Richard Wainwright joined the European Commission in 1973. From 1973 to 1984, he worked in the Legal Service (team agriculture, fisheries and internal market). From 1985 to 1987, he was member of the Cabinet of Commissioner Clinton Davies. From 1987 to 2000, he worked again in the Legal Service (team internal market), and became from from 1993 Director/Head of Team. From 2001 to 2005, has Director/Head of Team in the Legal Service (team competition).