Joshua S. M. Richards

Joshua S. M. Richards is a Chicago criminal defense and civil rights attorney with more than ten years of legal experience. He represents individuals facing criminal charges and those seeking to protect their constitutional rights. Throughout his career, Joshua has litigated more than 20 jury trials in state and federal courts across Illinois. His practice emphasizes careful examination of evidence, courtroom advocacy, and protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes or affected by the criminal justice system.

Joshua earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, from Case Western Reserve University in 2010. He later received his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School, now known as the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, in 2013. During law school, he earned Dean’s List recognition and completed certificates in Trial Advocacy, Intellectual Property Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. His engineering education provides a technical foundation for analyzing complex scientific evidence in criminal cases.

Joshua applies his technical knowledge to criminal proceedings involving DNA, gunshot residue, trace evidence, forensic examinations, and postmortem examinations. He has experience cross-examining government forensic scientists and challenging how technical findings are presented in court. His notable case victories include People v. William Dukes. Joshua was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2013 and the California bar in 2023. His federal admissions include the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and U.S. District Courts in the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois and the Northern District of Indiana.

Joshua S. M. Richards grew up around courtrooms as the son of two defense attorneys, an upbringing that shaped his commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights. He was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States in 2019. His background has given him a strong understanding of the challenges facing people accused of crimes or mistreated by the criminal justice system. Combining extensive trial experience with technical knowledge of forensic evidence, Joshua remains committed to challenging questionable evidence, defending constitutional rights, and representing clients regardless of the charges or circumstances they face.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Stephen L. Richards
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• Illinois
• California

Education

• The John Marshall Law School (now known as University of Illinois Chicago Law School)
  Juris Doctor: Certificates in Trial Advocacy, Intellectual Property Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Case Western Reserve University
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering: Major: Mechanical Engineering

Awards & Badges