Gordon Vows Suppo R T for Bar's Pro Bono Efforts

1/02 PBR 1/4/02 10:54 AM Page 1 ® January 2002 The Monthly Newspaper of the Philadelphia Bar Association Vol. 31, No. 1 Bevilacqua Elected Vice Gordon Vows Suppor t Chancellor for Bar’s Pro Bono Efforts by Jeff Lyons by Jeff Lyons Gabriel L.I. Bevilacqua, a partner at Saul Ewing LLP, has been elected New Association Chancellor Vice Chancellor of the Philadelphia Allan H. Gordon reaffirmed the Bar’s Bar Association. Bevilacqua will commitment to pro bono in a serve as Vice speech to members at the Annual Chancellor in Meeting Luncheon on Dec. 4. 2002, “Be clear about this: The Chancellor-Elect Philadelphia Bar Association’s pro in 2003 and bono commitment remains strong Chancellor in and steadfast. Our record – which is 2004. really a model for the nation – Bevilacqua inspires us to increase our efforts, received 2,873 especially during times like these. Bevilacqua votes to chal- And we will do that,” Gordon said. lenger Allan K. Marshall’s 464 votes Gordon, who assumed his duties when votes were tallied at the Dec. as the Association’s 75th Chancellor 4 Bar election. Bevilacqua will serve on Jan. 1, said the delivery of pro as the Association’s 77th Chancellor bono legal services will be exam- in 2004. ined by a task force that will report In the race for seats on the Board to the Board of Governors by April of Governors, Robert W. Meek (2,219 30. votes), Cheryl L. Gaston (2,160 votes), “We will do this in an open, Richard F. Furia (2,125 votes), inclusive, non-proprietary manner Stephen A. Madva (2,121 votes) and that welcomes sincere, constructive Ronald A. Kovler (1,981 votes) were ideas and suggestions from every all elected to three-year terms. quarter,” he said. Patrice A. Toland (1,850 votes) fin- “This task force deserves our sup- ished sixth. port. It needs our help. It provides The following candidates ran us with an opportunity to build and unopposed and were elected: Sayde move forward so that the promise of J. Ladov, Secretary; Gregory H. ‘equal justice under law’ can be kept Mathews, Treasurer; John E. Savoth, for all. As lawyers we know the Assistant Secretary; and Mary F. Chancellor Allan H. Gordon addresses Bar members at the Annual Meeting Luncheon at continued on page 10 Marriott’s Crystal Tea Room on Dec. 4. continued on page 21 Author David McCullough to Present In This Issue ... Keynote Address at Century 3 Dinner 4 Bar Medal The Philadelphia Bar Association will cele- been praised for their exceptional narrative 5 Fidelity Award brate its 200th anniversary at a Century 3 sweep, their scholarship and insight into Commemorative Dinner on Tuesday, March 12 American life, and for their literary distinction. 6 YLD Update at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, In the words of the citation accompanying Broad and Walnut streets. his honorary degree from Yale, “As an histori- 11 Restaurant Guide The keynote speaker will be author David an, he paints with words, giving us pictures of McCullough, whose biography “John Adams” the American people that live, breathe, and 18 Year-End Gatherings hit The New York TimesBest-Sellers List at num- above all, confront the fundamental issues of ber one. courage, achievement, and moral character.” 22 Arts & Media McCullough has been called a “master of McCullough, who earned his degree in the art of narrative history.” His books have continued on page 15 David McCullough Visit the Philadelphia Bar on the Web at www.philadelphiabar.org • Look for Bar Reporter Online e-newsbrief every Monday morning 1/02 PBR 1/4/02 10:54 AM Page 2 It’s Important to Keep Things in Balance by Allan H. Gordon tection not just to the accused, but to realize what is truly important in life. the search for truth itself. We need to take more time with one Balance. As lawyers we know that when another: with family, with friends and That is the one word that we need F R O N T L I N E these protections are lessened or mini- with colleagues. We need to be more to keep in mind right now. That is the mized for some, there is justifiable con- caring and less abrupt in our personal idea that we need to return to again cern that the rights of all are threat- and professional dealings. We need to and again as we face the difficult days ened. Such a development would not read, listen, think, reflect and discover; ahead and attempt to move our nation only undermine confidence in our sys- and we should try to do it all beyond and the world beyond the events of tem but it may also unintentionally aid our usual day-to-day work environ- Sept. 11. our enemies and deprive us of support ment. Recently, I spoke at a naturalization that we might otherwise receive. Some will still insist that they have ceremony commemorating the American Bar Association President no time for this. May I suggest that you anniversary of the Bill of Rights — the Robert E. Hirshon recently declared, “A take at least 45 minutes a day just for first 10 amendments to our free and open judicial system is what yourself. Start with a minimum of 45 Constitution. My faith in our nation one-tenth of our Constitution. our country is all about. It is the minutes. If you can’t find at least 45 and its ability to strengthen and renew Thomas Jefferson wisely observed Taliban that established star chambers minutes a day to nourish your mind itself grew even stronger as I looked that a bill of rights like this one “is followed by public executions. This is and heart and soul, then maybe you into the hopeful faces of our newest what the people are entitled to against not what America stands for.” I agree. need to put things back in perspective. citizens. every government on earth… And Within the Constitution and the Bill Our profession is symbolized by the This is what our enemies despise — what no just government should of Rights our system provides for a scales of justice: a reminder of the the freedom and precious rights that refuse.” sensible balance and sharing of power. importance of balance. Recent events we enjoy — rights sought by so many. In a time of war, this Bill of Rights The checks on unbridled authority are have refocused us on the need for bal- This is what they envy — a free and and these freedoms are probably more inherent in the nature of our democra- ance both in a societal sense and for open society united by our important than ever before. True, we cy. Part of our job as lawyers is to pro- each one of us as individuals. If we Constitution and Bill of Rights. The are primarily concerned with our secu- tect, defend and uphold this system of lose sight of the need for balance, we right of free speech and free expres- rity during this time, and rightfully so. checks and balances. do so at our own peril. sion. The right to worship freely. The The attack on our nation was an attack Of course, our Constitution also speaks of securing the blessings of lib- Allan H. Gordon, a partner oat l sK b,y Gordon, Robin, right to assemble and to petition the on civilization itself and it demanded Shore &B e z a, ris Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar government for redress of grievances. new protective measures at home and erty for ourselves. Those blessings Association. His e-mail addressh ais n c e l l o r @ p h- i l a ba r. o r g . The right to protest. The right to the the strongest possible response to our include the pursuit of happiness. So we presumption of innocence and a enemies. also need balance in our personal lives speedy and public trial by a jury of our So security is important. But we if we are to realize a sense of fulfill- peers. All of these rights and more are cannot condone security without jus- ment and contentment. contained in a document of less than tice. Our precious rights need not be Not just on days like Sept. 11 but 500 words, which comprises barely eroded. Our legal system affords pro- every day, we need to step aside and Editor-in-Chief Bruce H. Bikin, Esq. Join ABA for Philly Block Party Feb. 1 Associate Editors Michael A. Cibik, Esq. As the ABA Midyear Meeting kicks tunity for all of the meeting's attendees “Everything Philadelphia.” The live Glenn F. Rosenblum, Esq. into full swing in Philadelphia starting to kick up their heels at an authentic entertainment will be strictly local, live Contributing Editor Wednesday, Jan. 30, the Philadelphia Philadelphia block party. acts including Fabian, The Crystals and Richard Max Bockol, Esq. Bar Association will provide an oppor- As part of the 200th Anniversary of Danny and the Juniors. the Philadelphia Bar Association, the The food will be highlighted with Advisory Editors Merih O. Erhan, Esq. Millennium Hall of the Loews Hotel Philadelphia originals – soft pretzels, Marc Reuben, Esq. will become the scene of a Philadelphia cheesesteaks and hoagies. All of this Molly Peckman, Esq. neighborhood street set for a neigh- will be topped off with an open bar. Join Bar Director of Publications and New Media borhood party on Friday, Feb. 1 from Tickets are $75 per person. To order Mark A. Tarasiewicz 7:15 to 10:30 p.m.

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