Marshall Whitney 鈥78 received the Fresno Alumnus of the Year award for his contributions to the legal field and service to the community.
The award was presented last month at the Fresno Alumni Association鈥檚 annual reception. This year’s reception was held at . Recipients of the award are chosen for their excellence in the law profession, corporate and public service.
鈥淚 am honored to have graduated from UC Law SF. It鈥檚 one of the finest legal institutions I could ever have imagined going to,鈥 Whitney said. 鈥淭he professors, the 65 Club, 198 McAllister, there is a lot to look back on. But the most important thing I took away from that time at UC Law SF, is the great scholarship and friendship.鈥
Whitney鈥檚 contribution to the legal field is extensive. He has served as a member of the Mandatory Fee Advisory Committee to the State Bar; participated in the Early Neutral Evaluation Program for the United States District Court, Eastern District of California; and, he is a former member of the American Arbitration Association panel of arbitrators. He is currently a member of the Committee on Professional Responsibility and Conduct.
Nolan Kane 鈥12 delivered opening remarks. Chancellor and Dean David Faigman also offered remarks.
Justice Stephen J. Kane 鈥76 delivered a speech introducing Whitney, where he recalled how the two worked in offices next to one another early on in their respective careers.
鈥淚n that time, I came to admire Marshall鈥檚 for his intellect, his work ethic and I especially liked his self-deprecating sense of humor,鈥 Kane said. 鈥淢arshall was a very talented lawyer early on.
鈥淗e鈥檚 earned a reputation as an outstanding litigation and trial lawyer. His reputation now extends beyond Fresno and the San Joaquin Valley,鈥 Kane said.
Before founding in 2018, Whitney worked at McCormick Barstow LLP where he tried more than 50 jury and court trials in both state and federal court, arbitrated numerous protracted and complex business disputes, and has represented attorneys before the State Bar.
The event was co-sponsored by Miles Sears and Eanni, McCormick Barstow, Dowling Aaron Incorporated and Whitney Thompson & Jeffcoach.