Richard E. Patrick graduated second in his class from Hampton University in 1982, with highest honors. While there, he received numerous scholastic awards, including the President's Award for the most outstanding graduating senior.

Mr. Patrick received his law degree in 1985 from the University of Virginia School of Law. Upon graduation, Mr. Patrick began his legal career in the communications practice of a major Washington, D.C. law firm. Mr. Patrick has also worked as an aide helping shape federal legislation in the U.S. Congress, as well as general counsel to an international export-import company.

Mr. Patrick specializes in litigation and advising small businesses. He has also developed a significant practice in the areas of corporate/small business counseling, employment and labor law; discrimination and civil rights law, including both trial and appellate litigation; and consumer law.

Mr. Patrick is active in the community, having served on Alexandria City Boards and the Board of Directors of several community organizations. He was recently appointed Counsel to the Virginia State Conference, NAACP, and he is a member of the Virginia Advisory Committee of the United States Civil Rights Commission. Mr. Patrick is a member of the bars of the State of Virginia and the District of Columbia, and practices in the federal and local courts of both jurisdictions.