RISING THROUGH THE RANKS
RICHARD “RICKY” L. ADAMS, III, didn’t follow the typical route into the legal profession. Starting as a copy clerk fresh out of high school and working his way up through the legal profession, Adams’s journey has been defined by hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to explore opportunities outside of traditional legal roles. Now a Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Wilmington Trust, N.A., his story demonstrates how a nontraditional path can lead to fulfilling and impactful work.
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I think this path helped me realize that at every junction and aspect of a case, the professionals involved have a role to play. It’s important to honor and respect the folks in those roles, for the good of the client and the legal profession at large.
Adams was introduced to the legal field at an early age by his mother. He shared, “[She] was a legal secretary, and she used to bring me into the office sometimes. She helped me get my first job at a law firm right out of high school—as a part-time copy clerk. I remember the firm paid me an extra $.50 an hour because of my high school diploma!” That first job sent him on a trajectory that eventually led him to where he is today.
“I had the opportunity to work in this field from the bottom up, becoming a legal secretary myself, then a paralegal, and finally an attorney,” Ricky explains. “I think this path helped me realize that at every junction and aspect of a case, the professionals involved have a role to play. It’s important to honor and respect the folks in those roles, for the good of the client and the legal profession at large.”
Adams worked as an Estates and Trusts attorney for several years before joining Wilmington Trust. Stepping outside the traditional private practice model wasn’t just a career choice—it was a lifestyle decision. His position at Wilmington Trust allows him to manage the fiduciary needs of trust clients while enjoying the flexibility and stability he values. “I wanted to find a role that offered more flexibility, time with my family, and less stress around finding new clients. Working with Wilmington Trust has provided all of these things, while also providing the support and outreach of a community bank like M&T. They focus on helping communities grow, thrive, and expand. That’s something I can get behind, for sure.”
His workday varies depending on his clients’ needs, which is part of what keeps things interesting. “I could be spending my morning talking to a client about a discretionary distribution from their trust and my afternoon might involve meeting with a potential new client that is looking to hire a corporate trustee like Wilmington Trust to help ensure the success of their estate plan. It’s a very diverse job in that every day may be different based on the needs of the clients and our team.”
While Adams’ no longer practices law in the traditional sense, he is nonetheless passionate about mentoring and building relationships within the legal community. Adams is an active MSBA member, serving on the Section Council for the Estate & Trust Section and co-chairing the Membership and Outreach Committee. “We focus on strengthening the Section’s connections with the law schools in Maryland and law students. These students are our future Section members and leaders, after all,” he says.
One of Adams’s most memorable MSBA experiences took place at last year’s Legal Summit in Ocean City. He and his husband volunteered at a pizza-themed fundraiser for the Maryland Access to Justice Commission. “Since it was a pizza theme, my husband wore a pizza costume that the MSBA purchased for him. I escorted the pizza around the room selling raffle tickets for various items for sale to benefit the fundraiser. It was a memorable and fun way to meet new folks and to help a great cause.”
Adams finds his legal expertise to be useful in non-legal arenas as well. As the President of the Maryland LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, he worked alongside businesses to strengthen Maryland’s LGBTQ+ community. “Serving in a non-legal role as a volunteer is something I recommend for other attorneys. Any non-profit would be lucky to have an attorney on their Board to review contracts, assist in negotiations, and to help assess issues in a different way,” he says.
Adams also emphasizes how legal skills—like contract analysis, problem-solving, and communication—are valuable in nearly any setting. “Being able to read and understand a contract; dissect correspondence and pick out the issues easily; and handle complex and difficult conversations with other professionals—these are all examples of skills attorneys have that are useful outside of the legal profession and the courtroom,” he notes. Through his volunteer work and leadership roles, Adams has found ways to give back to his community while using those skills to make a difference.
Looking back on his career, Adams credits much of his success to his willingness to embrace a non-traditional path. His background in gerontology and legal studies gave him a strong foundation for understanding client needs, while his early roles taught him the value of teamwork and communication. When asked about the best skills he brings to his career, Ricky points to “curiosity, determination, high ethical standards, compassion and listening, and not in that order.”
For anyone considering law school but unsure about committing to a traditional legal career, Adams has encouraging words: “I also enjoy the flexibility afforded by a legal career. For example, you can be in private practice, you can be in-house, or you can teach. The possibilities are limitless. It’s all just a tool in the toolbox. If anyone reading this is considering taking the LSATs or applying for law school but are worried they’ll be stuck in a boring job, feel free to e-mail me.”
Adams’s career shows that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to being a lawyer. He’s carved out a career that’s as fulfilling as it is unique, and his journey proves that the road less traveled can lead to incredible places.
Photo courtesy of Travis Marshall Photography