Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series of profiles of West Virginia attorneys.
CHARLESTON – For Dr. Richard Lindsay of Tabor, Lindsay & Associates, pursuing a career in law merged two of his passions: medicine and legal work.
“I went to medical school first and finished in 1974 at West Virginia University (WVU), and growing up, my after-school job was at the hospital,” Lindsay told The West Virginia Record. “While in medical school, I read more about the law, and in 1975 I applied to WVU’s School of Law, got in and finished in 1978.”
Dr. Richard Lindsay
“Once I got into the work, I thought I would be much more effective and be beneficial working on behalf of people who were injured as opposed to working on behalf of the physician or the hospital,” Lindsay said.
For the whole of his legal career, Lindsay has used his medical background and education to improve the representation he brings to his clients.
Lindsay’s wife is a physician and a lawyer as well, and the firm is a family affair.
“We practiced with various law firms until about 1991 and then we formed Tabor Lindsay, which includes myself, my wife, my one son now who is also a physician and attorney, and my other son, who is a state senator and practices part time with us,” Lindsay said.
Lindsay says he finds his work incredibly fulfilling, especially when he is able to represent those who have no other option but to seek legal action.
“There is nothing better than winning a trial,” Lindsay said, adding that he has been co-counsel in six verdicts over $1 million.
As with all careers, however, Lindsay’s is not without its share of challenges.
“With law, you’re always facing another human being who is just as determined to win, so that is a real challenge,” Lindsay said. “I tip my head to almost all of the defense counsel I’ve come against because they have been very good at what they do, which does make each case a challenge.”
