Richard P. Lawson, Attorney at Law

Biography

Photo: Richard P. Lawson

Prior to establishing his own firm, Richard Lawson worked as a prosecutor in the state courts of New York and Florida, and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. Over the course of his career, he has tried more than 50 jury trials and over 300 non-jury trials. He has also litigated countless hearings.

Professional experience

Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office

Richard Lawson was assigned to the investigations division, where he prosecuted economic crimes such as embezzlement, bank fraud, insurance fraud, and internet-related crimes involving such matters as child pornography and identity theft cases. Richard also handled auto theft, assault, and firearm cases. During his tenure, he was appointed a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York. While there, he worked with the organized crime section of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Assistant State Attorney with the State Attorney’s Office in Tampa, Florida

Prior to moving to New York, Richard Lawson began his career as a lawyer in the Domestic Violence Unit in the Florida State Attorney's office. He was later assigned to the Economic Crime Unit. He spent most of his career with the State Attorney in this unit, where he eventually rose to the position of Deputy Chief. During his tenure with the economic crime unit, he prosecuted RICO cases involving prostitution and internet-based gambling operations, computer-based crimes involving trade secret theft allegations, child pornography, identity theft matters, and embezzlements by accountants. In addition to these crimes, he handled numerous unique matters that were presented to the State Attorney's office.

While with the State Attorney's office, Richard was also briefly employed by the City of Tampa as an assistant city attorney and cross-designated as a special assistant state attorney. In this position, he prosecuted a series of high-profile vice cases.

State and Federal licenses

State Bar

District of Columbia
Florida

Federal Bar

Supreme Court of the United States
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Southern District of New York
Eastern District of New York
Middle District of Florida

Professional accomplishments

AV Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated

The Martindale-Hubbell rating system was established by lawyers for lawyers, and an AV Rating is a clear indication that the attorney demonstrates the highest professional and ethical standards. The AV Rating is used to identify lawyers with very high to preeminent legal ability and is a reflection of the attorney's experience, integrity and overall professional excellence.

Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization

Board certification is the highest level of recognition by the Florida Bar of the competence and experience of an attorney. To be certified in criminal trial law by the Florida Bar, a lawyer must demonstrate at least five years in criminal law practice and trial experience of at least 25 trials at least 20 of which were tried to verdict before a jury, at least 15 of which were felony cases, and at least 10 of which the attorney served as lead trial counsel. Richard Lawson is one of only 352 lawyers who are board certified in criminal trial law the state of Florida, as of January 2009.

Certification granted by the Florida Bar is not recognized by any governmental authority within the State of New York. Certification is not a requirement for the practice of law in the State of New York and does not necessarily indicate greater competence than other attorneys experienced in this field of law.

Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification

The National Board of Legal Specialty Certification communicates to the public and to other attorneys an advanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy, and demonstrates a dedication and integrity to the representation of clients at trial. The National Board of Trial Advocacy grants criminal trial law certification to applicants who demonstrate that at least five years of criminal law practice, trial experience of more than 100 contested cases, continuing education requirements of at least 45 hours, and references from at least 12 attorneys and judges, excluding current partners, associates, and relatives of the lawyer.

The National Board of Legal Specialty Certification is not affiliated with any governmental authority. Certification is not a requirement for the practice of law in the State of New York and does not necessarily indicate greater competence than other attorneys experienced in this field of law.

Professional memberships

American Bar Association

White-collar Crime Committee
Health Care Fraud Subcommittee
Cyber Crime Committee
Science and Technology Committee

Association of the Bar of the City of New York

Criminal Courts Committee
Sponsor: Paved with Good Intentions – When a Slip of the Tongue becomes an Ethical Problem in a Criminal Trial CLE, February, 2008
Member: Judiciary Committee Subcommittee

District of Columbia Bar

Federal Bar

Florida Bar