The collection consists of correspondence, speeches and lectures, publications, interviews, certificates, awards, artifacts, and other materials documenting Witkin's personal and professional life and legal legacy between the years 1917 and 2020. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence exchanged between Witkin and family members, friends, and colleagues between the years 1931 and 1995; and approximately 200 speeches and lectures given by Witkin beginning in 1944 and continuing until his death in 1995. Other materials include articles and publications written by or about Witkin (1920-2020); subject files created by Witkin, organized by topic or organization (1944-1995); photographs of Witkin with family members, friends, and other legal luminaries (1920-1997); and awards, personal effects, artwork, and furnishings (1970-1995).

Bernard E. Witkin was born on May 22, 1904, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (BA, 1925), Witkin obtained his legal education at the university's School of Law (JD, 1928).

38 Linear Feet (34 legal document boxes, 7 cartons, 7 flat boxes, 1 map case drawer, plus furnishings)

Copyright (or related rights to publicity and privacy) for materials in this collection, created by Bernard E. Witkin, was not transferred to the California Judicial Center Library. Permission for reproduction or publication of materials in this collection beyond that allowed by fair use must be secured from the Bernard E. and Alba Witkin Charitable Trust.

Collection is open for research upon approval of written request. Requests should be submitted to: California Judicial Center Library, Special Collections and Archives, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 4617, San Francisco, CA, 94102-7013, or by e-mail to archives@jud.ca.gov. All researchers must sign the California Judicial Center Library Special Collections Access Agreement form. This agreement can be sent electronically by request. Records in the collection may contain confidential information, as defined in the Access Agreement. Publication or disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited.