It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our friend and colleague, Martha Akua Prempeh, Esq., who passed on August 5, 2025, just days shy of her 41st birthday.
Martha was a brilliant and caring spirit – an alumna of UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan Law School, whose legal journey included impactful work at Modern Family Law and Liberty Mutual, co-founding Prempeh and Zavala Legal Document Services, and practicing insurance defense litigation at Santana, Vierra, Stevenson & Harris.
Her commitment to the legal community extended far beyond her practice. Just this January she was honored with the ACBA Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional leadership and mentorship in the Barristers Section. Martha spearheaded the revival of the Mentorship Program and helped establish the beloved Barristers and Judges Night, bridging early-career attorneys with members of the judiciary. She was set to continue her service as Barristers Chair through 2025.
“Martha led the ACBA Barristers Section with grace and kindness,” said ACBA Barristers Vice-Chair Stephanie Gonzalez. “During her tenure, she restarted the mentorship program to help young attorneys make connections within the ACBA community. Thanks to her work, young attorneys have gained support and guidance as they navigate their careers. We will cherish her memory and deeply miss her.”
Martha was also a devoted mother to her daughter, Alexandra Nana Yaa Prempeh, and a cherished daughter and sister. Her warmth, intellect, generosity, and joyful spirit touched countless lives: in the Bay Area, the U.S., Ghana, the U.K., France, Canada, and beyond.
As we mourn Martha’s passing, we also honor her greatest legacy – her daughter Alexandra. We invite our community to mobilize in support of Alexandra’s future by visiting Martha’s EverLoved page where you can share memories, send condolences, and contribute to the Memorial Fund created in her honor. Together, we can carry forward Martha’s spirit of care and generosity by surrounding her daughter with the love and support she so deeply deserves.
A celebration of Martha’s life will be held on August 29, 2025, with details forthcoming.
