Jones Mayer mourns the passing of Senior Litigator Harold W. Potter, Jr., who passed away on March 21, 2022.
“Harold was an inspiration to the firm, both as an attorney and as a person. He could work magic with juries and mentored other lawyers with a humor, intelligence and grace that is a rare combination,” said founding partner Richard D. Jones. “He persevered in the face of physical challenges that would have kept others down, while maintaining a positive outlook and sharing his booming laugh with the world. He was full of life, and everyone knew when Harold entered any room.” Mr. Potter litigated virtually every type of action imaginable, with an amazing success rate, proudly becoming a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). In short, Harold was a man of many talents and truly one of a kind.
Mr. Potter obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, where he met the love of his life Patricia Young Potter, in 1979. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Western State University in 1984, and was admitted to practice law in California on December 10, 1985. Mr. Potter joined the firm as a senior litigator in February of 1996. Mr. Potter began his legal career as an associate with in-house counsel for State Farm Insurance Companies, representing policyholders in liability actions. From 1986 to 1992, Mr. Potter served as a deputy city attorney for the City of Long Beach, California, in their tort liability section. From 1992 through 1996, Mr. Potter was an associate with Ferguson, Praet & Sherman, specializing in the defense of police officers in civil rights violations, including excessive force, high speed pursuits, officer involved shootings, and disciplinary matters.
“Harold was a valued mentor and friend to so many of us,” said Partner Kimberly Hall Barlow. “We all benefited from his kindness and the time he invested in us, despite how busy he always was. He was a key contributor to the growth and success of the firm. Sadly, Harold experienced several serious health challenges during his life, but he faced them all with dignity and his signature good humor. I will be forever grateful for the positive impact Harold had on my career, and my life as a whole. Our firm, his family, and the entire legal profession have suffered a great loss. He simply is irreplaceable.”
Harold was active with his alma mater Point Loma Nazarene University, serving on its Board of Trustees from 2004 through 2010. A scholarship fund will be set up in Harold’s name at Point Loma. Information on services and donating to the fund will be forthcoming.