IN MEMORIAM:

Patrick J. Bailey, our friend, colleague and founding partner of LHB Pacific Law Partners, died on October 23, 2011, after a six-month battle with brain cancer.  Pat was an exceptional lawyer, but more an exceptional person.  He never forgot that that law was ultimately about people.  While he loved the courtroom, he was much happier talking to people on the telephone about problems and solving those problems as quickly and practically as possible.  Ethics was not an MCLE class for Patrick - he never needed to think about the right thing to do.  He loved to win, but more he loved to help.  Pat cared about every client and was the first person in the office every day.  He returned every phone call with enthusiasm and energy.  And, he had the right answer.  He loved the work he did for everyone.  We all valued his candid, honest and knowledgeable advice.

Patrick was a native San Franciscan.  He graduated UC Berkeley and went on to law school at UC Hastings.  He began his legal career in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps where he served from 1980 to 1983.  In 1983 he was assigned to the U. S. Army Trial Defense Service as a Senior Defense Counsel – being rated as the best trial lawyer then serving in the Army.  Patrick joined Thornton, Taylor & Downs in 1986 where he specialized in first party property insurance and bad faith litigation.  He quickly rose to a leadership role there, actively developing clients, handling large, complex cases and serving as managing partner.  After founding LHB Pacific Law Partners in 2000, he then tirelessly served as our managing partner until shortly before his recent illness.  Patrick was truly an inspirational force in the firm, expertly handling the business side of the practice in addition to being a rainmaker, senior trial lawyer and mentor.  He was highly respected and well liked by the plaintiffs’ bar as well as the defense bar.

Patrick was a wonderful husband to Cheryl, his wife of 35 years, a devoted father to his two daughters and an avid fisherman.  He also gave generously of his time to his church and to his community throughout his life.  Pat was a man of tremendous talent, great kindness and, most importantly, unquestioned character and integrity.  He will be sorely missed by not only his family but the entire legal community and all who knew him.  Pat was grateful for the care and concern shown by all who supported him as he battled his illness.  We are saddened by this loss. 

          About LHB Pacific Law Partners, LLP: 

We are a boutique law firm comprised of attorneys who have been specializing in the representation and counseling of clients in the insurance industry and other businesses for over 30 years.  Most of us have been practicing together for decades, enjoying a reputation of excellence and expertise in the field of property and casualty insurance law.  For many years, the founding partners initially practiced together in a larger 85-year-old former San Francisco law firm, before we opened our doors under a new banner in 2000 to create a smaller practice comprised of highly specialized talents. 

The firm uses a customized team concept for case management which provides our clients with the depth of experience of the partnership as well as cost efficiency from appropriate staffing for all tasks.  We handle matters in all jurisdictions in California and have extensive experience nationally in consulting and institutional corporate litigation. 

Our philosophy is based on an unyielding commitment to excellence in all aspects of our practice.  We are a unique firm in that the principles of merit, accountability and outstanding results guide our relationship with our clients.  This fosters a professional climate which demands that each of our lawyers meet the highest standards of competence, creativity and performance.  These professional standards, coupled with the extensive experience of our partners in law firm management, insures that our clients receive the highest level of service and the greatest value for their legal needs.