The Federation’s 63rd Annual Legal Division Dinner was a memorable evening honoring Marc Seltzer of Susman Godfrey for his longtime dedication and commitment to the Federation, as well as his work on behalf of the community. In recognition of such, the Beverly Wilshire was filled with a veritable who’s who of the Los Angeles legal community, including judicial luminaries from the federal, state and county courts.
Dinner Chair Sam Yebri opened the program and talked about how contacted the Federation when he was a law student to find out if he could attend the Legal Division dinner for free (the answer was yes!). He went on to share his involvement in the Federation; which had helped him not only professionally, but in leading him to found 30 Years After, which has played a vital role in bringing the young Iranian-American community closer to the overall Jewish community.
Following Sam’s remarks, Legal Division Chair Daniel Shallman relayed the importance of community and the responsibility of those in the room to pay forward their good fortune. In fact, he referenced that attorneys had contributed $3.5 million to our Federation’s Annual Campaign in 2011, and prodded everyone to be generous once again.
Sharon Janks, General Campaign Chair of the Federation, and Chairman of the Board Richard V. Sandler made the case for giving to the Federation of today; with Richard providing numerous examples of the personal impact we’re able to make thanks to the support of our community.
Finally, the main event! The Honorable Chistina A. Snyder, United States District Judge, who also happens to be Marc’s wife, presented the Bruce I. Hochman Maimonides Torch of Justice Award to him. In her remarks, Christina talked about Marc’s career and his talent as an attorney, as well as his qualities as a person, and recounted how they first met on a Federation mission to Israel.
Marc graciously accepted the award from Christina and shared his perspective on their relationship, as well as the important role that his family and mentors have played during his life and career. It was a touching speech, and everyone in the room got a sense of what friend and colleague Patty Glaser said on Marc’s tribute video, “He’s one of the good guys.”
The evening was capped off by the EMET After Party for young attorneys, who networked late into the evening. You can check out all the highlights of the Dinner by viewing our photo gallery.
