Feb 21, 2014

Three Legal Leaders to Be Honored at 30th Anniversary Judicial Reception

The Attorneys’ Division of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation will recognize the achievements of three legal luminaries – Judge Scott M. Bernstein, Florida Supreme Court Justice R. Fred Lewis and attorney Aaron S. Podhurst – at its 30th Anniversary Judicial Reception on Thursday, April 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami.

Justice Lewis will receive the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his outstanding career in practice and on the bench. He is a tireless advocate of education excellence who created Justice Teaching, a volunteer program that has involved thousands of Florida attorneys and judges in the state’s public schools. A former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, he also has initiated a number of major programs to assist persons with disabilities, including Florida’s first commission and statewide all-branch summit on mental health and justice.

Judge Bernstein of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit will receive the 2014 Community Service Award in recognition of his pursuit of justice for juveniles and families, and his concern for the needs of Florida’s diverse population, including its LGBT community. He serves as Chair of the Florida Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity, and is a member of the Florida Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on Children and Families in the Courts.

Aaron Podhurst, Esq., a partner at Podhurst Orseck, P.A., will receive the 2014 Honorable Theodore “Ted” Klein Recognition Award, which honors an attorney or judge who has made a profound impact on individuals in the legal community. Podhurst has built a reputation as one of the nation’s premiere plaintiff’s aviation lawyers, and has distinguished his firm as one of South Florida’s major commercial litigation firms. Simultaneously, he has devoted countless hours to community service and philanthropic causes. A past President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, he has received the National Conference for Community and Justice Medallion of Honor, the Anti-Defamation League Jurisprudence Award, and the Legal Legends Award from the 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society and the Historical Museum of South Florida.

Scott L. Baena, Esq. and Edith Osman, Esq. are serving as Chairs of the 2014 Judicial Reception. Roberto Zarco, Esq. chairs the Attorneys’ Division of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

Couvert for the Judicial Reception is $85 per person and includes a kosher cocktail reception. There will be no solicitation of funds. For reservations, sponsorship opportunities and further information, contact Emily Stone, Esq., Federation's Director of Commerce and Professions, at estone.gmjf.org or at 786.866.8414.