Joseph Cotchett is 1st recipient of MoFo's Melvin Goldman Tribute Award

Uber trial lawyer and philanthropist Joseph W. Cotchett became the first recipient of the Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award at a ceremony in San Francisco Thursday.

Morrison & Foerster LLP, the family of the firm's late partner Melvin R. Goldman and the Northern District Historical Society feted Cotchett, a founder of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP, at the event held in the MoFo offices.

Goldman, a former head of the San Francisco Bar Association who died in January 2023, was a renowned civil litigation lawyer, particularly in securities and antitrust. The award was established to recognize an attorney who specializes in complex litigation and exemplifies Goldman's commitment to the legal profession, Morrison & Foerster announced.

 "Joe Cotchett's decades-long career as one of the top trial lawyers in the country and his equally impressive commitment to the legal profession, the public interest and philanthropic causes are qualities that Mel also embodied," said Ragesh Tangri, a Morrison & Foerster partner and Northern District Historical Society president. "We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize Mel's legacy and Joe's many contributions as a lawyer and public figure."

james_twomey@dailyjournal.com