A
young Irish immigrant, Richard Tobin, was among the men who established
The Hibernia Savings and Loan Society in 1859. After just 10 years in
San Francisco, Tobin's career was made: Elected the society's attorney,
he -- or his firm, Tobin & Tobin -- served the organization for 130 years,
as it became The Hibernia Bank and was eventually acquired by the old
Security Pacific National Bank.
When Tobin died in 1887, the San Francisco Bar Association noted that "the very extensive business of that vast institution" had prevented him from building a wider practice, but he "had no superior at the bar" in his chosen field. "His professional conduct was courteous and honorable. He possessed the esteem and respect of his professional brethren," the Bar said. "He rarely and reluctantly spoke ill of any man."
Born in Waterford, Ireland, Richard Tobin came to San Francisco via Valparaiso, Chile, on June 4, 1849, arriving by ship with his father and brother. Soon, Tobin was studying law with Judge Barry, and on October 15, 1852, he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of California. In 2002, Tobin & Tobin, the firm he founded, celebrated its sesquicentennial.
Among Richard's first partners were his oldest son, Robert, who joined him in 1875, and later his other sons: Alfred, Clement and Joseph Sadoc Tobin. The latter was named after the Most Rev. Joseph Sadoc Alemany, the first Archbishop of San Francisco, whom his father had served as legal adviser.
In 1901, the younger Tobin was a candidate for mayor of San Francisco. Although he lost, Joseph remained in public service, serving on the Committee of Fifty after the 1906 earthquake and on the Board of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. Joseph also led Tobin & Tobin until his death in 1919, when Cyril R. Tobin, Richard's grandson and Robert's son, took over. Cyril was the firm's dominant force until his death in 1977.
During all those years, The Hibernia Bank remained the firm's principal client. In fact, for a time, the firm's offices were on the second floor of the Bank's headquarters at One Jones Street. A brass plaque at the front door read, "Tobin & Tobin--Attorneys--Up Stairs."
That plaque has a place of honor in the reception area of Tobin & Tobin today, and a replica is on the building at 500 Sansome that is its present home. Since Cyril's death, the firm has expanded in a variety of directions, meeting the litigation and business needs of a diverse range of clients.
Although a Tobin no longer practices there, Tobin & Tobin maintains its old traditions. In 1984, the California Historical Society placed the firm on its register of historic California businesses "in recognition of more than a century of service and contribution to California's economic growth and vitality."
By Jacqueline A. Tasch
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"In 1853 he was married to Miss M.A. Regan, an estimable young lady with whom he had been acquainted from childhood. In the year 1859, Mr. Tobin and a few other gentlemen organized the Hibernia Savings and Loan Society. He was at once elected to the position of Attorney for the Society, a position which he had held for 28 years at the period of his lamented death. The very extensive business of that vast institution prevented him from engaging in the general practice of his profession. But in the important and difficult branch of legal business to which he devoted himself he had no superior at the bar. "His professional conduct was courteous and honorable. He possessed the esteem and respect of his professional brethren. His manner was reserved but his nature was genial and kindly. He rarely and reluctantly spoke ill of any man; he was charitable to the foibles and to the frailties of human nature; though rigidly severe in his moral discipline of himself. But it was probably in the domestic circle that Mr. Tobin’s purity of character was best shown, as here his estimable qualities were most perfectly revealed; so here his highest earthly happiness was always found. We are aware that we are treading upon sacred ground; but we may be permitted to say, without impropriety, that as a father, he was tender, wise and just; as a husband, devoted, affectionate and exemplary." Excerpt from the sketch and resolutions adopted by the San Francisco Bar Association on July 9, 1887 and presented to Richard Tobin’s family. |
