James Richardson

James S. "Jim" Richardson

Federal Bar Association

Moderator, On Further Review: The Role of the New DoD Discharge Appeal Review Board (DARB)

James S. (“Jim”) Richardson is a mediator in the areas of general civil law and family law and a certified Veteran’s Administration claims agent, assisting military veterans with disability claims.  After serving as a Field Artillery Officer  in the USMC  in the war in Viet-Nam and at the 1st Marine Brigade, he was selected by the Marine Corps to Attend Law School.  Following graduation and admission to the Bar, he was transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.  During the next five years he served in various billets, culminating in his appointment as a Military Judge.  Following active duty Mr. Richardson joined the office of the Secretary of the Navy where he served as Head of the Discharge Review Section the Board For Correction of Naval records.  From August 1982 – October 2008 he served as Senior Attorney – Advisor of the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (Formerly the Court of Military Appeals).  In retirement Mr. Richardson has served as a pro bono advocate for veterans both in the discharge review and claims areas.  In June 2017, Mr. Richardson was honored with the 2017 Maryland Pro Bono Service Retired Pro Bono Volunteer Award. He is a graduate of Frostburg State University and received his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. His bar admissions include: Supreme Court of the United States; Court of Appeals of Maryland; the Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, and Federal circuits; Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and Court of Veterans Appeals.