In 1946, three San Francisco attorneys-Al Spivak, Gerald D. Marcus, and Burton J. Goldstein-had a problem. They all believed that the existing county bar association overlooked the needs of attorneys in small firms and of solo practitioners. Resolving to address these concerns, they formed a new bar association. They called it The Lawyers' Club of San Francisco.

The Lawyers' Club has since developed innovative programs and events. For example, annually the Club hosts its unique California State Supreme Court Luncheon. This tradition began in 1948 when the Club's Board of Governors threw a party to "roast" some friends on the bench. The Lawyers' Club has also developed continuing legal education programs, legislative forums, and a variety of other "networking" opportunities.

While the makeup of the membership has evolved, The Lawyers' Club proudly continues focusing on the needs individual attorney in either the public or private sector.