condo-specific designation for condominium professionals. This designation evidences Richard’s extensive condominium knowledge. 

Richard has contributed to condominium-related legislative initiatives surrounding the creation, review and implementation of both Bill 38, which became the Condominium Act, 1998, and Bill 106, Protecting Condominium Owners Act, 2015.  He created and led a Joint Government Relations Committee, which was comprised of representatives from the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario, all Ontario chapters of the Canadian Condominium Institute and other condominium stakeholders across the province in developing a dispute resolution model to specifically address community conflict in condominiums.  Before its submission to the Government of Ontario, the model was endorsed by all Ontario chapters of the Canadian Condominium Institute, the ADR Institute of Ontario and the Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario (who recognized Richard as their 2012 Associate of the Year for his contribution).

Richard has written extensively and has spoken across the province at a variety of courses, seminars and conferences about condominium issues.

Richard is passionate about condominium education.  He readily volunteers his time to increase awareness amongst condominium unit owners in the belief that an engaged and informed approach will serve to better manage community-based conflict and will help build stronger condominium communities.

EDUCATION AND AFFILIATIONS

Canadian Condominium Institute ("CCI") - Eastern Ontario Chapter Member, Director and Education Committee Member
Canadian Condominium Institute ("CCI") - Golden Horseshoe Chapter Member, Director, and Education Committee Member
Canadian Condominium Institute ("CCI") - Grand River Chapter Member and Past Education Committee Member
Canadian Condominium Institute ("CCI") - Huronia Chapter Member and Past Director
Canadian Condominium Institute ("CCI") - Toronto & Area Chapter Member and Legislative Review Committee Member
Canadian Condominium Institute ("CCI") - London & Area Chapter Member
Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario ("ACMO") Member and Associate of the Year (2012)
Carleton County Law Association Member
Community Associations Institute ("CAI") Member: Southeast Florida Chapter 
Osgoode Hall Law School, 2005 LL.M. (ADR)
Law Society of Ontario, 1996 Member
Queen's University, 1994 LL.B.
Ryerson Polytechnical University, 1991 B. Comm.