Meet Our Founder,
Randy Hey

Education

In 1968, Randy graduated from the University of Redlands with a triple major in Philosophy, History and English. In 1971, Randy graduated from the University of Southern California Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.

Public Service

While still in Law School, he and his wife, Nancy, traveled to Washington D.C. to work for Ralph Nader. Randy worked on legislation relating to Oil Import Quotas and, with Nancy’s help, authored legislation that set noise standards for American Industry. In the four months between taking the bar exam and learning the results, Randy edited and co-authored A Guide to California Environmental Law — the first California book on the subject, published by Claremont University Press.

Court Admissions

Randy was admitted to all Courts in the State of California, including the Supreme Court of California, California Superior Court, United States District Court, Northern District of California and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Trial and Prosecution Experience

After passing the bar exam, Randy joined the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. He tried 49 jury trials in his first nine months in the office. Randy tried his first homicide within 18 months and was given his first death penalty case within two years. During his career in the District Attorney’s Office, Randy supervised the narcotics team, sexual assault team, elder and child abuse team, forensic mental issues team, and homicide team. And for four years, Randy managed the Deputy District Attorneys who worked in the Palo Alto and Sunnyvale Branch Courts. Randy received the first Napoleon Menard award for trial excellence. This award is given to the top trial attorney in the D.A.’s office.

Noteworthy Cases

Among Randy’s many accomplishments, the one of which he is most proud, is his successful prosecution of a large corporate chain of nursing homes for elder abuse and neglect. (People v. Guardian) This was the first time a corporate chain was successfully prosecuted in the United States. It led to the closing of some nursing homes and the reorganization of other nursing homes. During the Clinton years, the Federal Government flew Randy around the country explaining to other DAs how to prosecute corporate nursing home chains.

Private Practice of Law

When Randy retired from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Randy went straight into private practice, forming Hey & Hey Attorneys At Law LLP with his daughter, Polly. He believes he has tried more jury trials than any other attorney in Northern California.