Wingert Grebing’s founding senior partner Justice William L “Ted” Todd, Jr. passed away on January 30, 2020. The father of current partner Christopher W. Todd, after graduating from USC and a brief time practicing in Los Angeles, Justice Todd joined his law school classmate, Bill Carstens in forming their own firm, Carstens, Todd, Robinson and Fry. After two partners left, partners Rod Toothacre, Ned Wright and later John Wingert and Charles Grebing joined the firm. The firm eventually became Todd, Wingert and Grebing.
Justice Todd’s career as a private practice attorney litigating primarily civil cases extended 12+ years. He litigated cases in every civil area of law. Those with the opportunity to watch Justice Todd in trial enjoyed an experience that could not be duplicated. His preparedness, knowledge of legal principles and mastery of the art of persuasion, along with his ability to convince a jury of a certain result, provided an unparalleled opportunity to learn how jury trials should be approached. Justice Todd’s uncompromising belief in the merits of his client’s position became abundantly clear during the presentation of evidence and in his final arguments.
On June 11, 1974, William L Todd Jr. was appointed to the San Diego Superior Court by then Governor Ronald Regan. Justice Todd served in that role until September 9, 1986 when Gov. Deukmejian appointed then-Judge Todd as an Associate Justice for the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division One. He retired from that position on December 31, 1994.
After leaving the bench, Justice Todd applied his talents as a private Judge and mediator. After approximately 12 years, as a private judge, Justice Todd retired.
Justice Todd gave tirelessly to local charitable and community organizations serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Methodist School of Theology, a member of the Board of Directors of Sharp Rees-Stealy Corporation and Legal Aid, he was also President of San Diego Legion Lex American Inn of court. Justice Todd was also an active member in the La Jolla United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for 55 years.
Justice Todd was a legal giant, mentor, colleague and friend. He will be missed by all of us at Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Juskie, LLP.
Justice Todd’s funeral will be held February 13, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the La Jolla United Methodist Church.
Learn more about Justice Todd in his Legends of the Bar feature:
https://www.sdcba.org/index.cfm?pg%201;;LOB-Todd