Allan J. Joseph

Allan J. Joseph

On May 7, 2013, Allan Joseph passed away at the age of 75, following a 17 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Chicago, Allan moved to Racine, Wisconsin at 8 years old. His early years in Racine, and particularly working at his father's men's store, formed the values he carried throughout his life.

Allan graduated from the University of Wisconsin and went on to the Wisconsin Law School. He graduated first in his class from the Wisconsin Law School and was awarded the Dahlberg Prize as the outstanding graduate in 1962. He was an insatiable Badgers' football fan - "On Wisconsin!"

Allan met his wife Phyllis at Wisconsin in September, 1956. They were married two years later, both at age 20, and they grew up together. They have been together for more than 56 years and Allan told everyone that a good part of the reason for the longevity of their relationship was Phyllis's ability to make him laugh.

After graduation from law school, Allan went into the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps, where he served for three years at Sixth Army Headquarters in the Presidio. Allan and Phyllis decided to stay in San Francisco, rather than go back to Wisconsin, since as Phyllis pointed out: "You don't have to shovel fog."

Allan began his private law practice in 1965 at the San Francisco firm that became Pettit and Martin. In 1981, seeking a different setting for their law practice, Allan and a few colleagues formed the firm that has become Rogers Joseph O'Donnell. The firm is still flourishing after 32 years and today is regarded as one of the leading mid-sized law firms in San Francisco. Allan regarded his role in the founding and continued practice of RJO as his proudest professional achievement.

For more than 48 years, Allan has specialized in cases involving government contract law. He was nationally recognized and was rated as one of the top tier lawyers in government contracts. He has lectured throughout the country and was widely published in many of the most complex areas of government contracts. Allan also litigated several disputes under complex commercial contracts.

Allan was a major figure in the American Bar Association for over 40 years. He was the Chair of the ABA Public Contracts Section, and in 2012 he received the Section's Lifetime Achievement Award. The Section has also created the "Allan Joseph Excellence in Leadership Award," given to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the Section. Allan has also played an important role in the national ABA. He served on the ABA Board of Governors, and was the Chair of the Board Finance Committee. He was elected to be the ABA Treasurer from 2002 to 2005, one of five national officers. In 2011-12, Allan served as Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, the 15 person Committee that conducts a confidential review of all prospective nominees to federal judgeships. Prior to that, he served as one of the two Ninth Circuit members of the Committee.

Allan loved being a lawyer. He worked very hard, believing that to be an effective leader he needed to be a colleague, role model and mentor. He brought humor to each of his endeavors, with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of jokes, as well as seeing the humor in every situation. He had great concern for others, though, and his humor was always kind and never at the expense of others. He valued well reasoned arguments over argumentative position-taking. He was an old fashioned kind of lawyer in that he believed it was important to treat everyone involved in a case with dignity and respect. He once wrote that it was almost too good to be true that, as a lawyer, he could develop an enduring friendship with opposing counsel.

Allan is survived by Phyllis, his beloved wife of 54 years. He is also survived by his three daughters: Elizabeth "Buffy" Joseph (Brian Feinberg) of Cupertino, Dr. Susan Joseph (Byron Bronston) of Burlingame and Kathy Balistreri (Mike Balistreri) of San Francisco, as well as his five adored grandchildren: Nick Feinberg, Ethan Feinberg, Emily Bronston-Joseph, Isabel Bronston-Joseph and Alicia Balistreri. They will miss him terribly but are very grateful to have been able to spend so much time with him in the final months. He is survived by his mother, Emily Cohen, as well as his brothers and sisters: Gary Cohen (Jackie Cohen), Dr. Ken Kantor (Nancy Kantor), Dr. Sue Brown and Esty Lawrie (Tom Landy). Also, Allan's brother-in-law and sister-in law, Dr. Jerry Freedman and Vickie Hutchinson, have provided great support to Allan and his family during this time period. Allan is predeceased by his daughter Debbie.

Allan has had a private burial. A memorial service celebrating his life will take place at 1 pm on May 19 at Congregation Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco.

If you are so inclined, the family requests that donations be made to: the University of Wisconsin Law School, Hospice by the Bay or to the charity of your choice.