Coffee Talk: Memories of Steve Hallert

Coffee Talk: Memories of Steve Hallert

Coffee Talk is a regular feature of the Contra Costa Lawyer magazine. We ask a short question related to an upcoming theme and responses are then published in the Contra Costa Lawyer magazine.

Steven Hallert, former president of the CCCBA in 1984, passed away February 12, 2019. He produced the CCCBA’s first newsletter between 1982 and 1985, including the year he served as president. He practiced law for many years with his brother Marc who was also a president of the CCCBA.

This month we ask, “What is your best memory of Steven Hallert?”

Sometimes we forget that lawyers, especially great lawyers like Steve Hallert, have interests beyond the law and their profession. One of Steve’s “other activities,” was his involvement with the former Contra Costa Jewish Community Center, which he served for many years as a member of its Board of Directors, in many officer positions, and eventually as President of the Center in 1989-1991. I had great pleasure of working closely with Steve on the JCC Board, and in succeeding him as the JCC’s next President. Steve’s commitment to the JCC knew no limits, and as you would likely suspect, he served the JCC with great accomplishment as both an outstanding leader and effective consensus builder. During his term as President, he steered the non-profit through some challenging financial issues while always keeping firmly focused on achieving the mission of the Center, which was to serve its members and the community at large. As both a fellow attorney and JCC officer/Board member, it was an honor to know and work with Steve, and I shall miss him greatly.

–Phil Ross, Littler Mendelson

Steve represented me during my divorce. I was on the “divorce diet,” and Steve was the only person who has ever said to me, “Bonnie, you’re too thin!” LOL

– Anonymous