Richard T. Fields, Associate Justice

Associate Justice Richard T. FieldsJustice Richard T. Fields presided in the courts of Riverside County for twenty-six years prior to his appointment and subsequent confirmation to the Court of Appeal on February 9, 2017.  During the years 2007 and 2008, Justice Fields served as the Presiding Judge of the entire Riverside County Court System.  Prior to his appointment as a Judge of the Superior Court, Justice Fields served as a Court Commissioner for over nine years.  When selected as a Court Commissioner in 1991, Justice Fields became the first African-American jurist in the history of Riverside County.  In April 2000, Justice Fields became the first African-American judge in Riverside County.

During his time on the superior court bench, he heard virtually every type of criminal case, including but not limited to, numerous murder cases--both capital and non-capital.  Additionally, he handled a civil trial calendar and presided over a variety of civil matters, including medical, legal, and dental malpractice actions; personal injury lawsuits; and wrongful death cases.

Justice Fields graduated with honors from California State University, Fullerton in January 1981, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology and a minor in Spanish.  He completed his bachelor’s degree in only 3 ½ years.  He received the degree of Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law in May 1983. He completed his law degree in just 2 ½ years.  While at Western State, he was on the honor roll and received a letter of commendation for outstanding service on the Law Review.  Justice Fields was awarded the degree of Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law in December 1987.  Justice Fields also received the degree of Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Southern California School of Law.  While at USC, he received the “high GPA letter,” served as a student mentor, and received a Dean’s Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Justice Fields has received numerous awards and commendations, including the following:  Access to Justice Award, San Bernardino Legal Aid Society (2022); Distinguished Alumni Award, University of San Diego School of Law (2021); Asian Pacific American Lawyers of the Inland Empire Stephen K. Tamura Award (2019); Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Douglass E. Weathers Distinguished Honoree (2016); Fair Housing Council of Riverside County Inc. Champions of Justice Award (2016); California Judges Association Alba Witkin Humanitarian Award (2013); Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court Outstanding Jurist Award (2009); American Board of Trial Advocates, Riverside-San Bernardino Chapter Judge of the Year (2008); Southwest Bar Association Judge of the Year (2007); Liberty Elementary School Volunteer of the Year (2001); African American Attorneys of the Inland Empire Outstanding Achievement Award (1997); Western State University Hall of Fame (1997); California Association of Black Lawyers Judicial Excellence Award; and Reginald Heber Smith National Poverty Law Fellow (1983).  Justice Fields is the namesake of the Richard T. Fields Bar Association.

Justice Fields has dedicated his life to community service.  He has served in several mentorship programs, as well as programs designed to aid and feed homeless veterans and shelter families.  He has spoken at numerous bar and community programs.  He has been honored with the Alba Witkin Humanitarian Award by the California Judges Association for his significant community service activities.