As I spoke to “lawyer groups” while running for and then serving as Florida Bar President, I was impressed how many voluntary bar associations exist with a specific purpose. I also saw how few Jewish lawyer groups there are statewide and nationally. The time has come to be the impetus, and this will lead to the growth of Jewish lawyer groups elsewhere. I am grateful that a group of committed lawyers and judges came together to allow the Jewish Lawyers of Palm Beach County to launch in 2024. What will we do? What will we stand for? These were the immediate questions we faced, and we have answers. The JLAPBC is a group of Jewish lawyers and judges and allies who are committed to the legal profession, Jewish values and supporting the State of Israel. These are universal values, separated from whoever is in leadership or any prevailing political winds. We will stand for Tikkun Olam, working on “healing the world” and working with other lawyer and non-lawyer groups to do so. We will organize speaking events, panel discussions and social events, to share Jewish values and to build community. We invite you to join us and work with us to improve the Jewish community, the legal community and our overall community. We can do more together.

Gary S. Lesser
President and Founding Member