Harry A. Olivar, Jr.

Harry A. Olivar, Jr., a nationally respected trial lawyer, educator, civic leader, devoted husband, father, and friend, died on May 15, 2026, in a motor vehicle collision in Georgia. He was 62. His beloved stepson, David Harris Jackson, also died in the collision.

Born in Los Angeles on October 8, 1963, to Harry and Madère Olivar, Harry distinguished himself early as both a scholar and an athlete. He attended Loyola High School in L.A. before enrolling at Yale University, where he excelled academically, competed in football, and captained the crew team. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1985. He then earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1989, serving as an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Following a clerkship with Judge Arthur L. Alarcon of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Harry built a remarkable legal career that culminated in more than twenty-five years at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP. He served as Chair of the firm’s National Securities Practice, Co-Chair of its Domestic Arbitration Practice, and General Counsel. Widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading structured finance and securities litigators, he recovered billions of dollars on behalf of clients and earned the respect of courts, colleagues, and adversaries alike for his intellect, preparation, and judgment.

Yet those who knew Harry best will remember him not for his accomplishments, but for his character.

Though accomplished in every sense, Harry carried himself with humility and grace. He was thoughtful, soft-spoken, generous with his time, and unwavering in his commitments. Friends, colleagues, and family members alike knew him as someone who could always be counted on. He offered wise counsel without seeking credit, showed up when others needed him, and brought a quiet steadiness to every part of his life.

After the death of his first wife, Jenise Ellis, Harry devoted himself to raising their three sons. Through years of challenge and loss, he remained a steady and devoted presence for his family. Later, he found great happiness with Leigh T. Olivar, and together they built a loving blended family that became the center of his life. Harry embraced his role as stepfather to Robert and David Jackson with the same devotion he brought to every part of family life. Together, he and Leigh created a home defined by generosity, hospitality, and a deep sense of community.

Beyond his professional work, Harry dedicated himself to education, mentorship, and civic service. He taught as an adjunct professor and served on numerous nonprofit and educational boards, including Stone Trust, the Philatelic Foundation, the Western Justice Center Foundation, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and La Salle College Preparatory. He was also an avid stamp collector and philatelist who served on the Council of Philatelists of the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. He and Leigh were devoted patrons of Pasadena Playhouse and active participants in the civic life of their community.

Harry was a man of uncommon integrity. He did what he said he would do. He treated people with dignity and respect. He led by example rather than by volume. In every role—as lawyer, mentor, husband, father, colleague, and friend—he left an enduring mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Leigh T. Olivar; his mother, Madère Olivar; his sons Jordan Olivar, David Olivar and his wife Maya, and Harry A. Olivar III; his stepson Robert Jackson; four sisters, Catherine Olivar, Madère Olivar and her husband Gary Hewitt, Mary Olivar, and Anne Olivar and her husband Seth Kotch; his brother, John Olivar, and his wife, Amanda Quinn Olivar; his extended family; and countless friends, colleagues, students, and community members whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and example.

To honor Harry’s memory, please consider a memorial gift to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum or Pasadena Playhouse.

Please join us to celebrate the lives of Harry Arthur Olivar Jr & David Harris Jackson. Saturday, July 18th, 2026, at 11:00am at Holy Family Church, 1501 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, California 91030.