March 16, 2020
San Diego recently lost a revered jurist, mentor, and community leader, Judge William B. Enright, who passed away on March 7. Judge Enright had a long and impressive career that included serving in the United States Navy Reserve JAG Corps and as a deputy district attorney in San Diego County. When he transitioned to private practice, he was recognized as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and as a Diplomat of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was nominated by President Nixon to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of California in 1972, and served that court as an active judge until 1990. He continued to serve as Senior Judge until his passing. As both a trial lawyer and judicial officer, Judge Enright was highly respected by jurors, judges, parties, and attorneys throughout the community.
Outside the courthouse, Judge Enright was an active and committed member of the community, including serving as SDCBA President in 1965, and, at the state level, serving on the Board of Governors and as Vice President of the California State Bar. He also was instrumental in the development of the American Inns of Court, and was a founding member and past President of the Louis Welsh American Inn of Court. To recognize his service to the Inns of Court, a new Inn was established in 1991, named The Hon. William B. Enright Inn of Court, which has grown to become San Diego County’s largest Inn of Court. In 2008, Judge Enright helped spearhead San Diego’s 14-member Criminal Justice Memorial Committee to select and honor judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys who significantly contributed to criminal justice in San Diego County. His dedication to justice and the legal profession has inspired many. We invite you to remember Judge Enright through his Legends of the Bar video.
In honor of Judge Enright’s extensive contributions to our community, I thank you for everything you do to make San Diego a dynamic and special place.
Johanna Schiavoni
2020 SDCBA President