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Around town, he was known as “Bill,” but professionally William Urquhart was recognized as one of the finest attorneys in the country, if not world.
Today, South Pasadena residents are mourning the loss of one of their own with the death of Urquhart, who passed away October 4 following a bone-marrow transplant. He was 72.
Urquhart was a partner with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan for 31 years.
Saddened by the loss, the firm is running information about Urquhart on their website.
Urquhart joined the firm when it was just a few lawyers in downtown Los Angeles. He was a visionary and helped lead a transformation of the firm from a small litigation boutique to the largest and most successful litigation firm in the world, with more than 800 lawyers in 23 offices on four continents.
In his legal practice, Urquhart was a sage counselor and trusted advisor for both plaintiffs and defendants, and for numerous Fortune 100 companies in their most important disputes — matters that usually involved tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, of dollars.
Over the years he advised IBM, Hughes, Johnson Controls, CNA, Nokia and Qualcomm, among many many others.
For the many people at the firm who were fortunate to know Bill, he was more than a visionary partner and excellent lawyer, he was also a friend, who lived and loved life. He was loved and will be missed.
Urquhart’s treatment took place at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer in Duarte.
He leaves behind his wife Mary and 6 children, and our thoughts are with them in this time of grief. Mary and Bill were married 32 years. Over the years, the couple gave to countless organizations, often graciously holding functions on the grounds of their home.
