Joseph L. Richardson

Biography

Joseph L. Richardson leads the Racial & Economic Justice Practice at McCune Law Group. There, he brings cases that seek to highlight and remedy resource disparities in the Inland Empire and beyond, adding elements of advocacy and community contact to identify and serve area needs. He has been involved in employment, civil rights, class action, and other litigation involving treatment of disadvantaged individuals and has secured successful verdicts and million-dollar settlements for clients. He has also advocated for churches and non-profit entities. He is licensed in California and Washington, D.C., and in federal jurisdictions in California.

In addition to litigation, Mr. Richardson also leads the department in advocacy – partnering with leaders (business, community, political, religious and others), and community institutions including schools and nonprofits to shed light on and combat racial and economic inequality. Mr. Richardson also leads the effort to identify meaningful pro bono opportunities for the attorneys of the firm, whose professional pro bono work will be directed in helping individuals and small businesses that are harmed by racist policies.

In addition to his law practice, Mr. Richardson is a media commentator regularly seen on local and national television, including Court TV and Law and Crime Network, with legal commentary on current national trials and justice issues. He also hosts an Emmy Award Winning PBS show, Inland Edition, which explores civic engagement with thoughtful interviews that give viewers insight into the people and issues shaping life in the Inland Empire. He is also a strong social media presence, with his “Legalese” segments garnering millions of views across multiple platforms. More, Mr. Richardson speaks to audiences nationwide about the media, leadership, Greek life, and legal and ethical responsibility.
Mr. Richardson’s dedication to the community is deep. He has served as a Redlands Planning Commissioner, and as an adjunct law professor at LaVerne College of Law, teaching California Civil Procedure and Trial Advocacy. Mr. Richardson is a frequent public speaker on legal and ethical responsibility, leadership, civil rights, and today’s fronts in the search for justice. Personally, he has stayed involved in the community through service on boards of The Beloved Foundation, and Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE).

All his life, Mr. Richardson has been a leader and bridgebuilder, brokering difficult conversations with diverse people, and making them smile along the way. Mr. Richardson uses his bridgebuilding skills in his legal representation and jury trials, where he has been able to present in a way that allows very different people to find commonality with his clients.