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Herbert F. Kolsby

Herbert F. Kolsby
Status: Deceased

(1926 - 1921)

Herb Kolsby attended Temple University but enlisted in the Army during World War II before he graduated. When he returned home, he was accepted to Temples law school even though he was a few credits short for his undergraduate degree. Law school proved challenging, and Herb was concerned about not having a degree, but when he graduated first in his law school class in 1951, he stopped worrying.

Herb became a preeminent trial lawyer, law professor, tireless advocate, and fundraiser for the State of Israel. He was a fierce advocate for the common man and woman, by holding entities like drug companies and auto manufacturers accountable for their egregious errors. He is among the first attorneys responsible for bringing to light the dangers of Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and the Dalkon Shield.

Herb took on legal battles other lawyers wouldn't touch. He got excited by difficult cases - they got him juiced up. If there was a seriously injured person, Herb didn't care what the odds were.

Anyone who heard Herb speak publicly felt his powerful presence. Philadelphia Magazine called him "the best orator in the city." Herb never spoke from notes. He was a dignified presence who wore bow ties and conservative suits and masterfully commanded a courtrooms attention. He was said to have a repertoire of thousands of jokes he employed with success in and out of court. He was always a delightful conversationalist. He was incredibly charming, witty, smart, and "one of the best trial lawyers of the Beasley generation in Philly."
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