Before joining Coffey Modica, Richard was a senior associate attorney at a plaintiff’s firm, where he litigated various matters before New York courts. In this position, he represented clients in state and federal courts from inception through trial, arguing motions and handling arbitrations and mediations. His responsibilities included negotiating settlements, working with experts to develop case strategies, researching case law, and drafting motions, briefs, and other pleadings. Additionally, he advised the managing attorney on pivotal legal issues and implemented strategies to resolve complex matters. Richard’s experience as a plaintiff’s attorney provides him with a unique perspective and skill set to better defend insureds.

In a previous role, Richard managed a high-volume caseload from pleadings to trial or settlement as an associate defense attorney at GEICO’s in-house counsel. He conducted over 100 depositions, negotiated more than 300 settlements, and regularly argued at dispositive oral arguments, arbitrations, settlement conferences, and other court proceedings.

Earlier in his career, Richard worked on construction, premises, and general liability cases, including high-stakes appellate matters. Notably, he was involved in a Third Circuit Court of Appeals case against a US government agency. He has also represented municipalities and multi-national companies. Richard has experience with international law research and served as an alternative dispute resolution intern at the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Richard is proficient in Russian and is learning Spanish. He holds certifications in Blockchain and Law from the Blockchain Council and in Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency from the University of Michigan.