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
12 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Dale | October 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Miracle Worker
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 Kacie | December 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Adoption
Heaven sent!
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!
Posted by Shaina | October 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A lawyer that truly cares about his clients.
I hired Richard Patteson to help me receive early termination of probation, and we won! He was very caring and understand of my needs and worked well with me and my family to achieve my early release. Mr. Patteson was a great help and did his job well, very professional. I recommend him over many Law...
Posted by Kimberly | August 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
A lawyer that truly cares about his clients
Mr. Patteson has assisted our family with a number of legal issues ranging from a guardianship case (for our daughter with special needs), to probating a will, to drafting POA documents. It was incredibly refreshing to work with a lawyer who personally and PROMPTLY responded to our calls and emails....
"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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