Career Roadmap
Richard's work combines: Law, Government, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Latin American Studies
California State University, Fullerton
Doctorate
Law
University of Southern California
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Attorney:
Bachelor's Degree: Latin American Studies
Doctorate: Law
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Worked to put myself through CSUF and USC Law school as an auto mechanic. I still have my Constitutional Law book with greasy fingerprints on the pages. Don't worry about the theory/practice gap.
2.
My first job in a personal injury firm on the 22nd floor of the Broadway Plaza was disappointing. I had to walk around the homeless crashed in the entrance alcoves trying not to step on their fingers.
3.
Finally got to use my Spanish skills at legal aid jobs but they didn't litigate enough for me and I moved on to my private practice.
4.
My private practice has involved about 6000 units of tenant defense and 400 jury trials. Later in life the opposing attorneys don't want to go to trial with me and we settle for repairs and low rents.
5.
Along the road, I have been honored to have several important cases published by Cal courts that further tenant and homeowner rights. Just keep swinging at injustice.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You should get a "real job" at a big law firm that pays more.
How I responded:
You can be very successful working in the low income community. There is little competition for the good cases and there is a huge unmet need.