In Memoriam Philip M. Jelley

It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our colleague, mentor, and friend, Philip M. Jelley, on April 5, 2023 at the age of 91. After graduating from Stanford Law School in 1956, Phil joined legacy firm, Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley. He became partner in 1961 and focused his practice on general business, real estate, trusts and estates, and nonprofit issues and was also a Certified Specialist in Tax Law. Phil was a one of a kind, an attorney’s attorney, and of a special breed. He never came to the office without a suit and tie. He kept his desk immaculate and treated every single person in the office with deep respect. He embodied the ideal of a lawyer as a gentleman who was polite, engaging, deeply learned, and kind to

everyone. He was also a mentor and role model for several generations of young attorneys. He loved to tell stories and seemed happiest when he was surrounded by a small cohort of people with whom he could share a war story about his practice or the firm.

His expertise, class, and presence were something those who knew him aspired to be. Phil lived a wonderful life, but he will be deeply missed by many. We are grateful for everything we learned from him as a leader, partner, mentor, and friend.

Phil is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughters Susan and Patricia, and son Philip Jr. He is further survived by four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A service celebrating Phil’s life will take place at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Orinda on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 10 am. For more on Phil’s legacy, his obituary is available here.