Rick has built a distinguished legal career, specializing in various areas of personal injury law, including wrongful death, tractor-trailer crashes, oil field work-related injuries, and medical malpractice. His commitment extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by his active involvement in civic duties and leadership roles in several organizations. Rick has held significant positions in Rotary International, the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic National Bar Association. His dedication to justice is further highlighted by his tenure as the former Chair of the Minority Caucus for the American Association for Justice and his ongoing role as a member of the AAJ Executive Committee.
Moreover, Rick is an integral member of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, serving on its board, and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, serving on its board and Executive Committee. His legal expertise has been recognized with multiple accolades, including being named a “Super Lawyers’ Rising Star” in 2018 and 2019 and a Super Lawyer in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Rick’s journey to law was marked by a diverse professional background. Born and raised in Del Rio, Texas, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to law, Rick excelled in grocery retail management and financial advising. Realizing his childhood dream, he graduated from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Rick was recognized as Thurgood Marshall School of Law’s Alumnus of the Year in 2023.
During his fourteen years in legal practice, Rick has achieved remarkable success, including involvement in settlements and verdicts exceeding $10 million. A notable accomplishment in his career was obtaining the largest medical malpractice verdict in New Mexico’s history, with a jury award of $73.2 million. Rick’s achievements and contributions to the legal field, combined with his commitment to community and justice, make him a distinguished figure in his profession. Licensed to practice in Texas and New Mexico, Rick has handled cases nationwide.