Even as a teenager, Rick opened every newspaper to the real estate section first.
He’s still passionate about the industry today because he recognizes that real estate is at the core for almost everyone in every city. For many, a home is their largest and most significant investment. For others, real estate is one of the best ways to gain wealth through investing. Commercial developers and investors help shape the environment we live in by attracting new businesses that strengthen local communities and improving dilapidated neighborhoods. Contractors take aged and unattractive properties and bring them back to life, which increases property values for everyone in the community. Mortgage companies and lenders make homeownership and investment possible for those who otherwise would not have the ability to purchase or invest in real estate. Homeowner associations protect property values by providing services to homeowners and ensuring that all property owners comply with the rules of the community.
In order to stay connected to the real estate market, Rick – who is also a licensed real estate broker and investor – regularly attends meetings of area real estate investor and professional organizations, and uses the knowledge gained from these meetings to provide practical advice to his clients based on the unique challenges faced by those in the real estate industry.
“Often, the best solutions are not the most expensive or legally intensive options,” Rick said. “By recognizing what could be, rather than just what needs to be done, I deliver creative solutions that are practical from both a legal and business perspective.”
Rick’s focus on and commitment to real estate makes him the attorney of choice for banks, commercial landlords, condo associations, contractors, financial institutions, homeowners, homeowners associations, mortgage servicers, private lenders, real estate agents/brokers, real estate developers, real estate investors, and subcontractors facing real estate related legal issues.
Besides being acknowledged by clients for his in-depth real estate experience, Rick has been recognized by the legal industry at a far earlier stage in his career than is typical. In 2019, he was named an associate fellow in the Construction Lawyers Society of America. In 2017, he was named a fellow in the American Bar Foundation and also received Martindale-Hubbell’s AV rating, the highest granted under the 150-year-old rating system, which is considered the gold standard in attorney rankings.
Because Martindale-Hubbell’s assessments are based on other attorneys’ reviews – including those at the partner and managing partner levels across the country –Rick’s rating underscores the confidence clients place in him.
“Earning the respect of peers ensures a more productive working relationship with opposing attorneys,” Rick said. “For clients, this means legal solutions come more quickly and easily. The Martindale-Hubbell rating demonstrates that, based on the evaluation of other attorneys who know how to determine the effectiveness of legal work, clients can count on me to provide sound counsel and do what’s right for that client’s unique situation.”
