Richard L. Benedict was born in Traverse City, MI in 1935. On October 2nd, 2010, Richard passed away from acute leukemia. He graduated from Central High School in 1953. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Japan and Korea for 3 years. After his honorable discharge he attended Northwestern Michigan College and the University of Michigan thanks to the GI Bill. Richard was employed as an investigator for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission while he attended the University of Michigan Law School. Richard opened his own practice in Traverse City, served as a County Commissioner from 1971-72, and was elected as a District Court Judge in 1972. In 1995, Richard retired as a Judge. Richard became bored after four months of retirement and went back to work as a lawyer in private practice with his son, Matthew.

I lost my father, my law partner, and mentor in 2010. His loss has been difficult to bear. Qualities that Richard cherished in the law live in and through me now. I have his passion for justice, respect for our constitutions, and love for trial work in the courtroom. I learned to practice law from one of the best in the business.