The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD BIEDER
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, February 5, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life of the late Richard Bieder of Stamford, Connecticut, who sadly passed on January 16, 2021. Richard was a giant in the Connecticut trial bar, who handled high profile cases for decades, always on the side of ``the little guy'', usually up against large institutional adversaries.
Richard's rise to prominence as a litigator was meteoric. Like all the greats in his profession he was quick on his feet, possessed a sharp wit and had a relentless commitment to preparation regarding the facts and the law in every case. Richard received a bachelors from University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance in 1962. Armed with that degree he entered New York University's School of Law, graduating in 1965 at the age of 25. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in the Philippines as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, which immediately got him started in the courtroom where he thrived.
In 1968, he returned from his service in the military to his native state of Connecticut, launching his 40- year journey as a top-notch trial lawyer. Within a year of his return, he joined a law firm headed by another icon in the legal profession Mr. Theodore Koskoff. Richard discovered a mentor in Ted from the outset, as he deeply aligned with his associate's passion for civil rights, fairness and the American system of trial by jury. After just three short years, Richard permanently sealed his commitment to the firm, joining as a senior partner and re-establishing it under the name of Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder. After experiencing the loss of Ted Koskoff in 1989, Richard continued his work as senior partner alongside Ted's son, Michael Koskoff, who was a kindred spirit advocating difficult, and sometimes controversial cases that many other lawyers would shy away from.
The firm's high-quality work attracted many associates and clients, allowing Richard the freedom in the latter half of his career to perform a great deal of pro bono representation, oftentimes as an advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities. Whether it was a class action suit in the aftermath of a state or national disaster, a battle against a powerful institution, or the co-founding of an organization to provide pro bona representation of children under custody of the Department of Children and Families--using the law to promote a just society was his passion.
Richard Bieder's direct impact upon the lives of others and the institution of lawyering cannot be understated. After 9/11, Richard responded by helping to organize a nationwide network of lawyers and create Trial Lawyers Care (TLC), which is believed to be the largest pro bona legal program in the history of the U.S. Under his stewardship as President, TLC assisted families eligible to file claims under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Meanwhile, between 2001 and 2009, Richard was appointed by a U.S. District Court Judge to oversee ongoing suites between the City of Hartford and its minority population on a range of issues.
Richard took his experience from the senior Kirkoff to heart, always generously mentoring fellow lawyers. As former President of the Connecticut Trial Lawyers and National Board of Trial Advocacy as well as a member of countless lawyers' organizations, he frequently lectured these groups on the responsibility that all lawyers have to give back to their community. Such service and leadership resulted in the bestowment of countless awards and accolades throughout his career.
Madam Speaker, it is difficult to encapsulate the enormity of Richard Bieder's life. I had the privilege of knowing him, both as an attorney when I practiced law in Connecticut for 27 years, and as a member of United States Congress, for whom Richard was always a great source of encouragement and passionate advice about the need to keep our civil justice system open and accessible to all Americans. Richard leaves a loving family behind him, particularly his son Erik, his daughter Julie his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his law partners, associates and staff who were a huge part of his life. His wife Bonnie who was his partner in his amazing life, predeceased him not long ago. Madam Speaker, I ask that this body please join me in expressing our deepest condolences to their family and friends in their passing. In many respects, their lives are an example of, ``Taking The Road Less Travelled'' that should serve as an inspiration to us all.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 22
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