[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 22 (Friday, February 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD BIEDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 5, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise 
today to honor the life of the late Richard Bieder of Stamford, 
Connecticut, who sadly passed on January 16, 2021. Richard was a giant 
in the Connecticut trial bar, who handled high profile cases for 
decades, always on the side of ``the little guy'', usually up against 
large institutional adversaries.
  Richard's rise to prominence as a litigator was meteoric. Like all 
the greats in his profession he was quick on his feet, possessed a 
sharp wit and had a relentless commitment to preparation regarding the 
facts and the law in every case. Richard received a bachelors from 
University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance in 1962. Armed 
with that degree he entered New York University's School of Law, 
graduating in 1965 at the age of 25. He joined the US Navy and was 
stationed in the Philippines as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge 
Advocate General Corps, which immediately got him started in the 
courtroom where he thrived.
  In 1968, he returned from his service in the military to his native 
state of Connecticut, launching his 40- year journey as a top-notch 
trial lawyer. Within a year of his return, he joined a law firm headed 
by another icon in the legal profession Mr. Theodore Koskoff. Richard 
discovered a mentor in Ted from the outset, as he deeply aligned with 
his associate's passion for civil rights, fairness and the American 
system of trial by jury. After just three short years, Richard 
permanently sealed his commitment to the firm, joining as a senior 
partner and re-establishing it under the name of Koskoff, Koskoff and 
Bieder. After experiencing the loss of Ted Koskoff in 1989, Richard 
continued his work as senior partner alongside Ted's son, Michael 
Koskoff, who was a kindred spirit advocating difficult, and sometimes 
controversial cases that many other lawyers would shy away from.
  The firm's high-quality work attracted many associates and clients, 
allowing Richard the freedom in the latter half of his career to 
perform a great deal of pro bono representation, oftentimes as an 
advocate for the most vulnerable in our communities. Whether it was a 
class action suit in the aftermath of a state or national disaster, a 
battle against a powerful institution, or the co-founding of an 
organization to provide pro bona representation of children under 
custody of the Department of Children and Families--using the law to 
promote a just society was his passion.
  Richard Bieder's direct impact upon the lives of others and the 
institution of lawyering cannot be understated. After 9/11, Richard 
responded by helping to organize a nationwide network of lawyers and 
create Trial Lawyers Care (TLC), which is believed to be the largest 
pro bona legal program in the history of the U.S. Under his stewardship 
as President, TLC assisted families eligible to file claims under the 
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. Meanwhile, between 2001 and 
2009, Richard was appointed by a U.S. District Court Judge to oversee 
ongoing suites between the City of Hartford and its minority population 
on a range of issues.
  Richard took his experience from the senior Kirkoff to heart, always 
generously mentoring fellow lawyers. As former President of the 
Connecticut Trial Lawyers and National Board of Trial Advocacy as well 
as a member of countless lawyers' organizations, he frequently lectured 
these groups on the responsibility that all lawyers have to give back 
to their community. Such service and leadership resulted in the 
bestowment of countless awards and accolades throughout his career.
  Madam Speaker, it is difficult to encapsulate the enormity of Richard 
Bieder's life. I had the privilege of knowing him, both as an attorney 
when I practiced law in Connecticut for 27 years, and as a member of 
United States Congress, for whom Richard was always a great source of 
encouragement and passionate advice about the need to keep our civil 
justice system open and accessible to all Americans. Richard leaves a 
loving family behind him, particularly his son Erik, his daughter Julie 
his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his law partners, 
associates and staff who were a huge part of his life. His wife Bonnie 
who was his partner in his amazing life, predeceased him not long ago. 
Madam Speaker, I ask that this body please join me in expressing our 
deepest condolences to their family and friends in their passing. In 
many respects, their lives are an example of, ``Taking The Road Less 
Travelled'' that should serve as an inspiration to us all.

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