Ralph D. Harris

Joined Burch & Cracchiolo in 1990

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.

Honors & Awards

Ranked AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5

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

Represented an insured business in a declaratory judgment jury trial regarding the existence and amount of liability insurance that covered a serious automobile accident

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

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