Abstract: A handle assembly for a door includes a handle, an escutcheon plate, a drive assembly, and a transmission assembly. The escutcheon plate is configured to mount to a face of the door. The transmission assembly includes a spring, compression bracket, and a latch pinion. At least a portion of the drive assembly extends from the handle through the escutcheon plate and into the transmission assembly contacting the compression bracket. The handle is slidable in a slide direction parallel to the face of the door between a latched position and an unlatched position. The handle is biased towards the latched position and the transmission assembly is coupled to a latch assembly for extension and retraction of a latch bolt.