Experience. Leadership. Vision.

After much personal reflection and discussions with Bar leaders, I have decided to announce my candidacy for Vice Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. I believe I have the experience, judgment, and maturity to lead this great Association into a future requiring robust, devoted, and creative leadership.

Lawyers and law firms face challenges today that are unprecedented. Nationally, our justice system is under attack, and the very rule of law is under siege. The physical safety of our judges is a matter of the highest concern. The Bar Association must be the epicenter of the effort to restore respect for the rule of law.

As technology continues to develop, with automation algorithms supplanting professional judgment, the Bar Association needs to critically analyze technology's ethical and professional implications. To that end, I will advocate for a task force of our litigators, ethics, and technology experts to formulate policies that will integrate informational technology with fidelity to our ethical obligations as lawyers.

My experience as a leader of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and many other organizations makes me suited and skilled to lead the many efforts needed to strengthen our Bar Association and our profession. As an executive member of the State Civil Section, I have been privileged to work with our Judges and court administrators. Protecting access to justice requires the constant and consistent collaboration of all lawyers. The Bar Association should be the organization that will lead this effort, but I respectfully suggest that it will take the type of leader with the experience and skills I have to "reach across the aisle."

A little information about me and my law firm: I am a founding shareholder of Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig, formed in 1987. I have been a member of the Bar Association since 1987. We encourage our lawyers to actively participate in Bar Association programs, activities, and elected leadership positions. We have also emphasized the importance of professional service by participating actively in Philadelphia's vibrant legal services community and serving as volunteers to improve access to justice. My firm's culture of devotion to professional and community service is a good barometer of my commitment to these objectives as Chancellor.

As a proud Philadelphia lawyer who has practiced personal injury litigation for more than four decades, I have served our profession in leadership positions for many years while continuing to volunteer personally where my skills and experience can benefit others. My background in service includes the following:

  • President of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice
  • Vice-Chair, Senior Law Center
  • Member of the Executive Committee of the State Civil Litigation Section
  • Co-Chair of the Medical-Legal Committee of the Association
  • Investigator for the Philadelphia Bar Association Judicial Commission
  • Service as a VIP volunteer lawyer
  • Service on the Boards of several Jewish educational organizations
  • Articles in professional publications
  • Course planner and speaker in many CLE programs
  • Recognition as a Top 100 Super Lawyer for the past 15 years

To learn more about my experience, read my website biography.

I am deeply committed to the Philadelphia Bar Association's long-standing tradition of serving our community, profession, and judicial system. I am confident that my experience with the Association and other organizations as a policymaker will allow me to be an effective and inclusive leader for our diverse membership.

I welcome your input on our profession's challenges and how the Philadelphia Bar Association can contribute to a brighter future for all of us.