About Richard Averwater

      Richard Averwater was born in Memphis and lives in Germantown, Tennessee. Richard attended the University of the Ozarks and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration in 1985. Richard graduated in 1988 from the University of Memphis School of Law and became licensed to practice law in Tennessee that year.

     From 1990 until 1992, Richard was an FBI Agent and certified Bureau Pilot in Tampa, Florida, operating a Cessna 182RG, and obtaining his complex aircraft endorsement. He currently holds a Commercial ASEL and AMEL certificate with instrument rating, along with Flight Instructor certificates (CFI/CFII).

     From 1993-2007, Richard served as an Assistant Chief Counsel with the Department of Homeland Security. From 2010-2015, Richard was in the private practice of law in Memphis, specializing in immigration law. Richard was appointed an Immigration Judge in 2015 at the Memphis Immigration Court, where he served until 2023. 

     Following his federal retirement, Richard continues to practice law, became a Personal Trainer, and flight instructs students  from the student pilot to commercial pilot level, including instrument instruction.    

     Richard has continued his physcial fitness activities throughout his life, and ran his first half-marathon 2024, coaching himself by rigorously following a detailed training program. In his spare time, Richard enjoys hiking,  tennis, playing music, and travelling throughout the United States and Europe.