Richard “Dick” Ara Harpootlian

Richard “Dick” Ara Harpootlian has built a long career handling criminal defense, civil litigation, and complex courtroom matters across South Carolina. He is known for his direct courtroom style and strong trial preparation. His experience includes work as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and civil litigator in high-stakes cases involving serious criminal and business disputes.

Richard earned a B.A. from Clemson University in 1971 before receiving a J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1974. His legal education helped prepare him for years of courtroom work involving criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, and public corruption matters. He later gained admission to several state and federal courts.

Richard began his legal career in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, where he quickly advanced into leadership responsibilities. He supervised prosecutors and staff members while also handling homicide prosecutions. During this period, he personally prosecuted numerous murder cases, including several death penalty matters that received statewide attention because of their seriousness and complexity.

Richard later served as Fifth Circuit Solicitor after winning the election by a large margin. During his service, he prosecuted public corruption, drug, and murder cases that attracted significant public interest. One widely discussed prosecution involved former University of South Carolina President Jim Holderman in a public corruption matter tied to abuse of office.

Richard has also spent many years representing civil litigants and criminal defendants in private practice. His work has included multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements in complicated disputes. He has handled matters involving class actions, insurance bad faith claims, whistleblower claims, personal injury litigation, business disputes, and criminal defense cases throughout his legal career.

Richard has remained active within South Carolina’s legal community through teaching and public speaking. He has lectured on criminal defense and class action litigation for the South Carolina Bar Association. He also participated in the Bridge the Gap Program and served on legal committees connected to professional discipline and court administration matters.

Richard “Dick” Ara Harpootlian continues to be recognized for decades of courtroom work and public legal service. His career reflects experience in prosecution, criminal defense, and civil litigation while also contributing to legal education and professional organizations. Many clients seek his representation because of his extensive trial background and history of handling difficult legal disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, Richard A. Harpootlian P.A.
• Member, South Carolina Bar Association

Licensed State

• South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Clemson University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges