BIOGRAPHY
During the past 34 years Richard has developed his skills as a trial attorney, and he has maintained a broad practice involving primarily State Court with some Federal Court practice. His focus has been in three primary areas: Civil Litigation involving contract breach, business disputes, slander & libel, malicious prosecution, assault & battery, and various torts. Criminal law involving misdemeanor crimes, traffic tickets, DWI/DUI, and limited felony cases including domestic assault, financial fraud, drug possession, and white-collar crimes involving embezzlement. Domestic law including, child custody & support, post separation support & alimony, complex equitable distribution cases, pre-marital and separation agreement, domestic violence (50B & 50C), alienation of affections & criminal conversation. He is also a certified Parenting Coordinator and was one of the original attorneys in the Charlotte area who initiated the Parenting Coordinator involvement in high-conflict domestic cases. He also serves as an arbitrator in family law and civil cases.
Richard started his legal career in Florida and within a year moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he joined his former firm Baucom, Claytor, Benton, Morgan & Wood P.A. where he became a partner and practiced for 33 years until the firm closed after the retirement of most of his former partners in June 2026. Richard’s move to Essex Richards made sense to him since both his former firm and current firm have existed for 50 or more years and have excellent reputations in the Charlotte, North Carolina legal community. Richard was excited to join Essex Richards as a partner since he has had ongoing professional relationships with six of his current partners dating as far back to the start of his career here in 1993.
Richard enjoys his role in helping clients who often find themselves in difficult situations and are experiencing significant emotional conflicts. His experience in litigation has given him a reputation for being hard-nosed but practical with opponents in order to effectuate the best possible outcome for his clients.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
- Council For Children's Rights Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, 2004
- Business North Carolina Legal Elite - Criminal, 2016
- North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society, 2023
- Super Lawyers Magazine - Family Law, 2026
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Speaking Engagements:
- Experiences of a Guardian Ad Litem and Custody Advocate-Children's Law Center Custody Advocate Program Pro Bono Certified Legal Education, 2004
- Representing a Spouse at Criminal Trial, Search for Accountability in Domestic Violence Cases, 2005
- Advanced Issues in Divorce, 2011
- Business Divorce 2.0 How Business is Valued, 2015
- Domestic Law and Families - Perspective from CMPD Officer and a practicing Family Law Attorney, 2016
- Discovery in Divorce - Social Media Tips/Discovery in Electronic Communications/Locating Hidden Assets, 2017
- Criminal-Law Intersection Between Criminal and Family, 2019
- Do No Harm: Best Practices for Mental Health Professionals and Attorneys in Custody Cases - How to be the Best for Your Client-Panel Member, 2024
PRACTICES
- Family Law
- Child Custody & Support
- Equitable Distribution / Property Settlement and Separation Agreements
- Post Separation Support & Alimony
- Alienation of Affection & Criminal Conversation
- Domestic Violence Actions (50B & 50C)
- Civil Litigation
- Contract Disputes
- Business Disputes and Divorces
- Various Torts and Civil Disputes
- Criminal Law
- Misdemeanors
- DWI
- Limited Felonies
- Parent Coordinator
- Arbitrator
EDUCATION
- Certified Parenting Coordinator, 2004
- Nova University, J.D., 1992
- University of Florida, B.S.B.A. in Finance, 1984
ASSOCIATIONS & ADMISSIONS
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1992 (Inactive)
- North Carolina, 1993
- U.S. District Court
- Southern District of Florida, 1992
- Western District of North Carolina, 1993
- U.S. Court of Appeals
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association (Family Law and Litigation), 1992 - Present
- Florida Bar, 1992 - Present (inactive)
- North Carolina State Bar, 1993 - Present
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2005 - Present
- North Carolina Bar Association (Family Law and Litigation), 1993 - Present
- Mecklenburg County Bar, 1993 - Present
- Parent Coordinator Committee Member, 2004 - Present
- Scheduling Committee Member, 2004 - 2010
- Fee Dispute Resolution Committee Member, 2010 - 2013
- Bar Candidate Interview Committee Member, 2013 - Present
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - N.C., 2023 - Present
- Council For Children's Rights Volunteer, 1993 - 2013
