Greg Bautzer

Gregson Edward Bautzer (April 3, 1911 – October 26, 1987) was an American attorney who represented such individuals as Ginger Rogers, Ingrid Bergman and Joan Crawford, Kirk Kerkorian, Howard Hughes and William R. Wilkerson. Early life Bautzer was born in the Los Angeles community of San Pedro, California to Edward H. Bautzer, a descendant of German immigrants, and his wife Blanche Buckhout. The elder Bautzer was active in the San Pedro community, a civic leader, political activist and attorney. Bautzer's mother, before her marriage, had been a school teacher. Bautzer's father died when he was ten years old. From a young age, Bautzer stated his intent to follow in his father's footsteps by practicing law. After his father's death, Bautzer's widowed mother returned to teaching. Bautzer contributed financially by taking after school jobs, selling newspapers, performing janitorial work on yachts harbored in San Pedro, and waiting on tables in local eateries. Bautzer attended San Pedro High School where he was an exemplary student. A self-disciplined young man of considerable scholastic achievement, he was also endowed with a congenial, enthusiastic personality that easily attracted friendships. While in high school, Bautzer took an active interest in public speaking and while yet a teenager, gained community recognition for his debating skills. He proceeded to enter national oratorical competitions. In 1926, he took second place in the West Coast division of the National Oratorical Contest, winning two hundred fifty dollars. In 1927, Bautzer and his mother relocated to another part of Los Angeles where she had accepted an appointment as principal of an area school. In 1928, he entered the University of Southern California on a scholarship. He became a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, the Skull and Dagger honor society, and captain of the varsity debate team. In 1930, he was honored by being selected as one of three university students to be on the All California Collegiate Debate team. Bautzer graduated with a bachelor's degree from USC in June 1932. Before continuing his education at USC Law School, he took a year off from his studies to work and save money. He obtained his law degree in 1936.