Biography
Judge Richard B. Klein attended Amherst College where he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate. In 1964, he graduated with honors from Harvard Law School with honors and began his legal career before joining the bench.
Judge Klein was in private practice and served as a Special Attorney General until he became a trial judge for 28 years in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County. In 2001, he was elected to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. He was known for being an established author, musician, and advocate. He retired in 2009, after a 36-year judicial career.
Judge Klein pioneered many new programs designed to improve the civil justice system, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Appellate Court Procedural Rules Committee, and co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. He founded the Pennsylvania Bar Association “Plain English” Committee and was chair emeritus. Judge Klein chaired the Jury Selection Committee of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and made a continuous effort to improve education and justice systems.
He is a frequent author, educator and lecturer. He is co-author of the Thompson Reuters Book, Trial Communication Skills. The book is now in its second edition. He writes a monthly blog on all aspects of the justice system. He lectures frequently on a wide range of subjects, including topics such as representing a Client at Mediation, Effective Writing, Appellate Advocacy, Body Language in the Courtroom, and numerous ethical issues.