Honorees

James Neil Pendleton

1939-1979

Jim was born April 21, 1939 and attended Haverford College.  He graduated in 1961.  He received his law degree from Hastings College of Law in California in 1967 and started as a staff attorney at Defenders Incorporated of San Diego in July of 1968.  That private law firm was dedicated to defending the poor in criminal cases and was the forerunner to the present Public Defenders office in San Diego.  Pendleton was assigned to work in the San Diego and El Cajon criminal courthouses as well as in the juvenile and mental health divisions.  There he formed a reputation as a superb advocate with high ethical principles.  Other lawyers admired his ability to deliver superb opening statements and closing arguments — without notes.  This skill, coupled with an excellent memory for details, enabled him to develop an excellent rapport with the jury.  He could mesmerize a jury.  He was very persuasive, a talent enhanced perhaps by movie star good looks.

After developing a solid reputation in three short years, he joined in forming the partnership of Douglas, Pendleton, and Applbaum in 1970.  The private firm dedicated itself primarily to criminal defense trial law. He practiced there until January of 1976 when he became a solo practitioner.  A generous and caring man, he was known to represent clients without collecting a fee.  He was very loyal to his clients – often devoting many hours to a case beyond those required for a technical representation. 

Tragically, his life was cut far too short.  He died at the age of 40 from stomach cancer.  He was a wonderful father to four daughters, Lisa, Lauri, Jennifer and Julie.  Shortly after his death, the Criminal Defense Lawyers Club, of which he was a member, named its regularly updated expert witness manual in his name.

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