How Beth Helps Clients

Beth J. Jay, of counsel in the firm’s San Francisco office, works with clients in analyzing and providing strategy regarding petitions for review for the California Supreme Court, editing briefs and motions, and serving as a judge for moot courts. She served as the principal attorney to three California Chief Justices and brings 35 years of Supreme Court and three years of federal appellate court insights to Horvitz & Levy’s clients.

---

In her role as senior advisor to the Chief Justice, Beth led and participated in numerous Supreme Court, Judicial Council, and State Bar committees focusing on judicial ethics issues such as multi-jurisdictional practice, insurance legislation, and court procedures. Throughout her career, Beth participated in the decision-making work of the court, drafting memorandum and opinions, and analyzing petitions for review. She served former Chief Justices Malcolm M. Lucas and Ronald M. George, for their entire time as head of the Supreme Court and State Judicial system. She assisted Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye as she began her term as Chief Justice in January 2011 until her retirement in 2015.

She also was chosen by the District Court for the Northern District of California to serve as an attorney delegate to the Ninth Circuit conference.

Education

• Stanford University Law School
  J.D., 1972
• Vassar College
  B.A., 1969

Clerkships

• Central Staff, U.S. Court of Appeals, for the Ninth Circuit 1977-1980
• Research Attorney to Associate Justice Frank Richardson (1980-1984)
• Research Attorney to Associate Justice Malcolm M. Lucas (1984-1987)
• Principal Attorney to three Chief Justices (1987-2015)

Bar Admissions

• California
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

Professional Associations

• Edward J. McFetridge American Inn of Court; Former President, Board Member
• San Francisco Bar Association
• Alameda County Bar Association

Awards

• Bernard E. Witkin Medal, the State Bar’s highest honor, for her lifetime body of work
• Daily Journal's 100 Most Influencial Lawyers in California 
• Access to Justice Award