Richard was born and raised in the small town of Paradise, California.  He grew up the youngest of six children; learning and growing in a large family environment.    In 1990, Richard graduated from Paradise High School, receiving honors for both athletic and academic achievements.   After High School, Richard attended college at Brigham Young University.  After a year, Richard took a leave of absence from the university for two years to serve as a missionary in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Richard is fluent is Spanish and appreciates the Hispanic culture. From the South American people, he learned to appreciate the struggles that so many people endure in daily life with poverty, unemployment, and personal tragedy.  He saw people struggling financially who were still always welcoming and willing to share what little they did have with others.  He embraced the culture and people, learning from both.  Richard returned from Venezuela with a renewed desire to help those who may be less fortunate or have fallen on hard times.

Richard returned to his education at Brigham Young University.  Richard worked hard, successfully juggling various jobs with the rigors of a university education.  While earning his diploma, Richard found something even more valuable.   While working as a server in a local Mexican restaurant, Richard met the girl of his dreams.  Richard was married in Los Angles, California in December of 1995.  By 1996, Richard had graduated with a degree in Political Science, earning academic honors along the way.

In 1996, Richard entered law school at Texas Tech University.  In law school, Richard distinguished himself through academics and pursuits in a number of groups and associations such as the Texas Tech Law Review and Texas Tech Legal Research Board.  After his first year on law school, Richard began working for the firm as a law clerk.  Richard’s experiences as a law clerk were extremely enlightening into the actual practice of law.  Richard was able to see firsthand many of the difficulties experienced by those who have been injured by the negligence of others.  He was all so able to see the benefits that a hard working lawyer could give to those in need.  Richard quickly decided that as a lawyer, he would only be on one side of the law when dealing with injured victims; that of the victims.

In 1999, Richard graduated law school and immediately accepted employment with Sam’s firm. Richard truly believes that his work offers him a unique opportunity to “help others help themselves.”   One of the hard truths about personal injury and wrongful death claims is the toll that it takes on families of persons who have been injured or killed.  While attempting to recuperate, so many workers are simply unable to physically work.  While the paychecks stop, the bills keep coming.  Mortgage payments, car payments, utilities, and increased medical expenses continue to pile up.  A fast, aggressive approach is sometimes the only way for those who have injured or killed others to accept responsibility and pay for the damage they caused.  Additionally, Richard has helped families set aside portions of their recoveries so that the monies are there for the rest of their lives.   Also, as a father of 4 children, Richard believes strongly in the value of a good education and frequently encourages victims to purchase annuities in order to fund educations for children and even grandchildren.  

After working with the firm for over a decade, there is no other job that Richard would rather be doing.

Richard is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New Mexico.