2025 Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award Recipient: Phillip A. Talbert

In January 2025, Phil Talbert completed his term as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California, leading an office with locations in Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield serving over 8 million people.  He was appointed by President Biden after serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for two decades, during which time he prosecuted drug trafficking cases, supervised the office’s appellate practice and training unit, served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney under two different U.S. Attorneys, and led the office twice as Interim U.S. Attorney.  He also taught Professional Responsibility at the UC Davis School of Law.

Before joining the office, Mr. Talbert served as an attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Criminal Division, where he was hired in the Attorney General’s Honors Program, and the Office of Professional Responsibility.  He also practiced litigation and white-collar criminal defense at the Seattle office of Stoel Rives and served as a law clerk to Judge David R. Thompson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  He received his B.A., magna cum laude in Economics, from Harvard University; his M.Ec. from the University of Sydney, which he attended on a Rotary Foundation Scholarship; and his J.D. from the UCLA School of Law.

The Public Law Section of the California Lawyers Association is honored to announce that Phillip A. Talbert has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year Award.

With more than 31 years of public service in the Department of Justice—including over two decades in the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of California—Phil Talbert exemplifies the highest standards of ethical leadership, nonpartisan integrity, and community-centered justice. His career spans multiple presidential administrations, serving as Acting, Interim, and court-appointed United States Attorney, and most recently as the Presidentially-appointed U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of California from 2021 until January 2025.

Phil’s colleagues describe him as the ethical compass of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He served for years as the ethics and professional responsibility officer, guiding attorneys through complex dilemmas with clarity and integrity. He also taught professional responsibility at UC Davis School of Law, shaping future lawyers with the same values he lived by.

“Phil’s leadership has always been guided by a strong moral compass, commitment to the highest ethical standards, and compassion and kindness toward all with whom he interacts.” — Michele Beckwith, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California.

Phil’s ability to lead across political divides is a testament to his dedication to public service. Two U.S attorneys, one appointed by President Obama, the other President Trump, selected him as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney.

“Phil Talbert represents all that we seek in public lawyers in general, and public prosecutors in particular. I don’t know how the office or I would have gotten through that time without Phil Talbert.” — McGregor W. Scott, Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California.

His commitment to community was equally profound. Phil founded and actively led the Greater Fresno Hate Crimes Task Force, bringing together diverse leaders and law enforcement to protect marginalized communities in California’s Central Valley.

“Phil is a true servant leader. He puts others before himself and works to serve those he is leading.” –United States Magistrate Judge Chi Soo Kim.  Judge Kim, who served alongside Phil in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, highlighted Phils’ hands-on leadership during the pandemic, his tireless efforts to promote pay equity in the U.S attorney’s office, and his ability to coach and uplift every member of the team. She emphasized his commitment to fairness, his quiet but impactful advocacy for underserved communities, and his unwavering integrity:

Phil has inspired countless law students and young attorneys to pursue careers in public service. He taught Professional Responsibility for U.C Davis Law School, served as a panelist for law school outreach events and generously offered ethical guidance to colleagues across the legal community.

“This ended up being a rare case where everyone I spoke to, regardless of political affiliation, agreed he richly deserved the award.” — John Appelbaum, Former Chair, Executive Committee Member, Public Law Section

Phillip A. Talbert’s is respected across political lines, trusted by colleagues at every level, and admired for his humility, compassion, and integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of public servants to lead with purpose, fairness, and heart.

Please join us in celebrating Phillip A. Talbert, the 2025 Ronald M. George Public Lawyer of the Year.