A Brief Biography: Richard Hornsby
A Note From Richard: In the past a family would go to one lawyer, usually a friend or trusted community member, for all of their legal needs.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, it is difficult to develop a personal relationship with any one lawyer and many people feel uncomfortable with lawyers in general. So I provide this information with the hope it will make you feel comfortable contacting me about your case.
The youngest son of the late J. Russell Hornsby, one of Central Florida's most respected trial attorneys, Richard Hornsby was born in Winter Park and grew up in metropolitan Orlando, having briefly lived in the Florida Keys. As a child, he attended the Park Maitland School, Lake Sybelia Elementary, Coral Shores High School, and University High School, where he graduated from with honors.
While in High School, Mr. Hornsby was involved in Student Government and athletics. He was a two year letterman in track & Field, a three year letterman in Football, and a four year letterman in Wrestling. Notably, in 1993 he was Metro and District champion in the 189lb wrestling class and was named to the All County wrestling team by the Orlando Sentinel. Interestingly, he wrestled Ray Lewis (now of the Baltimore Ravens) in the second round of the 1993 5A State Wrestling Championships.
After graduating with honors from University High School, Mr. Hornsby began college at the University of Florida, where he majored in Political Science and minored in Religion.
While at the University of Florida Mr. Hornsby was a member of the 1994 and 1995 SEC championship football teams coached by Steve Spurrier. He hung up his cleats in 1995 and became heavily involved in Student Government and campus politics.
Among his student activities, he was Student Government Campus Involvement Chairman, Homecoming Assistant Director, Assistant Supervisor of Elections, Student Government Honor Court Defense Counsel, Gator Growl and Homecoming Web Site Developer, and a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Counselor.
Mr. Hornsby was also a member of Florida Blue Key, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, for whom he served as Vice President. He was honored with the University Of Florida President's Outstanding Recognition three times.
After graduating cum laude from the University of Florida, Mr. Hornsby began law school at the University of Florida College of Law, Florida's oldest and most prestigious law school. While in law school Mr. Hornsby concentrated his studies in business law and criminal law. Mr. Hornsby received a book award (The Highest Grade) in Trial Practice and was honored with a Pro Bono Certificate in recognition of his volunteer work helping less fortunate families through the Volunteer Income Tax Association.
After law school, Mr. Hornsby immediately began working for the Office of the Public Defender in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. As an Assistant Public Defender he was promoted from county court to circuit court in only six months, one of the quickest periods of advancement in almost a decade.
As an Assistant Public Defender Mr. Hornsby was honored by his colleagues and support staff with the Office of the Public Defender Performance Award, which is awarded by secret ballot. Additionally, while working with the Office of the Public Defender, he attended the University of Central Florida part time and eventually earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
In 2005, Mr. Hornsby ventured into private practice and opened Richard E. Hornsby, P.A.
