Complete Bio

Richard Hayes is an AV Rated real estate & business trial lawyer and founding partner of Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, L.L.P., an established law firm serving North Texas since 1985. He has been selected by Texas Monthly as a Texas Super Lawyer in Eminent Domain annually since inception of the recognition in 2003.

Education and Law: Richard earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Christian University (1975), his Master of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University (1976), and his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law (1978). He served as a briefing attorney for Adrian Spears, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (1978-1979). Following his clerkship, he served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney for the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office (San Antonio).

Richard is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law (1987-present). He is licensed to practice in all Texas Courts; all United States District Courts of Texas; the Courts of Appeal for the 5th and 11th Circuits; and the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He is a member of the Denton County Bar Association (President, 1994-1995) and the State Bar of Texas (Litigation and Real Property sections).

Republican Party (local and state): Richard served as Chairman of the Denton County Republican Party (1996-2002) and on the Denton County Elections Commission. He served as Denton County Republican Party (DCRP) Parliamentarian under three different County Chairmen and has been honored as an Outstanding Volunteer by the DCRP. In addition he served as a Precinct Chairman for eight years. He has served three times as the State Convention Parliamentarian and as a Delegate to every Republican State Convention since 1988, with service in numerous capacities on the Rules Committee. He also has been named an Outstanding Volunteer for Senate District 30.

Republican Party (national): Richard is a Life Member of the Republican National Committee and has served twice as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. He is a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association and serves on the Board of Governors of the Council for National Policy.

Community and Academic Service: Richard currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North Texas Mobility Corporation, the North Texas State Fair Association and on the Board of Advisors of St. Mary’s University School of Law. Prior service includes that on the Board of Regents of Texas Woman’s University (1996-2002, appointed by Hon. George W. Bush) and on the Board of Directors of the Denton Public Schools Foundation.

He is a member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce, with service as board chair (1994-1995); and the Denton Kiwanis Club, with service as President (1993-1994). In addition, he served on the Project Cabinet of Vision for Denton-The 21st Century and on the Organizing Committee for the 24th and 25th Annual Texas Special Olympics.

City of Denton: Service to the City of Denton includes appointment to the Greater Denton Arts Council, Historic Landmark Commission, two city Charter Review committees and the Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.

The Colony: The Colony Businessman’s Association honored Richard as Man of the Year in 2013, and he remains an active member of the organization.

Boy Scouts of America: Richard served eight years as a Den Leader for Pack 65, six years as an Assistant Scout Master and four years as Scoutmaster for Troop 140 where he was awarded the Scoutmaster Award of Merit. He served as Frontier Trials District Chairman for two years and was recognized with the District Award of Merit and the Distinguished Citizen Award. Following, he served as Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Administration and as Council Commissioner for the Longhorn Council, Boy Scouts of America. He received the Silver Beaver Award. He served as a National Jamboree Scoutmaster, as a Wood Badge Course Director, and a National Camp Inspector. He has two sons that are Eagle Scouts.

Parliamentarian: Richard is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Vice President of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers, a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians, American Institute of Parliamentarians, Texas State Association of Parliamentarians (President, 2012-2013), North Texas Registered Parliamentarians (President, 2014-2016), and the Golden Triangle Parliamentarians (President, 2014-2016). He is currently serves as the Parliamentarian for the Republican Party of Texas, and has served as such prior under four State Chairmen.

Personal: Richard and his wife Helen, a licensed R.N. and retired public school nurse and teacher, have been married for 47 years. They have five children and eight grandchildren.