Howard Lee Halm

The Honorable Howard Lee Halm (Ret.) was born on July 17, 1942 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, with his children by his side, in Santa Monica, California. He was the son of the late Gilbert C. N. Halm, D.D.S. and the late Mary Kim Halm, a devoted elementary school teacher. With a professional career spanning 56 years, Judge Halm was a pioneer who paved the way for the advancement of Asian Pacific American attorneys. Through his substantial and lasting contributions, he earned the deep respect of the legal community and beyond. Howard leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion for all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.

During his high school years, Howard moved with his family from Honolulu to Los Angeles, transferring from Punahou School to Dorsey Senior High School, where he graduated in 1960. He went on to attend UC Berkeley, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree from UCLA. While at UCLA, Howard met the love of his life, Margaret (née Kurashita), who was DJing at a sorority dance that he attended. They married in December 1964. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1969.

While in law school, Howard was employed part-time as a San Diego Zoo tour bus driver while Margaret worked as an advisor for families in adoption services. When younger cousins from Hawaii visited the Mainland, he would surprise them by using their names for the lions, giraffes, and other animals while conducting his tram tour. After he finished law school, the couple relocated to Los Angeles, where their twin sons, David and Eric were born. Four years later, they welcomed their lovely daughter Marisa.

In Los Angeles, Howard began his career as the first Korean American Deputy Attorney General in the State of California Department of Justice specializing in civil trials. In 1975, he entered private practice with a law firm that eventually became known as Breidenbach, Buckley, Huchting, Halm & Hamblet, APC, where he continued practicing as a civil trial lawyer, specifically bringing cultural awareness and pursuing justice for underserved communities. Among the thousands of cases he handled, he formed a special connection representing a child who was permanently injured as a result of a design defect at an intersection. In another matter, he and his legal team successfully defended the State of California in a year-long jury trial, which, at the time, was the longest civil trial in California history. This positive outcome resulted in the resolution of more than 3,800 toxic tort claims.

A trailblazing leader in the legal profession, Howard served as president of the California Asian American Judges’ Association, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, as well as Asian Pacific American and Korean American Bar Associations of Los Angeles. In addition to being a long-standing member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), he also held leadership positions with the American, State and Los Angeles County Bars. He was elected the first non-Japanese American president of the Japanese American Bar Association of Los Angeles. Howard concluded his private law practice as Partner with the national law firm of Wilson Elser.

On January 22, 2009, Howard was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, where he presided over criminal and civil trials. Admired for his sharp mind and calm temperament, he was named Judge of the Year by numerous bar associations. After retiring from the bench, he served as a mediator and arbitrator with ADR Services, Inc.

Above all, Howard was a proud husband, father, and grandpa. He loved cooking, gardening, and relaxing on the beach. He also had fun playing golf, poker and cribbage. Howard and Margaret enjoyed spending time with friends, playing bridge, traveling, going to the movies, and watching their grandchildren’s sports and activities. They took pleasure in hosting dinner parties and holiday celebrations with friends and family in their home that was always decorated with beautiful flowers.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Margaret, and their children David (Melodee Yee), Eric (Sagi Refael), and Marisa (Matthew Kogan); grandchildren Matthew Halm, Devin Halm, Henry Kogan, and Lia Kogan; sister Marilyn Halm Fries; and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, and friends. We take solace in knowing that Howard is reunited with his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and is already playing golf with his father.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 2:30 pm PDT at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills - Old North Church, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Evening reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California | 1145 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | https://bit.ly/HowardHalm4AJSOCAL