Richard is the most recent addition to the TAMS Team of Mediators.

Richard has practiced civil trial law for over 46 years and has tried over 150 jury trials in the state and federal courts of Texas. After earning his JD at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in 1979, Richard served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lucius D. Bunton, Senior District Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas until 1981. He was a partner in Kemp Smith, LLP’s Trial Department representing clients in commercial litigation, personal injury, insurance defense, representation of interstate carriers, products liability, non-subscriber representation and toxic tort litigation. Richard officially retired from the firm in June of 2025 to dedicate his time to mediations. 

Richard is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law and has been voted a Texas Super Lawyer every year since 2005.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and an Advocate of ABOTA.  Richard is a former Chairman of the Admissions Committee for the Federal Bar for the Western District of Texas, and served on the boards of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and The American Red Cross - El Paso Chapter.