Alan A. Beaven

Alan A. Beaven, a father of three and San Francisco attorney originally from New Zealand, was about to take a year’s sabbatical from his law practice to volunteer as the general counsel with Siddha Yoga Meditation in India.

Beaven, 48, had been at the meditation foundation’s U.S. headquarters in South Fallsburg, N.Y., and was returning to San Francisco for a settlement conference in a case.

An Emeryville resident, Beaven specialized in environmental law, representing plaintiffs in pollution lawsuits. He had previously practiced in London, where he was a criminal defense barrister and a Scotland Yard prosecutor, said his longtime law partner, Joseph Tabacco. Beaven was a partner at the firm of Berman, DeValerio, Pease, Tabacco, Burt & Purcillo.

“He certainly was one of the bright stars of the environmental bar,” Tabacco said. “He was an excellent trial lawyer who also was very devoted to his family. He was able to find that balance.”

Beaven’s wife, Kimi, and their 5-year-old daughter, Sonali, remained in South Fallsburg while he boarded United Flight 93 in Newark. Beaven also is survived by two college-age sons, John and Chris, from a previous marriage.