Law Practice
Dec. 8, 2005
Attorney Became a Champion for the Accused
SAN FRANCISCO - Contra Costa County's first public defender, William R. Higham, died of Parkinson's disease last week. He was 79. In 1966, after six years of practicing civil law and eight years as a prosecutor, Higham decided to follow his passion and work as a criminal defense attorney. The county chose Higham from a list of 21 candidates to jump-start the new public defender's office on a $190,000 annual budget. Higham's salary reportedly was $16,000 a year.
By Robert Selna
Daily Journal Staff Writer
Contra Costa County's first public defender, William R. Higham, died of Parkinson's disease last week. He was 79.
In 1966, after six years of practicing civil law and eight years as a prosecutor, Higham decided to follow his passion an...
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