Meet Richard Loa: Public Servant
Richard Loa was born in Los Angeles but raised and educated in Texas. He graduated from California State University, Northridge in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He graduated with a Juris Doctorate degree from UCLA School of Law in 1976 and has been practicing law for over 35 years.
In 1976, he began his service as a lawyer with Legal Services Aid assisting in civil, business, and family law cases. Two years later he began practicing General Practice Law in the San Fernando Valley before moving to the Antelope Valley in 1989. From 1989 to 2005, Richard has served and worked in the Antelope Valley as an Alternate Defense Counsel and Alternate Public Defender.
Mr. Loa has tried hundreds of cases both in Civil and Criminal Courts and is admitted to practice before all California State courts, as well as, The United States District Courts: Central and Eastern Districts of California.
He has served as Arbitrator for the Superior Court of Los Angeles and as Alternate Defense Counsel of Lancaster, CA.
In addition to practicing law, Richard has years of experience in both real estate and public service. He has held a California Real Estate Broker's License since 1974. He is the corporate broker for Antelope Valley Real Estate Consultants in Palmdale, CA.
In 2001, Mr. Loa was elected to the Palmdale City Council serving, with distinction, for four years. Richard represented the Palmdale City Council as a delegate for the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District, the Antelope Valley Emergency Management Council, the Antelope Valley Regional Anti-Crime Committee, and the U.S./Mexico Sister Cities Association.
In 2004, Mr. Loa was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve under his Administration in Sacramento as a Commissioner on the Board of Prison Terms. Governor Schwarzenegger also appointed him to the Department of Consumer Affairs and Assistant Director to the Housing and Community Development Department. He also served under the Governor's Office to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
In 2010, after his service to the State of California, Richard returned to Palmdale, CA with his family and resumed the practice of law in Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding areas. In March 2010, he opened the Law Offices of Richard Loa in Palmdale, CA.
In 2018, Richard was appointed to represent District 2 on the Palmdale City Council, filling the vacancy created by Steve Hofbauer's election to Mayor.
Richard is an active member of the Antelope Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Palmdale Sheriff's Boosters. He has been recognized for his support and achievements by the following local organizations: The Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs and Professional Peace Officers Association.
Richard and his wife Vera currently reside in Palmdale, CA. They have four children and five grandchildren.