After his honorable discharge from the United States Army as a decorated veteran, Richard J. Hassen, graduated from Western State University (An American Bar Association rated law school) and embarked on a law career which has spanned over 40 years. In 1981, he founded his own law firm in Riverside and has, over the years, represented thousands of clients, in many areas of law, including wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, bankruptcy, real estate and business matters. During this period, he found time to teach law at the California Southern Law School, as a law professor, helping to educate what would become future judges, district attorneys, public defenders, and private practitioners in all areas of the law. He continues to share his experience as a mentor to his students and other attorneys on a regular basis. At the same time, he was active with civic service, serving twice president as well as Director of the Arlington Rotary Club, contributing to Rotary's goal, among others, of eradicating polio throughout the world.