Distinguished Lawyer Memorial Honoree

Paul Bell

One of the architects of Appellate Defenders, Inc. (ADI), Paul's giving of himself earned the respect and admiration of family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. A graduate of the UCLA, School of Law, Paul distinguished himself as Assistant Director of ADI, which oversees appointed counsel in criminal and dependency cases for indigent parties on appeal. The attorney of record on 30 published appellate decisions, he argued nine cases before the California Supreme Court, winning seven of them. He is remembered first as a friend by the many persons who knew him, and he secured their respect through his integrity, knowledge, and commitment to serve the needs ADI's clients. He enjoyed Scouting, trains, hiking, white water rafting, and country music, and was a devout member of his church. The high esteem in which he was held by his loving family, friends, and other individuals fortunate enough to have known him stands as a testament for others who strive for the best in life, and his memory will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.