Former Prosecutor Lindsay Richards Becomes Leading Criminal Defense Attorney in Texas
Lindsay Richards, a partner at Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, has established herself as a prominent criminal defense attorney in Texas. Her extensive experience as a former prosecutor in multiple counties provides a unique advantage in defending her clients.
From Prosecutor to Defender: A Unique Perspective
Before joining Cofer & Connelly, Lindsay Richards served as an Assistant District Attorney in Travis, Williamson, and Fort Bend Counties. During her time as a prosecutor, she handled hundreds of cases, including those involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and homicide. She also contributed to specialized units and helped establish Williamson County’s sexual assault unit.
“I know firsthand how prosecutors think and prepare their cases,” Lindsay said. “That insight helps me stay one step ahead and build the best possible defense for my clients. I tell them straight up: the system doesn’t do you any favors, so I fight tooth and nail to even the odds.”
Richards is known for her dedication and willingness to take on challenging cases. This determination now drives her defense work, ensuring every client receives a vigorous defense from the beginning.
A Journey to Criminal Defense
Lindsay Richards's path began in Los Angeles, where she studied sociology at Loyola Marymount University before exploring a career in film and television. She discovered her passion for trial advocacy while attending law school at South Texas College of Law. Upon returning to Texas, she committed herself to defending individuals facing the criminal justice system.
Richards approaches each case with legal expertise and genuine empathy. She prioritizes treating clients with respect, compassion, and patience. “Nobody walks into my office on the best day of their life,” she said. “Part of my job is making sure they know someone’s in their corner when everything feels stacked against them.”
Recognition and Community Involvement
Lindsay Richards's dedication has earned her several accolades, including being named District Attorney of the Year by Hope Alliance in 2023 and a Travis County Rising Star in 2019. She was also a finalist for Austin’s 40 Under 40 Awards in the legal category this year. She remains active in professional organizations like the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Beyond her legal work, Lindsay is committed to mentoring youth through Seedling, leading her church’s youth group, and has previously volunteered with organizations such as SAFE and Hope Alliance. She also served on the Sexual Assault Governor’s Task Force from 2021 to 2023.
Cofer & Connelly, PLLC: A Strategic Advantage
For those facing serious criminal charges, Lindsay Richards provides a valuable advantage: her firsthand understanding of the prosecution's perspective. Cofer & Connelly, PLLC is a respected criminal defense law firm known for its skillful advocacy and deep knowledge of the criminal justice system. The firm's team includes former prosecutors turned defenders, offering clients a strategic edge.
Arizona Considers Shortened Law School Program Amid Attorney Shortage
Arizona is facing a critical shortage of legal professionals, leading to a controversial proposal: a one-year "Master of Legal Studies Criminal Law" program. If approved, it would make Arizona the only state allowing representation in criminal court with just one year of formal law school.
The Current Standard: Three-Year Juris Doctor (J.D.)
The standard legal education in the U.S. involves a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, according to Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. This program requires a bachelor's degree and is typically required for admission to practice as a lawyer in most states.
The Proposed Alternative: One-Year Program
The proposed program would consist of one year of courses followed by one to two years of supervision by an experienced attorney. After meeting certain requirements, including an exam, graduates could represent clients in court.
Dave Byers, Administrative Director of the Courts for the Arizona Supreme Court, believes the high cost of traditional legal education contributes to the shortage, especially in the public sector and rural areas. He considers the proposal an "innovative approach" similar to the evolution of the medical profession.
"The medical profession changed about 50 years ago...Where it used to be doctors do everything, now you have EMTs, Nurse practitioners. You have all sorts of people who are providing medical care to people in all sorts of ways, and that’s what the Supreme Court has embarked on.” - Dave Byers, Administrative Director of the Courts for the Arizona Supreme Court
Byers also notes that the proposed program's focused curriculum, requiring 30 credits in criminal law, could provide graduates with more specialized training in criminal law than a traditional J.D. program.
Opposition and Concerns
The proposal faces significant opposition. Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller calls it a "foolish idea," arguing that a solid understanding of civil law and probate is crucial for defending someone in a criminal case. He states that a one-year program is inadequate, comparing it to allowing someone with minimal training to perform surgery.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover suggests exploring other solutions, questioning the logic of requiring fully licensed attorneys for tasks like drafting wills but potentially allowing less trained individuals to handle serious criminal cases where significant jail time is at stake.
Addressing the Legal Desert
The proposed program is part of a broader effort to attract more attorneys to Arizona, which ranks 49th out of 50 states for lawyers per capita. Arizona State University's law school is launching a part-time, online J.D. program in January 2025, and other initiatives are under consideration.