It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we share the news that Frederick M. Nicholas, the founder of Public Counsel and a beloved Los Angeles civic leader, passed away peacefully at his home this past weekend. He was 105.

A visionary leader, Fred was driven by the belief that everyone deserves justice regardless of income, background, or identity. He founded Public Counsel in 1970, personally funding its launch and becoming its first president. 

Under his guidance and vision, the organization established a national model for pro bono legal advocacy, collaborating with major law firms and legal departments. Starting in a tiny one-room office on Beverly Drive, the organization has grown to partner with thousands of volunteer pro bono attorneys to serve over 12,000 individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits annually, while its impact litigation and policy advocacy address the root causes of injustice, benefiting countless more and transforming communities.

Fred’s impact extended far beyond Public Counsel. He played a crucial role in shaping Los Angeles’s civic and cultural fabric, notably leading the development of two of Downtown’s landmark projects: the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

For those of us fortunate to know Fred personally, he was an extraordinary mentor, friend, and inspiration. He had a unique ability to bring people together, to see potential where others didn’t, and to encourage those around him to become their best selves. His vision and generosity of spirit changed countless lives.

A public memorial service celebrating Fred’s remarkable life and legacy will be announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, Fred’s family requests donations be made to Public Counsel .

Fred Nicholas leaves behind a stronger and more compassionate city, shaped by his vision and heart. May we all continue to honor his legacy by advocating for justice and community. To learn more about Fred’s extraordinary life, visit the Frederick M. Nicholas Archive.

Tributes to Fred

“Fred had a gift for bringing people together around big ideas and making them real; he was a visionary with heart. He was a tireless advocate for a more just and vibrant Los Angeles, and his impact will be felt for decades to come.”

— Stacy D. Phillips, Chair, Public Counsel Board of Directors

“Fred never sought the spotlight. He was happiest lifting others up and helping them find their own path. He believed the practice of law was a privilege—not a right—which conveyed with it an obligation to give back to those in need who were not able to afford representation. Equal access to justice was more than an idea to him—it was an essential.”

— Dom Snyder, Public Counsel’s first staff member and dear friend for over 50 years.

“For more than five decades, Fred was not only our founder but one of our most steadfast champions. His deep belief in justice and his enduring support shaped Public Counsel into the organization it is today—one that stands with our clients to transform individual lives while pulling every lever we can to secure justice and lasting change for communities. We are honored to carry forward his legacy.”

— Kathryn Eidmann, President & CEO, Public Counsel

“I feel incredibly privileged to have known Fred for more than four decades. He was a true pillar of Public Counsel and the City of Los Angeles—someone whose integrity, compassion, and steadfast commitment to justice made an indelible mark on everyone around him. It was our shared dedication to human and civil rights that brought us together, and his unwavering moral compass has always been an inspiration. Fred set a standard for community leadership, and the impact he made on our world is immeasurable. I'll miss him deeply.”

— Mike Farrell, actor and activist

“I often think about Fred and the butterfly effect of his life. Directly, he changed so many people’s lives for the better. Indirectly—through Public Counsel and his many charitable efforts—his positive impact, especially in Southern California, exceeds that of most world leaders. Inspired by how Fred lived his life, I spent time working at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego. His example continues to guide and inspire me.” 

— Nancy Sandoval, Esq.