A Tribute to William D. Taylor on His Retirement
It’s a privilege to honour the contributions of my dear friend and mentor, Bill Taylor, a former Partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP, on his retirement. From 2012 to 2014, Bill was President of Globalaw, and for many years before and after, he was an active member of the Board of Directors and an Officer. His leadership, vision, and dedication helped shape Globalaw into the dynamic, global community we know today.
Beyond his formal roles, Bill gave generously of his time and energy. He spent countless hours building and supporting the network, genuinely caring for the people around him. He was never one to sit quietly in meetings; he was always eager to share insightful ideas and perspectives that advanced the discussion. When Bill spoke, people listened. He possessed that rare combination of wisdom and warmth that made his voice both respected and welcomed.
I believe I’m not alone in seeing Bill as a valuable mentor. He was often the first to reach out, whether to offer guidance during challenging times or to invite someone to dinner or a social event. His welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on me, and I know many others feel the same.
One unforgettable memory I share with Bill was during a Globalaw meeting in Tel Aviv, where we had the opportunity to meet Shimon Peres, the former Prime Minister of Israel. In true Bill fashion, he offered to buy a bottle of wine for Prime Minister Peres. Although the offer was politely declined, the Prime Minister approached our table and talked with us.
On that same trip, Bill and I visited Caesarea together. By the end of the ride, he had become best friends with our taxi driver. That’s just who Bill is—he has a gift for connecting with people, no matter where he is or who he’s with.
Bill’s family has also been a cherished part of the Globalaw community. His wife (Kim) has attended many meetings, and his daughter (Lily), of whom he is immensely proud, has been a familiar and welcome presence as well.
Although he may no longer hold an official position, Bill remains a good friend of Globalaw. His legacy lives on through the strength and spirit of our network, and he will always be welcomed at our meetings and events.
