Lynn Pride Richarson has more than 30 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, practicing in both Florida and Texas. She is an assistant county administrator for Dallas County, Texas. Previously, she served in the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office (DCPDO) for 29 years, including 15 years as chief public defender. During this time, she has helped implement and operate numerous treatment court, diversion, and reentry programs, including the state’s first mental health division in a public defender’s office. Her office was one of the first in the country to partner with Sesame Street in Communities to implement a playroom for children in the courthouse. Prior to her time in the DCPDO, she served as the assistant county administrator for Dallas County and in private practice in Florida.

Ms. Richardson is the recipient of the Chairman Emeritus Award from the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. She is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association for Public Defense, and National Forum for Black Public Administrators. She received a bachelor of arts degree in theater from Spelman College and her juris doctor degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.