Ropers and Majeski founding partner dies at 97

Born in Chicago on Christmas Eve, 1917, he attended DePaul University, graduating with a B.S. degree in 1936 and his law degree in 1940. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1940 and the California Bar in 1946. After coming west, he began practicing law with Bronson, Bronson and McKinnon in San Francisco. In 1948, along with Harold Ropers, he moved down the Peninsula and founded Ropers and Majeski in Redwood City. Seventy-six years later, the firm still bears his name and, headquartered in Redwood City, now has offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, Boston and New York.

He tried well over 200 jury trials in state and federal courts. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and was named Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1989. He was a Diplomate of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and in 1985 was elected to the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame by the Litigation Section of the State Bar of California. He has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America since the list was first formulated in 1984. He was long affiliated with the San Mateo County Bar Association and the Association of Defense Counsel and served as president of both organizations.

Gene was a mentor to dozens upon dozens of lawyers who started their legal careers at Ropers Majeski, including many who moved on to success at other law firms.

“Gene was always willing to spend time helping fellow partners and others with their problems. He was generous with his time and legal advice, always, on matters big and small,” said John Bentley, Majeski’s former partner of 50 years.

Another former partner, Judge Bart Phelps, who joined Ropers Majeski in 1960, knew Gene for 67 years and went on to a distinguished career on the Santa Clara County Bench.

“Gene’s strength as a trial lawyer was his charm — judges and juries loved him,” said Phelps.

Gene is survived by his wife Susan Handelman Majeski, son John Majeski, daughter Ann Majeski and by his wife’s children Kirsten Daru and Kaitlyn Handelman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo. Funeral services will remain private.