Richard Potts began his career in law in Frederick County, Maryland, and quickly became involved in local governance. He held various positions, including military aide to the Governor of Maryland and clerk of the Frederick County court. Potts played a significant role in the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, serving as a delegate to the Maryland State Convention and later as a member of the Maryland convention. His judicial career spanned multiple roles, from prosecuting attorney to chief judge of the fifth judicial circuit and associate justice of the Maryland Court of Appeals.

Richard Potts consistently championed a nuanced balance between federal and state powers, advocating for state sovereignty while supporting sustainable land use policies. His judicial philosophy underscored the necessity of an independent judiciary, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Despite his pivotal role in ratifying the U.S. Constitution, Potts declined federal appointments to prioritize state governance, revealing a strategic focus on local issues over national ambitions.