I write with sadness to let you know that Justice Grodin passed away this past Sunday at the age of 94. His career as a jurist left a legacy of impactful decisions that helped to shape the workplace in California, informed by the time he spent as a labor attorney in partnership with Justice Mathew O. Tobriner.
Joe, as we came to call him, joined our Board in 1991 shortly after he concluded his service on the California Supreme Court, and he served until 2006 when he resigned and became special counsel to Legal Aid at Work.
Joe was for many of us in the social justice community a hero, mentor, thought leader, and friend. During his years of active participation as our Board member he advised our attorneys about case strategies, led moot courts, reviewed briefs, engaged in discussions about emerging issues, conducted trainings, and championed our organization’s work advocating for low-wage workers. He was instrumental in establishing our Workers’ Rights Clinic as an organized program at UC Law School San Francisco and placed it under his wing.
Joe’s passion for justice infused his engagement with the law—on the bench, in the courtroom, in the classroom, and on our Board. He was also generous, warm, and humble, and always approachable and available for a call, a meeting, or a cup of coffee.
Joe is inseparable from my time and memories of Legal Aid at Work. And I will remember him always as a gentle giant.
Yours in sympathy,
Joan Graff
President
Legal Aid at Work
