Richard Zitrin

Lawyer/Storyteller

Richard Zitrin's career as a trial lawyer has involved fighting for individuals against powerful forces in both criminal and civil trials. As a professor, he has taught for over forty years at the University of San Francisco and UC Hastings law schools. He has received numerous awards for service to the community, including the national American Bar Association's Pro Bono Publico award for public service, the California Bar's 2019 award for "outstanding long-term contribution to the advancement of attorney professional standards in California," and many statewide and local awards for promoting equality and diversity. Zitrin is the author of over 100 articles and three other books, including The Moral Compass of the American Lawyer: Truth, Justice, Power & Greed. He has also served as a legislative consultant to several national and California legislators.