It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Arthur J. Shartsis, co-founding partner of Shartsis Friese LLP. Art passed away early this morning at the age of 80.
For more than five decades, Art was widely regarded as one of California’s premier trial lawyers and a trusted counselor to businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals facing their most significant legal challenges. As a litigator, mentor, and firm leader, he earned a reputation for exceptional intellect, unwavering integrity, strategic judgment, and fierce dedication to his clients.
“Art was at the heart of this firm from the day he founded it,” said Shartsis Friese Managing Partner Neil Koren. “He built something rare — a practice that competed with the largest firms in the country while never losing the personal touch, and deep relationships he believed in. His legacy lives on at the firm, with the lawyers he mentored, the clients he served, and the principles of excellence, integrity, and collegiality that he championed throughout his life.”
Born on December 13, 1945, Art graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and earned his law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law. Admitted to the California Bar in 1972, he built a distinguished career representing corporations, partnerships, and individuals in high-stakes litigation, including complex business disputes, securities matters, fiduciary duty claims, intellectual property controversies, and appellate proceedings. His work earned the respect of judges, adversaries, and clients alike.
In 1975, Art partnered with Bob Friese to found Shartsis Friese LLP, creating an alternative to large national law firms that combined sophisticated legal representation with personal service and close client relationships. Under his leadership, the firm grew into one of Northern California’s most respected law firms, recognized for excellence in complex business litigation, corporate matters, real estate, securities, estate planning, and tax law.
Beyond his law practice, Art was deeply committed to public service and civic leadership. His distinguished service included roles as a director and later President of the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), as President of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers of Northern California, and as the coach of the University of California mock trial program. Throughout his career, he contributed to legal scholarship, professional organizations, and the development of generations of young attorneys.
Those who knew Art will remember not only his remarkable professional accomplishments, but also his warmth, generosity, wit, humility, and steadfast loyalty to family, friends, colleagues, and clients. His influence on the legal profession and on the culture and success of Shartsis Friese will endure for generations.
Art is survived by his family, friends, partners, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched through his wisdom, mentorship, leadership, and kindness.
A celebration of Art’s life will be announced at a later date.
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