Gatherings: Send-off for attorney Galton

Former longtime La Cañadan Stephen Galton, a well-known Los Angeles attorney, was recently honored at a retirement dinner filled with stories and reminiscences at Parkway Grill in Pasadena.

The dinner was hosted by the Los Angeles law firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, where Galton spent the last three years of his 40-year legal career. Galton’s wife of 46 years, Grace, and two of his children, Brad and Lissy, were present.

Before joining Burke, Williams & Sorensen, Galton had been a senior partner of Galton & Helm, a business litigation law firm he founded in 1985 with Hugh Helm and Michael Bell. Galton and Helm had both graduated from the USC Law School in 1969, where both also received their undergraduate degrees. In 2007, the firm of Galton & Helm merged with Burke, Williams & Sorensen.

During his legal career, Galton participated in many professional activities and served as president of the Wilshire Bar Association, as a member of the board of directors of the L.A. County Bar Assn., and as chair of the Committee on Federal Courts of the California State Bar. He handled many civil jury trials and was elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Galton and his wife have lived in Pasadena since 2006, where they are members of All Saints Episcopal Church and are leaders of its lay counseling ministry. Previously, they had lived for 32 years in La Cañada, where they raised four children. The Galtons also have a waterfront home on Whidbey Island, Wash., where they will spend more time. They also plan to pursue their passion for travel and exploring new places.

***

Local P.E.O. chapter holds brunch

Members of Chapter OM P.E.O. recently enjoyed a summer brunch in the garden of Carolyn Stoeckly.

Among those attending were Margot Simpson, Lexi Phillips, Donna Barstad and OM President Sandy Ryden.

P.E.O. is an international philanthropic organization providing scholarships to women whether they are entering college or women needing new skills to enter the workforce. Chapter OM contributed more than $3,000. this year toward these scholarships through fundraising efforts. Further information on these scholarships is available at https://www.peocalifornia.org.