Richard Southard

Before starting his own firm, Mr. Southard was the Criminal Court Deputy Bureau Chief and prosecutor for the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, one of the largest prosecutor’s office in the U.S., serving over 2.5 million diverse individuals.  Prior to working at the DA’s Office, Richard Southard studied at Brooklyn Law School where he received a merit scholarship. During his time there, he studied under then Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, who recognized Mr. Southard’s trial skills and offered him a job as a prosecutor.  Mr. Southard honed his trial skills as a prosecutor for over seven years as a prosecutor, never losing a trial.

In addition, he has supervised and trained over 50 junior assistant district attorneys and conducted NYPD recruit training seminars regarding courtroom testimony. His passion for law extended to the educational system as well, as he participated in School Advocacy programs introducing criminal law concepts to elementary students.  Mr. Southard has also taught numerous classes as an adjunct professor in Courtroom Communication at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  HE has also appeared numerous times as a guest legal analyst for Fox News Channel, Court TV, Tru TV and ABC News Now.

New York State Bar – April 1997

Southern District of New York – United States – October 2004

Eastern District of New York – United States – October 2004

John Jay College of Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Arts – Summa Cum Laude Honors – Spring 1993

Brooklyn Law School – Juris Doctor – Merit Scholarship Recipient – Spring 1996

Kings County District Attorney’s Office:  1996 – 2003

Law Office of Richard Southard: 2003 – Present

2014 Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyer – The National Trial Lawyers

2014 Top Ten Dui/Dwi Lawyer – American Institute of Dui/Dwi Attorneys

2014 Nationally Ranked Top Ten Defense Attorney – National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2014 Top 100 DWI ATtorneys – The National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2014 A+ (Highest Rating) – Better Business Bureau

2015 Top Ten Dui/Dwi Lawyer – American Institute of Dui/Dwi Attorneys

2015 Nation’s Top One Percent – National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015 Premier 100 Trial Attorney – American Academy of Trial Attorneys

2015 Top Ten Criminal Attorney – American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

American Bar Association – Member

American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys – Founding Member

National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyer Member

Better Business Bureau – Member

American Institute of Dui/Dwi Attorneys – Top Ten Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys – Top Ten Member

National Advocacy for DUI Defense – Top 100 DWI Attorney Member

National Association of Distinguished Counsel – Member Nation’s Top One Percent

American Academy of Trial Attorneys – Premier 100 Trial Attorney Member

http://m.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/stephen-baldwin-rejects-plea-deal-article-1.1834335