The adjective fierce comes up often — including fierce defender and fierce advocate — in online descriptions of NACDL Past President Ephraim Margolin. His death on March 10, 2024, was a blow to the legal community because his selflessness and his passion for the law were unequaled.
In addition to leading NACDL (1988-89), Margolin was a founding member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) and an active member of the American Civil Liberties Union. He received NACDL’s top honor, the Heeney Award, in 1984.
Born in Berlin, Margolin moved to Poland at an early age and later lived in Tel Aviv. He came to the United States to study at Yale Law School. In 1962, he opened his law office in San Francisco, centering his practice on criminal defense and constitutional cases.
He undertook many cases without charge; indeed, he did one-third of his cases pro bono. In addition to handling matters not in the media spotlight, Margolin handled well-known cases, including the representation of tobacco industry whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand. He handled and won the first televised argument in the California Supreme Court — litigating whether hypnosis of witnesses made their testimony admissible — and handled the appeal of John Gotti in New York.
In a 1996 Loyola of Los Angeles Review article, Margolin said that “we must remain committed to the legal system and to making it work. We must remain hopeful that our pursuit is not futile.” His positive attitude and his dedication to the improvement of criminal defense are the essence of his legacy. Margolin understood French and German, and he spoke Hebrew. He studied Arabic, practiced law in English, and counted in Polish. Past President Ephraim Margolin touched many lives, and he endeavored to bring justice to the world.
Ephraim was our sage. When he rose to speak at a board meeting, the din subsided, the whisperers went silent, and the doodlers put down their pens. In his Israeli accent, he spoke with the eloquence of the psalmists and the authority of the Hebrew patriarchs, balancing wisdom and reason with passion and grace. His contributions to NACDL were monumental and matchless.
Larry Goldman
Ephraim was a true legal scholar with the warmest of hearts. He could discuss the nuances of a court opinion, look strategically at how to achieve the correct result, and juggle it all with an incredible smile. His brilliance was only surpassed by his constant caring for others. I was fortunate to be one of his co-chairs of The Champion Advisory Board as he taught me so many of the important qualities in life that I use every day in educating students.
Prof. Ellen S. Podgor
Ephraim was a brilliant lawyer. He was always there for me to answer a legal question or give advice on the governance of NACDL. More importantly, he was a wonderful person and a mensch!
Martin Pinales
I want to say a word about the intangible, that is, the influence Ephraim had on California Attorneys for Criminal Justice from its inception at least through its first 25 years when he moved to the national stage and became more active in NACDL. If I had to describe Ephraim’s most vital contribution to CACJ, it would be that he was its conscience and the source of its wisdom. I recall many board meetings where we were in the throes of debating strategic and ethical issues. When we were stuck, we turned to Ephraim, who saw to the moral heart of the matter. I don’t mean “moral” in the religious sense but in the sense of our commitment to our clients and our professional responsibilities.
Prof. Elisabeth Semel
Ephraim’s presence was felt in many different places. He was the first president of CACJ, NACDL’s California affiliate, as well as the first chair of its Amicus Curiae Committee, where he cast a long shadow. I took over as the chair in 1992. It says a lot about Ephraim that for more than 30 years, lawyers have asked me if Ephraim might be available to write an amicus brief to help them on a case.
John Philipsborn
I was honored when Ephraim asked me to work with him when I left the Federal Public Defender’s Office. It seemed as if he was everyone’s mentor — attorneys, judges, politicians, and everyday folk. I continually learned from him about the law and how to use it for good. His wisdom was matched by his compassion and generosity. His life was as inspiring as his intellect. He will be missed.
Vicki H. Young
Ephraim Margolin loved the law — not just the practice of the law, but law itself. It showed in the elegant construction of his briefs and in the piercing prose of his meticulous motion practice. When Ephraim spoke at board meetings, we were hushed, as he guided us toward a greater understanding of NACDL’s role in society. Our joy that he was one of us must be weighed against our sorrow at his passing.
Larry Pozner
