Biography
Richard concentrates his practice on civil defense litigation, with a focus on complex litigation, insurance coverage, labor law, contractual disputes, products liability, and premises liability. Richard’s experience in defense litigation is extensive, having worked in-house for a J.D. Power–ranked insurance company, where he represented the company and its insureds in a wide range of matters, from tort defense to contract disputes.
Trial advocacy has been Richard's passion and the cornerstone of his career. In September 2020, he tried the first case to go to trial in Erie County since the pandemic. Adapting to new physical requirements and protective health measures reaffirmed the importance of flexibility and quick thinking in his legal practice.
When not in the courtroom, Richard enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, running, and playing ice hockey.
Educations
SUNY at Buffalo Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2015
Buffalo State College, B.A., summa cum laude, 2012
Honors
Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2019-2025
Professional Leadership
New York State Bar Association
Charles S. Desmond Inn of Court
Representative Matters
Successfully secured partial summary judgment in a Southern District of New York insurance coverage action arising from a premises liability lawsuit involving a Verizon technician injured during WiFi installation. The court held that the co‑insurer owed the building owner a duty to defend, but no duty to indemnify, finding that the injury occurred in a non‑leased basement area to which the tenant lacked free access and which was not necessary for the tenant’s use or enjoyment of the demised premises.
Presentations
CLE Course, Bar Association of Erie County - The Basics of Litigating a Motor Vehicle Case