RICHARD A. PATTERSON

With influence comes great responsibility. However, as Richard A. Patterson has demonstrated throughout his 40-plus-year career, along with influence, also comes justice and community building. As the founding partner of Owen, Patterson & Owen, Rick has not only obtained multi-million dollar settlements for clients across the world, but he has also been instrumental in policy changes in California law that protect vulnerable populations. Although Rick has now retired from the practice of law, enjoying his golden years with his wife, OPO shall be forever grateful for his vision, his guidance, and his devotion to public service that will continue to impact OPO’s practice and service to others.

Rick specialized in getting results for accident victims involved in catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, including automobile, truck, motorcycle, motorhome, and bicycle accidents. He secured a $30 million settlement for victims of the Metrolink crash in Chatsworth, California, one of the most horrific train accidents in California history. A reflection of his dogged determination to protect children, Rick initiated a lawsuit involving his daughter as the plaintiff to secure a restraining order against self-proclaimed pedophile Jack McClellan, prohibiting him from being within 30 feet of any minor in California. Shortly after, he worked diligently with Assemblyman Cameron Smyth on Assembly Bill 534, making surrogate stalking, or providing information that helps pedophiles commit crimes against children illegal.

Equally impactful as Rick’s ability to recover compensation for clients was his dedication to making Santa Clarita a thriving place for children, families, and seniors. For more than two decades, he directed the Santa Clarita Valley Facilities Foundation in its mission to acquire and develop new school sites for public schools as president. The organization has generated $25 million in assets to benefit local schools. He also helped raise $1 million for the William S. Hart Union High School District to construct shade structures for 10 Hart District schools.

Along with his efforts to create more educational resources for the youth of Santa Clarita was Rick’s commitment to the business community. He has served as a panel attorney for the California Association of Realtors and founded Valencia National Bank to support the needs of small businesses. Rick’s business acumen and real estate background provided him with a unique insight into corporate dealings, which he used to dismantle corporate defenses when representing clients against large companies.

Known for making things happen by peer members of the legal community and Santa Clarita residents alike, Rick has earned several accolades and prestigious honors. He has been named one of the Top 51 Influential People in Santa Clarita for over 10 years running. He was also presented with a Litigator Award, the highest honor in trial law. The Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association honored him with the prestigious Dan Hon Memorial Award as well. Rick has previously been recognized as Best Personal Injury Attorney by the Santa Clarita Signal Newspaper.

Rick Patterson has devoted his life to helping others. OPO will continue to honor this legacy and will continue to serve the needs of the community.