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Rich is a new transplant from California and he immediately hit the ground running. Licensed in both Texas and California, Rich hopes to bring his business-minded legal expertise to a new set of clients here in Texas. His new stomping grounds is East Texas and he's already actively involved in the local chamber and community organizations.
Q: What influenced you in making the decision to become a lawyer? Have you always planned to pursue law as a career?
A: The greatest influence in my decision to become a lawyer was my childhood home environment. My father was a prominent attorney in Utah. Many of my parents’ friends were attorneys, judges, and politicians and many of their social functions were with those friends (and their families). I developed great respect for many of these friends of my parents and I benefited from exposure to and familiarity with the legal profession. I didn’t always plan to pursue a law career, and since becoming an attorney, in addition to my law practice, I have pursued non-lawyer business and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Q: What brought you to Fulton Jeang? How did you end up in Texas?
A: I practiced law in San Diego for about 40 years prior to becoming admitted to the Texas Bar and moving to Texas in August 2023. My wife and I moved to East Texas (Tyler area) to be closer to her father and brother who both live in the area. I feel so fortunate to have spoken with FJ founding members Suzy and Wei Wei and knew from meeting them and learning about the firm business model that this was the opportunity I wanted to pursue.
Q: Please tell us some of your career highlights or recent “wins.”
A: As I’ve mostly practiced as a transactional attorney (business and real estate) there have been many “wins,” particularly businesses I helped to grow and nurture, where the clients recognize my role as an integral part of their growth and prosperity. However, I believe the highlight of my career has been as the chair of an non-profit organization I co-founded, formed, and served as chairman for approximately 12 years that was engaged at the highest levels in regional land use issues and policies, and at the same time provided a voice for property owners who otherwise didn’t have an organized voice on important land use matters.
Q: Why does Fulton Jeang’s virtual business model suit your practice and lifestyle? Or what do your clients think about Fulton Jeang’s virtual business model?
A: Throughout my legal career in San Diego, I didn’t join a law firm because I didn’t fit with the traditional law firm culture. FJ is different because of how it’s structured. The concept of (i) a firm practicing virtually with no central office, allowing its members throughout the State of Texas to practice in the location of the members' choice; (ii) the flexibility afforded its members concerning hours committed the practice; (iii) a fee policy resulting from reduced overhead that allows for Members to reduce fees to clients and provides for generous fee sharing among members, is unique and is an approach to practicing law that is a great fit for how I choose to practice. At the top of my list is the quality of character of and comradery among the members of the firm. My clients are very receptive and like the concept and many colleagues love the concept.
Q: What are your sweet spots for client/legal issues you love to work on or that you have expertise in?
A: I enjoy and my expertise is in transactional real estate and business. My largest sweet spot is in land use development, planning, zoning, and entitlements, but I also have expertise in commercial real estate sale/acquisition through the entitlements process. I have expertise and enjoy working with business clients, particularly in the role of outside GC.
Q: What can the firm do to help you reach your goals for the next year?
A: The firm is very supportive with its creative marketing ideas and efforts. I believe the multi-disciplinary “attorney teams” concepts and categories is a great way to market my (and all members) areas of practice as well as the firm.
Q: Do you have hobbies? What do you do for fun?
A: I run daily and enjoy golf, hiking, and generally the outdoors. I grew up around horses, owned a cattle ranch for many years, and for 35 plus years was quite involved in the thoroughbred industry in Southern California (Del Mar being a world-class racing facility) – I love being around and involved with horses.
To learn more about Rich's legal expertise and experience please go to his web bio.
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