As a 1974 Livingston High School graduate, Richard Hightower became a 4th generation Baylor Bear and received his B.A. degree (English) in 1978. Following in his father’s and great grandfather’s footsteps, Richard received his Baylor law degree in 1980 and was honored to serve as a Notes and Comments Editor on the Baylor Law Review.

Richard began his legal career in East Texas with the Sharp, Ward & Ross Law Firm. There, he worked hand in hand in many civil trials with T. John Ward, who was later appointed United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas. Richard and Judge Ward were the trial and appellate lawyers in one case decided by the United States Supreme Court.

In 1986, Richard moved to Houston and became a trial partner with Brown McCarroll & Oaks Hartline, a state-wide law firm. In 2000, he opened his own law practice focusing on the interests of public school districts and other education entities. During this time, Richard also served as a certified mediator in hundreds of legal disputes.

Richard is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell and was recognized as a Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine. He is an active member of the School Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Council of School Attorneys, and is Of Counsel to the Oaks, Hartline & Daly Law Firm. Balancing his work and personal life, he and his son can often be found at Houston sports events and college football games.