Richard Valdez has a diverse practice, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in all phases of complex commercial litigation. In his 15 years in practice, he has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide variety of business disputes, product liability litigation, and civil rights litigation. Over the past decade, Richard has represented business and property owners in over 125 cases involving claims of disability access. He has been a part-time instructor for USD Paralegal's Program for 13 years, and an instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. He has been a member of the board of various community organizations and served on the San Diego County Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Committee for 8 years.
Law School
University of San Diego, School of Law, 1987 to 1991, J.D., May 1991, top quarter of class
Undergraduate
University of California, San Diego, 1981 to 1985, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Political Science
Minor: History, June 1985
Partner, Sandler, Lasry, Laube, Byer & Valdez LLP.
2000 to present.
Heavy emphasis on general civil litigation, complex commercial litigation (plaintiffs and defendants), disability access laws, disability discrimination, product liability. Involved in all phases of litigation, including trial and arbitration.
U.S.D. Lawyer’s Assistant Program, February.
1993 to present.
Instructor- Legal Research and Writing. Educating paralegal students on the methods of legal research and writing. Nine month course.
Partner/Associate, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, December.
1991 to 2000.
Heavy emphasis on general civil litigation, complex commercial litigation (plaintiffs and defendants) disability access laws, disability discrimination. Involved in all phases of litigation, including trial and arbitration.
The San Diego LGBT Center, Chair Board of Directors, June 2004 to July 2006, Member Board of Directors April 2002 to present
American Civil Liberties Union San Diego & Imperial Counties, 1st Vice President 2004-2005, Member Board of Directors, Dec 2001 to Dec 2005
The Access Center of San Diego, Inc., Chair, Board of Directors, January, 1997 to December, 1999. Member Board of Directors, July, 1994 to present
California State Bar Standing Committee on Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities, November, 1996 to December, 1997
ADA: Access and Removal of Architectural Barriers, San Diego Business Journal, April, 1995