Rick has dedicated the last 30+ years fighting for personal injury victims. Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, he was admitted to practice law in Arizona in 1987. In addition, he is admitted to the United States District Court, District of Arizona. He received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire in 1987. Prior to that Mr. DePonte graduated from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology (magna cum laude) in 1976 and received a Masters of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University in 1980. Practice areas include personal injury, civil litigation, municipal law and criminal law.
Much of Rick’s spare time involves community service. He has been active in Rotary International since 1992, serving as club secretary, past president and board member in various clubs. He is a board member for Wings for Warriors (2012 to present), Gift of Life (2012 to present),and the Ahwatukee YMCA (2011 to 2012). He was also an adjunct instructor at Phoenix College in the Paralegal Studies Department 2015 to 2015).
Rick also served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona from 2001 to 2014 until his Little Brother (Matt) reached the age of majority.
Rick enjoys the beaches in Rocky Point, hiking and playing with his two Australian Shepherds, Dingo and Tommy. He is also an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox.
Rick and his wife, Donna, have two adult children, Austin and Taylor, who both reside in Seattle.
Education:
- Assumption College, BA in Liberal Arts, Magna Cum Laude, 1976
- Arizona State University, MS in Criminal Justice, 1980
- University of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce Law Center, 1987
- Professional Admissions
- State Bar of Arizona, 1987
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1987
- Leadership, Membership & Honors
- Rotary International, 1993 – present, Past President of Ahwatukee Foothills Rotary Club, 2010
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, 2001 – 2014
- Gift of Life-Arizona, Inc., Secretary and Board Member, 2011 – present
- Wings for Warriors, Board Member, 2014 – 2017
- Ahwatukee YMCA, Board Member, 2011
- Phoenix College, Adjunct Instructor in Paralegal Studies, 2013 – 2014