Two named to Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame; Guilford wins top Orange County honor

Two prominent San Francisco lawyers will be inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame by the State Bar's Litigation Section in April. Kurt Melchior, 79, of Nossaman Guthner Knox Elliott LLP, and criminal defense attorney Ephraim Margolin, 77, will be recognized in April with the lifetime achievement award, presented in recognition of their stature in the legal profession and contributions to the community.

The two graduated one year apart from Yale Law School; Margolin was one of just two members of his class to pursue criminal law and Melchior headed for complex litigation, including insurance coverage litigation. He has been counsel of record for more than 70 published cases, defends major antitrust cases asserting price fixing and litigates antitrust consumer fraud, securities, contract and real estate matters.

During his long career, Margolin has handled civil rights and censor-ship cases and has represented numerous high profile criminal defendants.

Former State Bar President Andy Guilford received the Orange County Bar Association's Franklin G. West Award last month in recognition of lifetime achievements that advance justice and the law. A partner with Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, Guilford handles a wide variety of business matters.

He also is active in community affairs and recently was appointed president of the county's Public Law Center board of directors.