Fordham University School of Law unveiled the Urquhart Learning Center in October 2024, established with a gift from the law firm of alumnus Bill Urquhart (’78), who passed away in 2019 at the age of 72.
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP’s gift to Fordham Law will support part-time, evening J.D. students with scholarships and financial aid, health and well-being support, experiential learning opportunities and programming.
Matthew Diller, dean emeritus of Fordham Law, who knew Urquhart personally, said the A. William Urquhart Memorial Evening/Part-time J.D. Fund will keep Bill’s legacy alive by supporting today’s evening students and those in the future.
Urquhart was an evening law student and became a partner at the law firm. He was described as a visionary who had a knack for spotting talent and seeing the potential in others. During his 30-year career, he helped grow Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP into a global powerhouse — now with more than 1,000 lawyers and 35 offices on four continents.
During his legal career, he specialized in complex business disputes, ranging from international arbitration to patent disputes. He represented many large corporations, including IBM, Apple, Samsung and Nokia.
Urquhart’s wife Mary said she hopes when students come into the center that they are inspired by the same qualities that made her husband so extraordinary.
Many described his warm and friendly personality, recalling he wore his signature Hawaiian shirts and flip flops when interviewing potential law associates. They touted his generosity, whether he was springing for a meal, or giving up a comfortable hotel room so a colleague appearing in court the next day could get a good night’s rest.
Colleagues said he went to great lengths to recruit talented lawyers, often showering them with thoughtful gifts, and in one instance, he sprung for a future associate’s engagement ring.
Kathleen Sullivan, former dean of Stanford University Law School, was recruited by Urquhart to create the firm’s appellate practice. She said he surprised her with business cards with the firm’s name before she had accepted the job. Sullivan said Urquhart even threw in some copies of his cases he thought she’d like working on. Sullivan joined the firm and is now its only female senior counsel.
Urquhart attended Fordham University on a track scholarship prior to law school and was remembered for his competitive spirit. Friends said he sought “world dominance,” whether it was in a law firm basketball game or in expanding Quinn Emanuel globally.
“He brought the same enthusiasm and passion to the law that he brought to his athletic career,” said his friend Peter Calamari ’73.
George Dalton (’78), who was Urquhart’s study partner in law school, said Urquhart observed and absorbed what was happening around him, and then acted.
Dalton said that no matter where they traveled for work, they would always run into someone Urquhart knew.
“Bill was just this extra gentleman,” Dalton said. “He was one of the most loyal friends you can ever imagine. He also was an intense advocate for former students.”
