Greetings, I am Richard Hobin. It is my pleasure to present this biographical sketch for your perusal. Webster's New World Compact School and Office Dictionary defined "perusal" as either "to read carefully; study" or "to read in a leisurely way". I highly recommend the latter.
My Background & Education: I was born on April 12, 1949 in Coosbay, Oregon. My parents moved to the San Joaquin Valley when I was 6 years old. I grew-up in the Valley; participated in student government and sports. I am an Eagle Scout. I attended Oregon State University from 1967-1971. I was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. I graduated with high scholarship and completed the University Honors Program. During my sophomore year, I studied in London and Paris. I then spent the summer traveling by train throughout Europe. James A. Michener wrote a book titled "The Drifters" that caught the spirit of the young Americans traveling throughout Europe during the late 1960's. It was an incredible time spent with amazing people.
While back at Oregon State University, I participated in Naval Reserve Officer Training. I received my commission and I served in the Vietnam War. If Europe was the best of times, Vietnam was the worst of times. I was proud to serve my country, but I was not proud of my country's leaders. However, I feel strongly, that if you criticize, you have an obligation to participate in the governmental process.
I then attended law school at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law from 1974-1977. I was licensed to practice law in California on December 21, 1977.
My Family: Debbie and I met at Oregon State University. Debbie was enrolled in education and minored in music. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She completed her California Teaching Credential at University of California- Berkeley.
We have been married for 32 years. We have a son, Taylor. Taylor grew-up playing golf. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School, De La Salle High School and he currently attends the University of San Francisco on a golf scholarship. I have spent wonderful years being his caddy. I am really proud of this young man and his friends.
Debbie is the center of our family. She has just returned from taking courses at Harvard. She started The Antioch Charter Academy -The Learner Centered School (ACA). This was her concept developed in our home and chartered by the Antioch Unified School District. In December of 2006, the ACA moved into its new $4,500,000.00 facility located in Mira Vista Park, Antioch, California. ACA educates 200 students from K-8th grade. Their test score of 829 is the highest in East Contra Costa County. There are over 400 students on the waiting list. A replication school (ADA II) has received start-up funding of $405,000.00. They have petitioned the Antioch Unified School District for a second charter; however, there is a "new superintendent" in town and the good fight is on.
Community Activities: I have served as president in both the local Kiwanis International and Rotary Clubs. I have coached youth baseball, basket and golf teams. I was the District Chair- person for Boy Scouts. I served as president/member of the Holy Rosary School Board; Delta Memorial Hospital Foundation; Annual De La Salle Golf Committee; and president of United Lutheran Ministries and St. Andrews Lutheran Church. Further, I have participated in numerous other civic activities/programs.
Law Career: I have had a wonderful legal experience. Some professionals view their work as a job and good way to make a living. I have never shared that belief. My work is a passion; I feel privileged to help people in crisis.
I have performed a wide range of legal services in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, civil litigation, criminal, family, real estate, business, wills/probate, and corporate matters. These services have ranged from a felony vehicular manslaughter trial; wrongful death and personal injury settlements/verdicts; multi-million dollar business transactions; real estate and construction defect litigation; lease termination and equipment auction of a computer cyber- space station; etc.
For the last 9 years, I have worked with my former partners in the area of asbestos litigation. We have handled approximately 100 cases involving victims of mesothelioma (i.e. cancer from asbestos exposure) and asbestosis (i.e. a impaired breathing).
I am a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, Alameda/Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association, and the Contra Costa Bar Association.
