About:

Richard H. Bennett was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Edmonds, Washington. Richard attended Washington State University and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Education.

In 1983 Richard and his wife Kiki moved to New York City and became an administrative clerk for the admiralty law firm of Chalos & Brown. In 1989 Richard received his Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law located in White Plains, New York.

In 1990 Richard passed the Washington State Bar and began practicing law in the field of Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts and Probate Administration with his two older brothers Peter W. Bennett and Leigh P. Bennett in their Law Firm that was founded by his late father Chester R. Bennett.

In 1991 Richard and his wife returned to New York City where he was admitted to the New York State and New Jersey State Bars and became an associate attorney at the admiralty law firm of Chalos, English & Brown P.C. The core practice was admiralty/transportation law and commercial litigation.

In 1994 Richard started his own private law practice in New York and New Jersey with his practice primarily focused on Estate Planning, Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, Real Estate, Elder Law issues and housing litigation. In the Aftermath of the 9/11 Terrorist attacks of 2001, Richard, assisted by his wife Kiki, did extensive Pro-Bono work for two FDNY Firehouses located in their neighborhood on the Upper West Side of New York City that were devastated by the loss of numerous firefighters from the terrorist attacks of that day. Richard also represented claimants in the Federal September 11th Victim’s Compensation Funds focusing on claims with respiratory injuries due to their dangerous exposure to the WTC toxic dust.

Richard is admitted to practice law in New York State, the State of New Jersey and Washington State. He is also admitted to the federal courts for the US District of the State of Washington, the US District Courts of the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the US District of New Jersey. Richard is also a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.

Outside of practicing law Richard enjoys living in New York City with his wife Kiki pursuing their personal interests of running marathons, biking, skiing, golfing and mountain climbing. A proud member of the NYPD Running Club and New York Road Runners Club.

Honors:

Guest Lecturer at the Invitation of Professor Marilyn Berger to speak at the Seattle University School of Law and at the New York County Bar Association regarding the Federal September 11th Victim’s Compensation Fund and to discuss Professor Berger’s award winning Films for Justice Institute Legal Documentary entitled: “Out of the Ashes: 9/11: See link at: http://www.law.seattleu.edu/centers-and-institutes/films-for-justice-institute/out-of-the-ashes-911. Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCWt7VQceW4