A Premier Legal Resource Since 1985

Richard W. South

  • Of Counsel

Biography

Biography

Mr. South served as a police officer with the Austin Police Department from 1976 – 1982. While on the force, he was a Certified Instructor, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Training and Education. After graduating from law school, he joined the Austin office of Midland law firm Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder. In 1985, Mr. South and several other attorneys from that office formed Bankston, Wright & Greenhill.

Mr. South is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, he is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Mr. South was first selected as a Texas Super Lawyer in 2013 and continues to receive this honor.

Mr. South's community activities include service as an Executive Board member for the Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was Chairman of the City of Westlake Hills Planning and Zoning Commission between 1993 and 1995. He has also served on the Board of Crimestoppers and as a Member of the Travis County Grand Jury.

Representative Work

In his 30 years of practice, Mr. South has tried over 50 cases to a jury verdict representing both Plaintiffs and Defendants including:

  • successfully defending numerous insurance clients in suits alleging the breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing
  • successfully defending carriers in cases involving arson and/or insurance fraud
  • assisted numerous carriers in the investigation of claims, including conducting examinations under oath, where the insured is believed to have violated the concealment and fraud provisions of the policy
  • successfully represented over 100 homeowners in product defect suits against major shingle manufacturer
  • successfully represented survivors, including brain injured spouse, in suit against major trailer rental company for their negligence in renting a trailer that was inappropriate for the vehicle
  • successfully represented Police officers and departments in suits alleging civil rights violations under 28 USC §1983
  • handles large subrogation losses for insurance clients
  • represents contractors and owners in construction disputes involving building defects, water damage and health and safety issues
  • assists clients in immediate post occurrence investigation of major losses including fatalities, serious injury, fire and explosions

Education

  • The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas
    • J.D. - 1984
    • Honors: With Honors
  • St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas
    • B.A. - 1981

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Texas
  • American Board of Trial Advocates, Member
  • Texas Association of Defense Counsel

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Practice Areas

  • General Civil Litigation
  • Death and Serious Bodily Injury
  • Construction Litigation
  • Insurance Litigation
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Insurance Bad Faith Issues
  • Fraud and Concealment Litigation
  • Business and Employment Litigation
  • Premises Litigation

Honors

  • Texas Super Lawyer® magazine (a ThomsonReuters publication)

Bar Admissions

  • Texas, 1985
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Executive Board member for the Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
  • Chairman of the City of Westlake Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, 1993 to 1995
  • Board of Crimestoppers
  • Member of the Travis County Grand Jury

Current Employment Position

  • Of Counsel