Richard Cooke is a seasoned litigator with deep experience in appellate advocacy, complex legal analysis, and high-stakes disputes. At Gardner Skelton, Richard primarily supports the firm’s Litigation practice, drawing on a career that has included civil litigation, antitrust matters, financial regulation, commercial disputes, and extensive federal appellate work.
Before joining Gardner Skelton, Richard spent much of his career as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, including more than a decade as Chief of Appeals. In that role, he supervised a substantial appellate docket, briefed and argued matters before the Fourth Circuit, and advised on significant legal issues across a broad range of subject areas. Earlier in his career, Richard worked in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he focused on civil antitrust investigations in the healthcare industry, including matters involving insurance plans, hospitals, and medical provider practice groups. He also clerked for the Honorable Robert E. Cowen of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Richard brings that experience to commercial and civil litigation with a focus on careful listening, disciplined analysis, and practical problem-solving. His background gives him a strong foundation in written advocacy, courtroom strategy, legal research, and helping clients navigate complex disputes with clarity and confidence.
Before joining Gardner Skelton, Richard spent much of his career as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, including more than a decade as Chief of Appeals. In that role, he supervised a substantial appellate docket, briefed and argued matters before the Fourth Circuit, and advised on significant legal issues across a broad range of subject areas. Earlier in his career, Richard worked in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he focused on civil antitrust investigations in the healthcare industry, including matters involving insurance plans, hospitals, and medical provider practice groups. He also clerked for the Honorable Robert E. Cowen of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Richard brings that experience to commercial and civil litigation with a focus on careful listening, disciplined analysis, and practical problem-solving. His background gives him a strong foundation in written advocacy, courtroom strategy, legal research, and helping clients navigate complex disputes with clarity and confidence.
