Like many UNE School of Law students, Richard did not start out by enrolling in a law degree. He was originally enrolled in a communications degree. He was only 17 years old at the time and he quickly realised this was not the educational path he wanted to take.
One of Richard’s good mates at university was Daniel Hodges. At the time, Daniel was completing a combined law and business degree. Daniel told Richard good things about studying law. Richard decided to take the plunge into the world of law. Ironically, Daniel is now an accountant in Dubbo whilst Richard is a practising solicitor.
After Richard completed his law degree he enrolled in the College of Law. In order to get his practical experience completed, Richard started working at Rice, More and Gibson. They offered him a job and he decided to stay in Armidale. After a time, Richard co-founded Legal Minds with Chris Serow. Richard found this to be excellent work experience in terms of what was involved with running a legal practice. He then decided he wanted a change of direction. He was offered a position as a solicitor at the North and North West Community Legal Service. Richard found this a very refreshing experience. It was pure legal practice without the stress of worrying about billable hours and costs. Instead Richard was able to focus purely on helping people!
Richard with his three sons Nicholas, Thomas and Edward
After two years Richard felt the desire to go back into private practice. Greg Moin approached Richard to see if he was interested in joining his legal practice. Richard noted, ‘if anyone else had approached me, I wouldn’t have left North and North West Community Legal Service. It was such a good place to work!’
Richard had only heard good things about Greg. When Richard started working with Greg, his reputation was confirmed. ‘Greg is far and away the best mentor I have ever had. He also has the best legal brain I have experienced whilst being a top bloke! He is a genuine bleeding heart who is across every aspect of private practice.’
Richard is now a co-owner of Moin Morris Schaefer with Greg Moin and Chelsea Schaefer. Richard and Chelsea have been working together for 11 years and Chelsea calls Richard her ‘work husband.’ They have a genuine affection and respect for each other- they have each other’s back!
Moin Morris Schaefer also have an office in Port Macquarie. Richard is the primary solicitor in this office. Richard and his family recently moved to Port Macquarie to be closer to extended family. He still comes back to Armidale on a regular basis to see his Armidale based clients.
Richard’s wedding in Port Macquarie in 2010
Moin Morris Schaefer’s business is growing quickly in Port Macquarie. This is largely because Richard is a well-regarded specialist in deceased estates and estate planning. He also has significant expertise in commercial law. In 2014, Richard completed a master’s degree in Wills and Estates through the College of Law.
Dr Peter Hemphill
Richard has very fond memories of several of the iconic staff from the UNE School of Law. He fondly remembers Peter Hemphill and his dislike of Lord Denning’s judgments. He also recalls Contract Law lectures being littered with humorous anecdotes and food fantasies.
He spoke of Bryan Pape as a ‘true gentleman with very high expectations.’ Richard was also amazed by the passion Bryan displayed for causes he believed in. This was most poignantly displayed when Bryan took his constitutional law case to the High Court.
Thank you Richard for sharing your story with us!
