Rick Hagen was raised in Denton, Texas, and graduated Denton High School in 1982. He obtained full membership in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as a bareback rider in 1985 before injuries ended his career. In 1986, Hagen obtained his undergraduate degree from Austin College and worked as the Legislative Assistant for State Representative Jim Horn. Hagen graduated law school from the University of Oklahoma in 1990 where he received the American Jurisprudence Award for Trial Techniques. Hagen was hired by the Honorable Rusty Duncan to work as a briefing attorney on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals- the highest criminal court in the State. After working on the Court, Hagen served a two year stint as a prosecutor in Central Texas. In 1993 he returned home and began practice law with Mr. Jackson.

Rick lives on a ranch in Denton with his wife Mistie and his children Madie and Jackson.