Rick Cofer

Rick Cofer

Google Rating

4.9(394 reviews)

  • (785) 562-3415, (717) 668-8159, (512) 991-0576
  • example@domain.com, example@domain.com, superlawyers-icon@2x-1024x885.png

About:

Attorney Rick Cofer is a partner with Cofer & Connelly, PLLC. Nationally known as among the top trial attorneys in the country, Mr. Cofer has more than 15 years of legal experience. Recognized from 2021 to 2024 as Best Lawyer by the Austin Chronicle, a Texas Super Lawyer by ThomsonReuters, and Top 1% by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, he provides unmatched counsel and support to clients throughout Texas who have legal needs involving any of the following: - Criminal defense - Juvenile law - Personal injury Over the course of his legal career, Mr. Cofer has served as a judge, felony prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney. He has tried more than 100 cases to a judge or jury, and has thousands of hours of courtroom experience. From his efforts, Mr. Cofer has achieved a long record of securing successful outcomes for his clients, and he has earned numerous awards and honors for his outstanding professionalism and service. Among his accolades, he has received a Top 100 Trial Lawyers designation from The National Trial Lawyers, and Attorney & Practice Magazine named him among the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in 2019. He has also received Superb client ratings on Avvo along with the site's Clients' Choice Award. Moreover, Mr. Cofer has received the Distinguished Service Certificate from the city of Austin along with the Individual Achievement Award from Keep Austin Beautiful. He has also received a Resolution of Appreciation from the Travis County Commissioners Court, and he is a graduate of the Austin Bar Association's Leadership Academy. Mr. Cofer is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and a board member of the Austin Bar Foundation. He is a member of the Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association, the Austin and Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations, the Austin LBGT Bar Association, and other local, state, and national legal organizations. View More ›

DVLawyers AI Summary:

Rick Cofer, an experienced juvenile defense attorney in Austin, focuses on representing minors who have been charged with a wide range of offenses including serious crimes like murder, assault, and sexual assault. His firm understands that navigating the juvenile justice system can be overwhelming for both the young people facing charges and their families. With a history of working as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor, Rick brings a unique perspective to each case, crafting personalized defense strategies that aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. The tone of the firm is empathetic and trauma-informed, recognizing the complexities and emotional weight of juvenile cases. This approach aims to ensure that each client feels supported and understood throughout the legal process. Rick emphasizes the importance of accountability and rehabilitation, aligning with the goals of the juvenile justice system to not only protect the community but also guide young clients toward a better path. For survivors and their families seeking legal representation, Rick Cofer’s firm appears to be a solid option. His extensive experience, coupled with a commitment to personalized service, suggests that he can navigate the intricacies of juvenile law effectively. However, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your situation and discuss your concerns openly during a consultation to determine if this firm is the right fit for your legal journey.

Jurisdiction:5th Circuit (); Texas Supreme Court (); U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado (); U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (); U.S. District Court for the Western, Northern & Southern Districts of Texas (); U.S. Supreme Court ()

Practice Area

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Languages

English, Spanish

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

Temple Scholar
Junior Fellow
B.A.
University of Texas
2004
LBJ Fellow
Phi Beta Kappa
J.D.
University of Texas
2007
Normandy Scholar)

Awards

Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney Award
Attorney & Practice Magazine

Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney Award - Attorney & Practice Magazine (2019)

2019
Distinguished Service Certificate
City of Austin

Distinguished Service Certificate - City of Austin (2015)

2015
Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2022)

2022
Best Lawyer
Austin Chronicle

Best Lawyer - Austin Chronicle (2022)

2022
Individual Achievement Award
Keep Austin Beautiful

Individual Achievement Award - Keep Austin Beautiful (2015)

2015
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyer

Super Lawyer - Super Lawyer (2024)

2024
AV Preeminent Peer Rating
Martindale-Hubbell

AV Preeminent Peer Rating - Martindale-Hubbell (2023)

2023
Clients' Choice Award
Avvo

Clients' Choice Award - Avvo (2024)

2024
Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Criminal - National Trial Lawyers

Top 100 Trial Lawyers - Criminal - National Trial Lawyers (2023)

2023
Elite Lawyer
Elite Lawyer

Elite Lawyer - Elite Lawyer (2023)

2023
Resolution of Appreciation
Travis County Commissioners Court

Resolution of Appreciation - Travis County Commissioners Court (2016)

2016

Associations

Fellow
Texas Bar Foundation
- Present
Member
Hays County Bar Association
- Present
Member
Capital Area Trial Lawyers Associaton
2018 - Present
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Present
Member
Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2018 - Present
Fellow
Austin Bar Foundation
- Present
Member
Austin LBGT Bar Association
2018 - Present
Board of Directors
Austin Bar Foundation
2020 - Present
Member
College of the State Bar of Texas
2018 - Present
Member
Highland Lakes Bar Association
- Present
Member
State Bar of Texas# 24065059
2008 - Present
Member
National College for DUI Defense
- Present
Member
Austin Young Lawyers Association
2009 - Present
Member
Texas District & County Attorneys Association
2009 - Present
Member
Austin Bar Association
2014 - Present
Member
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2018 - Present
Member
Austin LBGT Bar Association
- Present

Reviews


RATED 5.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

Sam

"Cofer & Connelly are outstanding attorneys who truly go above and beyond for their clients. They are knowledgeable, dependable, and treat every case with the seriousness it deserves. I felt confident and supported the entire time, and their professionalism made a difficult situation much easier to handle. I would recommend them without hesitation."

RATED 5.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

yvng nelly

"Rick Cofer was amazing. Personalized legal action is hard to find, Cofer and Connelly is fantastic."

RATED 1.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

Amanda G

"Not person centered, could’ve been more efficient, organized, and supportive of their clients. Would not recommend if you need thorough support or have a complex case. EDIT: to respond to the business’ comment that they have no record of representing me, you represented my spouse and I was the POC for his case. Comment still stands - not the best fit if you want personalized care."

RATED 1.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

chris seets

"Well I started my experience with Cofer and Connelly while I was conducting operations at Texas-Mexico border when I received a DWI. After making it clear that a conviction on this DWI would not only be a career ending charge for the military but civilian as well; taking into account 19 honorable years and multiple deployments. When I returned from the border mission, I was told that I had "PR" bonds set and all I have to do is "walk through" the jail. Sounds good, but I only had 1 "PR" bond; and since you cannot bond yourself out, I ended up spending 2 night in county jail trying to get out. Thats just the start. After being passed off to the next paralegal and attorney several times and explaining the severity over and over again. Doesn't seem like the caliber of attorney I read about all over your page, or the one you send several thousands of your hard-earned money to. Also, with their firm boasting about personal injury, well during my detainment with law enforcement I sustained a traumatic brain injury and loss of consciousness, during the course of the case, nobody even acknowledged it or was held accountable for it. Long story short, I had to do all the "work" and "research" for the case and still wound up with a conviction and accepting the original offer the DA made on the case. Doesn't seem like the caliber you advertise or the kind you want affecting the rest of your life. If you're looking for "putting your best foot forward" legally; choose someone who will take you seriously and your life and career as well...Because mine is ruined. I'm all about taking accountability, but what about everyone else? Couldn't have been more disappointed with the services provided EDIT: To respond to their comment, I had at least 3-4 different attorneys and paralegals on my case when it was reassigned to them over a 2 year period - these statements are not falsified."

RATED 5.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

Dan Brubaker

"I had the privilege and opportunity to work with RJ Fisher for my case. This guy is the real deal! Extremely knowledgeable and professional from start to finish. I never once had an issue throughout the entire process. He will always get back to you within a reasonable amount of time, answer all your questions, he even helps you out with other things connected to the case that really aren't his responsibility. Through doing a great deal of research before I picked a lawyer his and everyone else's fees seem to be the same. However, his experience and success exceeds most lawyers and law firms I looked at. RJ won a case for me that didn't have very favorable odds of winning if you research this. He did so by finding a change in the case law that even the judge was unaware of. That's how knowledgeable and how much dedication he has with his cases. If I didn't have RJ, I definitely don't think I would've gotten this outcome. There aren't enough words to thank this guy for what he's done for me. I thanked him for everything at the end, and his response was " I treat people how I would want to be treated if I was in a bad situation." That really shows the integrity of this guy and how he will treat your case. If you can, and you need a great lawyer, hire this guy! Some advice from what I've learned through this whole process... You need a lawyer, whether it's a public defender or you can afford to hire one. I had to sit through a case that was tried before mine. The gentlemen was representing himself. He tried to present evidence which he was unable to do so because he did not enter it the correct way. There is a certain way you need to go about things in court, questioning, testimony, everything involved really. Do yourself a favor and get a lawyer unless you are fully aware of how the entire process works. Also think about this if you're going about fighting a case. How much would all of the penalties cost? All of the fines, penalties, and things you have to do because of the charges. Even though a lawyer may seem expensive, the cost of what you are facing may easily exceed the cost of a lawyer. All in all, get yourself a lawyer, don't try to go at it alone. It also takes some of the stress out of the situation also. I found a great one doing some research. I hope all of this helps and good luck! Thank you again RJ!"

RATED 5.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

Century

"I had an excellent experience with Cofer & Connelly. From the start, their team was professional, responsive, and truly cared about my case. They took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all of my questions, and made sure I felt supported throughout. Their knowledge of the law and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome gave me peace of mind during a very stressful time. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of strong legal representation."

RATED 5.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

Fiercekoala 4

"I couldn't have dreamed of a better attorney than Natalia. From beginning to end, her and her staff were incredibly helpful and put me at ease. They took care of everything and helped to get my case thrown out. I highly recommend Cofer & Connelly for all your legal needs. Natalia and staff are attentive, knowledgeable, professional and beyond helpful. Thank you so much again!"

RATED 5.0

Sep 11, 2025Googlevia Google

GIANCARLO AlMANZAR

"Mr.Kearney did an amazing job on my case. didn't promise anything. he was very transparent and insightful thru the whole process and was able to obtain a desired result. all i can say is thank you."

RATED 5.0

Sep 11, 2025Googlevia Google

Jessica Grim

"Attorney Kearney started working to get the best resolution for my case immediately. He was always available to speak to about any questions or concerns. He got me in the ARD program, and when I’m finished my charges will be expunged. I'm very thankful for having Attorney Kearney represent me. He has helped my family on several occasions, and he is the one I always call if I need an Attorney. He is truly amazing, and professional."

RATED 5.0

Sep 4, 2025Googlevia Google

Yandiel

RATED 5.0

Sep 2, 2025Googlevia Google

B. L.

"Exceptional lawyer,handled my case with and attentiveness,extremely communicative,and got me the result I wanted in court.i highly recommend T.L. If you want to best result."

RATED 5.0

Sep 2, 2025Googlevia Google

Miana Gutierrez

"I had a fantastic experience working with Miguel Gutierrez. He's super knowledgeable and really took the time to explain everything to me. What I appreciated most was his responsiveness he always got back to me quickly and kept me in the loop. Highly recommend!"

RATED 5.0

Oct 2, 2024Googlevia Google

Jansen Eichenlaub

"There Great!"

RATED 5.0

Oct 2, 2024Googlevia Google

Lizbeth Gomez

"I felt like it was the end of the world when I got into a little bit of trouble. Alison and mark were seasons. Alison was so good at responding back if anything she had to wait on my responses! Eveytime I had a question it was answered. Not once did I feel uncomfortable. Mark made sure I knew I would be okay!"

RATED 5.0

Oct 2, 2024Googlevia Google

Alejandro Castro

"Loved the way they handled my caseload professional and in a kindly manner. Im so grateful for all their support and help."