In Memoriam of Judge Ralph G. Pagter (Ret.)

In 1979, Ralph G. Pagter, then a sole practitioner, founded Pagter Law Corporation. From 1979 through 1983, the firm primarily handled insolvency and bankruptcy matters, with additional work in state court business litigation. From January 1984 through October 1986, Mr. Pagter served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Central District of California. Following his service on the bench, Judge Pagter returned to private practice under the name Pagter Law Corporation in early 1987. That same year, in June, his son, R. Gibson Pagter, Jr., joined the firm.

 Judge Ralph G. Pagter (Ret.) passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025. After three attempts at retirement, he finally succeeded in 1995 and went on to spend the next 30 years enjoying life with his beloved wife, Margot. He is survived by Margot, his son R. Gibson Pagter, Jr. (whose “R.” stands for Ralph—a name his father humorously reclaimed for himself when Gib joined the firm in 1987), and three grandchildren.