Paul A. Richards

Paul A. Richards, a proud second generation Nevadan, built his legal career in Reno after being admitted to the Nevada Bar in 1953. He attended the old Fourth Ward School in Virginia City before moving to Reno and graduating from Reno High School in 1943. He went on to attend the University of Nevada, and after a brief hitch in the Navy, enrolled in and graduated from the College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific) in Stockton, California. He then attended law school at the University of San Francisco.

Over the course of his practice, Paul was a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and had the honor of presenting several of his cases before the United States Supreme Court. His memorabilia-filled law office in the old brick building at 248 South Sierra was a reflection of the man himself - many first-time clients were mildly surprised to find his favorite shotguns next to his law books, along with one of his omnipresent dogs guarding his desk.

Beyond the law, Paul was deeply devoted to his community and his passions. He became involved with the Reno Rodeo Association in the late 1960s and was elected its president in 1979, maintaining an active interest in the Reno Rodeo and the Reno Rodeo Foundation throughout his life. An avid bird hunter and dog lover, he joined Ducks Unlimited and rose to become a national trustee and eventually trustee emeritus. He also served on the boards of directors of Sierra Nevada College and Byers State Bank in Colorado, and was a member of the Reno Elks Lodge. Paul A. Richards passed away January 5, 2007, at the age of 79.