About the Northern District Court Historical Society
Since 1977, the Northern District Court Historical Society has been protecting and enlivening the rich judicial history of the court. From the Chinese Exclusion Laws to Patty Hearst to cutting-edge technology disputes, the Northern District has been in the thick of some of the thorniest problems and most interesting events in California history.
The goal of the Society is to preserve, share, and enliven the court’s history with lawyers, educators, scholars, and students.
The Historical Society has written, published, and/or collaborated on a number of excellent books covering important topics in the history of Northern California and its federal district court. We are pleased to offer Historical Society books for sale through our online bookstore.
The Voting Rights Act at 60: Past Successes and Future Challenges
October 29, 2025
Registration is Free for in-person and virtual MCLE available for $50 https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ndhistoricialsociety/VRA60 With Erwin Chemerinsky Dean, UC Berkeley School of Law Pamela Karlan Stanford Law School Former Deputy Assistant Atto… Continue Reading The Voting Rights Act at 60: Past Successes and Future Challenges
2025 Bill Edlund Award Ceremony honoring Raymond Marshall
October 15, 2025
Join the NJCHS and NDHS as we honor Raymond Marshall, recipient of the 2025 Bill Edlund Award for Professionalism in the Law. https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ndhistoricialsociety/RaymondMarshall
Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award
May 15, 2025
Morrison Foerster, the family of Melvin R. Goldman, and the Northern District Historical Society are honored to announce Joseph W. Cotchett of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy as the first recipient of the Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award. Mel Goldman was… Continue Reading Melvin R. Goldman Tribute Award