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Hoge Fenton Honors the Legacy of Philip L. Hammer

By Hoge Fenton | 09.1.2021 | Firm Post

With profound sadness, Hoge Fenton shares the passing of our longtime colleague and friend, Philip L. Hammer. Phil passed away on August 28, 2021, at the age of 86.

“Phil was a legal lion”, reflected Dan Ballesteros, Hoge Fenton’s Managing Shareholder. “He argued the landmark First Amendment case Pruneyard v. Robins.  He was a Freedom Rider, a champion for women’s rights, and was happily the ‘plus one’ for his wife, former San Jose Mayor Susan Hammer.  He was a champion for LGBTQ+ rights.  He was committed to his temple and his community.  More than anything he was a kind and caring man.  Without Phil, we would not have a Family Law Group.  Our sympathy goes out to his family.”

 Phil joined the firm in January 2008 after a 22-year-career at Hammer & Jacobs LLP.  He was a preeminent attorney in San Jose practicing law for over 50 years before retiring in 2015.

 The Hammer family has been a significant part of San Jose life for nearly a century. Phil’s wife, Susan Hammer, served as mayor from 1991 to 1999 after eight years on the City Council.  Phil helped found the Lincoln High School Foundation, among many other community works. Both Phil and his wife’s names grace the facade of downtown’s San Jose Repertory Theatre.

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