Meserve History

The Firm’s founder, Edwin Alvin Meserve, was born in Prairie City, California on July 28, 1863. In 1886, he received his LL.B. (Legum Baccalaureus - Bachelor of Laws degree; the first type of standard professional law degree in the United States) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. On or about October 1, 1889, Edwin Meserve opened his law practice in downtown Los Angeles.

Edwin's son, Shirley Edwin Meserve, joined his father’s law practice in 1914, and the Firm’s name was changed to Meserve & Meserve. In 1923, the Meserves were joined in practice by Hewlings A. Mumper and Clifford E. Hughes; and thereafter, the Firm adopted its current name Meserve, Mumper & Hughes. Also, of note, Edwin’s grandson, and Shirley’s son, J. Robert Meserve, joined the Firm in 1941, practicing until his retirement in 1981.

In its early years, Edwin Meserve’s practice centered around water rights law – which was of significant importance to the development of the Southern California landscape. He also represented clients in various business and personal disputes. Edwin Meserve was also a well-heeled civic and community leader with endeavors including serving as president of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) between 1920-1921, serving as president of the Community Chest (a community trust/foundation with endowment funds for the purpose of charitable giving), as well as chairman of the Salvation Army governing board. Edwin Meserve also ran for the United States Senate in 1910. Over the course of his illustrious career which spanned several decades, Edwin Meserve practiced before various state and appellate courts including before the United States Supreme Court. He remained active in his law practice until he was nearly 90. It is in honor of our founder that the Firm adopted its moniker branding -- MESERVE.

Over the years, the Firm has contributed significantly to the development and growth of California’s diverse economic, political and social structures, as well as to the formation and evolution of the state’s legislative, administrative and common law.

We look forward to the next century of continuing to serve our clients and the community at large.