From Pen-and-Paper Man to Internet Guru

Like the other justices on Division Two of the San Francisco-based 1st District Court of Appeal, Justice James A. Richman is known for reveling in dissecting the finer points of law. The former Alameda County trial judge's flair for prose has come through in a number of the opinions he has written for the appellate court since he was elevated last year by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

James A. Richman

1st District Court of Appeal

Career Highlights: Appointed to 1st District Court of Appeal, Division Two by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, 2006; appointed to the Alameda County Superior Court by Gov. Pete Wilson, 1996; partner, Cooley LLP, 1967-1996; assistant professor, Gonzaga University School of Law, 1966-1967; clerk, 1st District Court of Appeal Justice Raymond L. Sullivan, 1965-1966.

Law School: University of San Francisco School of Law, 1965

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By Laura Ernde
Daily Journal Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO - Justice James A. Richman is not proud to admit that he shuns technology, preferring to read and write appellate opinions on paper instead of staring at a computer screen.

Which makes it all the more ironic that the 66-year-old penned what would become one of the most influential opinions in the area of cyberlaw.

While still on the trial court in Alameda County, Richman ruled in Barrett ... (continued)