A native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Richard completed high school at The Hill School, a preparatory school in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, then graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Southern Methodist University in 1983. Following college, Richard attended law school at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas where he received his Juris Doctor degree. Following law school, Richard and his bride, also a lawyer and native of East Texas, moved to Tyler, Texas in 1986.
Since that time, Richard has served as an Assistant District Attorney for Smith County, Texas in the: (1) County Court at Law; (2) the 321st Judicial District Court with an emphasis in juvenile matters; and (3) the County Commissioners' Court. In 1993, at the age of 31, Richard was appointed to the bench of the Smith County Court at Law, making him the youngest judge in Texas to receive such an honor. In 1995, Richard entered into private practice, and was shortly thereafter named to the City of Tyler Municipal Court where he served for 22 years.
In addition to the practice of law and judicial responsibilities, Richard has served as President of the Smith County Young Lawyers' Association, Sec/Treasurer of the Smith County Young Lawyers' Association, Secretary of the Smith County Bar Association, as well as multiple committees in each organization. He also served on the State Bar Disability Issues Committee, and is also a former member of Rose City Kiwanis, American Bar Association and Board Member of Alzheimer's Alliance of Northeast, Texas, Inc.
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Chat withState: Texas
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
218 N Broadway Ave Ste 304, Tyler, TX, 75702-5710
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Dale | October 4, 2018 | Hired Attorney
We contacted Patteson Law and within hours we not only had our initial appointment; all the required documents were ready for signature. We were caught up with a sudden death and near impossible task of probating 2 estates. Richard and his staff went way above the call of duty to assist us as we le...
Posted by Lori | August 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Our family was in an emergency situation and I googled an attorney for the specific needs we were facing and called his office on a Monday morning at 9:00 am. HE answered the phone personally—HE went to work immediately- HE Called me back personally and totally handled the case promptly, professional...
Posted by Donna | February 8, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Patteson was quick to answer any questions any time they came up regarding my special needs daughter's guardianship case. Explanations were easy to understand. The process was clear and concise. Very professionally handled by our Lawyer and his office. I felt very respected and he represented an...
Posted by Jeffrey Zaber | December 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Richard Patteson is absolutely, hands down, the Best Attorney around! I have worked with several good attorneys in my 51 years and no other Attorney that I've ever worked with has been as Professional, Detailed in all of his work, Highly educated and responsive when I needed an answer to a question ...
Posted by Kacie | December 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney
My husband and I hired Mr.Patteson for a adoption, Richard is very prompt and professional. I highly recommend Mr.Patteson for any legal issues!
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is always prepared and does a good job for his clients. He is also very reasonable with what he charges."
Guardianship lawyer
Family lawyer
1995 - 2016
Judge, City Of Tyler, Texas
Past President
Past President
Past Secretary/Treasurer
Past Secretary/Treasurer
Former Board Member
1986
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
English
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