Attorneys

Biography

Professional Experience
Richard was recently selected by his peers and recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star for Florida for the third consecutive year.

Richard is experienced in all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trial, and appeal.

Richard started his legal career in Miami, where he worked at two of the nation's most prestigious law firms. Richard has been involved in high-stakes litigation matters for many of America's most well-known businesses. In many cases, Richard defended public companies and their officers and directors in connection with class actions lawsuits, derivative actions, and federal investigations.

Richard has worked on several matters that received national media coverage and a number of cases with more than $100 million at stake.

Today, Richard focuses primarily on business litigation and family law matters. In the family law arena, Richard devotes much of his time representing men and women in cases involving military divorce, complex financial issues, child custody disputes, and relocation requests. Richard is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.

Law School
Richard attended the University of Florida College of Law, where he graduated with honors. In 1998, he was the Chester Ferguson Scholarship Recipient. Richard was also a member of the International Moot Court Team and participated in the William C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. Additionally, Richard served as a Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing and Appellate Advocacy.
 
Richard was also a leader on campus, where he was elected Treasurer and President of the Law School's Student Bar Association. He also served on the Executive Board of the University of Florida's Law College Council.

Prior to graduation, Richard was inducted into the Florida Blue Key leadership honorary, received the University of Florida Presidential Recognition Award, received the Levin College of Law Pro Bono Certificate, and was named the Levin College of Law 2000 Student of the Year.

Military Service
Prior to becoming an attorney, Richard served as a United States Marine with the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion in Tampa, Florida. Richard was the Battalion Embarkation Specialist prior to the Unit's mobilization to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Richard received the Navy Achievement Medal for his exemplary efforts to prepare his battalion to embark for combat. Richard was also recognized as the Honor Graduate during his training at the Naval Expeditionary Warfare College, Atlantic. Richard also received the Outstanding Community Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, and a Marine Corps Certificate of Commendation for exemplary community service. Richard's military experience helps him relate to military service members and families.

Community Service
Richard has demonstrated a lasting commitment to serving his community. Richard has volunteered his time through Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa and through the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program. In Miami, Richard worked as a volunteer at the Minority Bar Passage Program. In college and law school, Richard volunteered every year to assist with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Richard also participated in several programs designed to educate youth against drug use. As a law student, Richard also worked as an Advocate at the Sexual and Physical Abuse Resource Center, as a Judge and Volunteer for the Alachua County Teen Court Program, and as a pro bono law clerk for the Eighth Judicial Circuit.