Apr. 26, 2010

Dozens of Orange County legal luminaries and Jones Day partners from across the country Thursday celebrated prominent Jones Day litigator Thomas R. Malcolm who is retiring from the firm. Malcolm, left, greets Judge Andrew P. Banks, right, and retired Judge Richard O. Frazee. both of the Orange County Superior Court. When he joined Jones Day’s Irvine office 20 years ago, Malcolm “was already the man to see in Orange County” about complex litigation, said former managing partner Patrick F. McCartan of Cleveland. McCartan and current managing partner Stephen J. Brogan of Washington, D.C., praised Malcolm’s integrity, ethics and great skill in trial. Over the years, Malcolm also has headed several local bar groups and advised presidents and governors on judicial candidates in the area. Thursday’s event also commemorated the 25th anniversary of Jones Day’s Orange County office. Jones Day allowed Malcolm, now 71, to continue as a partner several years beyond the firm’s mandatory retirement age. He became of counsel and reduced his hours in January, but will continue practicing at least through the end of the year. He also plans to teach trial skills at the UCI School of Law, sit as a pro tem judge on the Orange County Superior Court, work as a neutral and learn golf. "I wish I could practice another 45 years," he said. But he added, "If by chance I see you on the golf course, for your own safety, get out of the way." - Don J. DeBenedictis