Brian M. Sax

Brian M. Sax ’69

Brian M. Sax ’69 was a highly respected litigator in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to his law practice, he taught Practical Aspects of the Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution as a Boalt Hall lecturer from 1974 to 1995. Sax earned his bachelor’s degree in history from UC Berkeley in 1966. At Boalt, he served as an editor of the California Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif. Sax began his legal career as a criminal defense lawyer in private practice. He later joined Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in San Francisco as a corporate litigator and became a partner at the firm. In 1995, Sax and several partners left Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe to found the San Francisco firm Alden Aronovsky & Sax.

Sax was passionate about the practice of law. Over the course of his career he built a strong record of success in environmental, securities, construction, products liability, and other complex business cases. He was admired as an advocate who zealously represented his clients with integrity and adherence to the highest standards of professional conduct. He died of cancer in 1997 at age 52.

The Brian M. Sax Prize for Excellence in Clinical Advocacy was established in his memory by his family, colleagues, and friends. The Sax Prize is awarded each spring to a graduating student who has best displayed excellence in advocacy and professional judgment on behalf of clients while participating in a clinic sponsored by Boalt.