Los Angeles County
Biographies
WILLIAM J.
HUNSAKER.
Success is not by any means a matter of genius, as is held by some, but is the outcome of industry, experience and the systematic development of natural ability. A careful analysis will show conclusively that the basis of all legal advancement is persistent effort, combined with the power to utilize opportunities as presented. There is no member of the California bar whose record could better be used in verification of this than William J. Hunsaker, senior member of the firm of Hunsaker, Britt & Cosgrove, of Los Angeles.
Mr. Hunsaker is a native of California, and was born in 1855, moving to San Diego with his parents in 1869. He received his preparatory educational training in public schools, and at the private school of the Misses Gunn, then was employed for two years in San Diego newspaper offices, first as "printers' devil" and later as compositor. Following this he decided to enter the legal profession, and with this object in view entered the offices of Maj. Levi Chase and Judge A. C. Baker, who later became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Arizona. Mr. Hunsaker closely applied himself, and was admitted to the bar in 1876, when scarcely 21 years of age.
In 1882 he accepted the office of District Attorney of San Diego County, but on the expiration of his term declined re-election and re-entered private practice. In 1892 he located at Los Angeles and became Attorney for the Santa Fe Railroad, in which capacity he served for a number of years, winning recognition as an able corporation lawyer. He is now senior member of the firm of Hunsaker, Britt & Cosgrove, one of the largest and most prominent legal combinations in the state. They specialize in corporation law and represent as Counsel such important interests as the Citizens National Bank, Citizens Trust & Savings Bank, J. W. Robinson Co. and others.
Mr. Hunsaker is a member of the American Society of International Law, American Bar Association, State Bar of California, of which he is a member of the Board of Governors, and Los Angeles County Bar Association, which he has served as President. In 1879 he married Florence V. McFarland and they were the parents of four children, Mrs. Mary C. Brill, Mrs. Rose H. Steehler, Daniel M. and Florence K.
His record as a lawyer is an extraordinary one, distinguished by marked efficiency. Thoroughly grounded in the principles of jurisprudence, he has lived up to the highest standards, both personal and professional, and is greatly admired and esteemed by both bench and bar.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: "American Blue Book California Lawyers"
by H. James Boswell, Pages
18-19, Produced by H.
James Boswell, 1928.
© 2008 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
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