LACBA mourns the loss of Past President Honorable Richard J. Burdge, Jr.
Met-News Obituary

Judge Burdge, an active LACBA member since 1979, received his law degree from UCLA in 1979, starting his legal career with Lillick McHose & Charles, and in 1986 joined Dewey Ballantine LLP, where he met his wife, Justice Lee Smalley Edmon, who also served as President of LACBA in 1998-99. In 2000, he joined Howrey, LLP and in 2011, founded Burdge Law Firm. In 2014, he was appointed as a judge to the Los Angeles Superior Court (LASC) by California Governor Jerry Brown.

As a former president of LACBA in 2012-13, Judge Burdge believed that LACBA’s core missions are to serve the profession and the public’s access to a fair and impartial justice system. Under his leadership, LACBA’s partnership with the LASC strengthened and he inspired our members and advanced advocacy on issues of access to justice through pro bono services, and professional development. Reminiscing on Judge Burdge’s term as president, read the Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine July/August 2012 issue.

Judge Burdge was a legendary legal force in Los Angeles. He served as LACBA’s representative to the ABA House of Delegates, LACBA’s Litigation Section Executive Committee and several other LACBA committees. Outside of LACBA, he served as president of the Los Angeles Association of Business Trial Lawyers, member of the Central District’s delegation to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, and Director of Public Counsel and other legal organizations.

Judge Burdge and Justice Edmon were a legal dream team in the very best sense. LACBA extends sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time and remains mindful that the Los Angeles legal community is forever better because of his leadership service and friendship.

Kristin Adrian
President
Los Angeles County Bar Association