Vernon, Richard G.

Professional Experience 

I first began to explore a career in the legal field during college. I sought out positions that would provide me with a background and experience in the law. I first volunteered as a victim advocate through the Lane County District Attorney's Office in Eugene at the Child Advocacy Center. I then clerked for a law firm in Portland serving primarily Spanish-speaking clients in Personal Injury and Workers Compensation cases. Enjoying the experience of serving those in need, I focused on family, criminal and immigration law while in law school. During law school, I clerked for the Oregon Department of Justice in their Family Law Section and also served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Michael H. Bennett for the U.S. Department of Justice at the Portland Immigration Court.

Prior to joining Harris Law Firm in 2005, I was employed by the Oregon Judicial Department as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Cynthia D. Carlson at the Lane County Circuit Court in Eugene.

I am comfortable in the courtroom and effectively argue cases to both judges and juries. I manage criminal cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to major felonies. I frequently handle cases with overlapping family and criminal law issues such as Restraining Orders (FAPA) and Stalking Protective Orders (Civil and Criminal). I have experience litigating cases in courts throughout the greater metro area.

In addition to my membership in several legal related organizations, I have been a member of the Washington County Public Safety Coordinating Council since 2008. I was nominated by the Honorable Judge Thomas W. Kohl and elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Washington County Public Safety Coordinating County for 2009.

Personal

During my free time, I enjoy cooking for others and entertaining, traveling and reading.