Respected San Diego attorney Corinne D. Clark died on October 6, 2025 of natural causes at age 78. Born in Orange, California to Anita B. (Potter) and John C. Clark, she was raised in El Cajon and graduated from Granite Hills High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1969 and her Juris Doctor from University of San Diego School of Law in 1979.
Corinne practiced law for 45 years, beginning as municipal attorney with McLean & McLean. In 1984 she founded Clark & Gumpel, APC, where she practiced business and commercial litigation; unfair competition and antitrust litigation; and employment, and land use law until 1999. Later, she practiced as a law firm senior associate and in a partnership before entering solo practice in 2013, which continued until the end of her life.
Corinne leaves behind her beloved son Robert Clark and Anatolian Shepherd rescue Annie of San Diego; brother John Randall Clark (Jane Sibley) of Keene, KY; and sister Jan Barbara Clark (Spiros Kokkinis) of Paros, Greece. Corinne was a devoted aunt to John, Christopher, and Cedric Heyenga; Rachel and Blaire Cullman-Clark; and Adam Cullman. She was preceded in death by her parents and dear nephew Chris Heyenga.
Corinne will be remembered as a fascinating individual, brilliant lawyer, lively conversationalist, and competitive debater. She was a voracious reader, avid traveler, ardent sports fan, and lifelong immersive student, especially of art, culture, religion, history, politics, and music. Corinne was a loyal, generous friend and colleague who never failed to learn the names and life stories of every janitor, elevator operator, parking attendant, barista, and mechanic she encountered. Her diverse wardrobe rarely strayed from black.
Throughout her life, Corinne collected an eclectic array of people who she protected, defended, and loved without reservation, along with scores of eccentric dogs she rescued, nurtured, and adored.
A celebration of Corinne's life will take place in the coming weeks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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