FROM TALMUD TO TRIAL: THE MAKING OF PHILADELPHIA'S 99TH CHANCELLOR
Ezra Wohlgelernter Brings Ancient Wisdom to Modern Legal Leadership
By Alan M. Feldman
I was introduced to Ezra Wohlgelernter in the summer of 1986 by our mutual friend Carol Shepherd. Carol knew that I had decided to leave the firm I had been with to start my own shop, and that I was looking for partners who were smart, skilled and ready to take a chance to develop a personal injury practice that could compete with the established firms. I told Ezra that the path ahead was risky, but at least we would be calling the shots for ourselves. Even though I was asking him to leave a good job for an uncertain future with me, there was no hesitation: "I'm in," Ezra said. We rented space in early 1987, Carol joined us a few months later, and we’ve never looked back since.
Thus began a relationship with Ezra as partners and fast friends that has continued for nearly 40 years. And my instincts at that first meeting were correct: Ezra has contributed enormously to the development of Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig as a top-flight firm of plaintiff's trial lawyers. I am delighted that he is now prepared to share his leadership skills and devotion to the practice of law as the 99th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
The Scholar-Warrior
People who have known Ezra forever say his passion is studying the law, and his mission has always been helping people. That's it. That's Ezra in a single sentence. But any account of Ezra must also recognize his devotion to his family and his faith. A native Philadelphian, Ezra grew up in a home steeped in religion, scholarship, and commitment to his community. He is the son and the grandson of Rabbis, who profoundly shaped his sense of purpose and world view. Like his late father, Rabbi Samuel Wohlgelernter, Ezra attended Yeshiva University in New York, where he undertook a dual program of Jewish and secular studies and majored in History and Talmudic literature.
A lifelong student of the Talmud, Ezra found in its analytical rigor—rooted in logic, interpretation, and ethical reasoning—a perfect foundation for a career in the law. That passion for inquiry and fairness guided him to Temple University (Beasley) School of Law and informed the outstanding career which followed.
While Ezra is universally respected as a wise, thoughtful and dedicated counsellor and leader, not as many know that he has a secret weapon that helps to clarify his thinking and edit and improve his speeches and closing arguments. Her name is Susie, a long-time special education teacher, and they have been married for 48 years, still living in their Rhawnhurst home so as to remain close to Ezra’s Rabbinic leaders and his synagogue. Ezra and Susie are the proud parents of five talented children and the grandparents of many grandchildren (including their first two great-grandsons).
Ezra’s commitment to Philadelphia's Jewish community is breathtaking in scope. He has been a leader of his synagogue for over 40 years, a Trustee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education, Trustee of Kosloff Torah Academy, President of another Jewish day school, and leader and founder of two institutions for advanced Talmudic research. And believe me, this list just scratches the surface. But for Ezra, it's never about just joining or showing up; it’s about making meaningful contributions to any activity or organization he embraces. Those contributions include scholarly articles like "Talmudic Sources for Contemporary Tort Law Principles," which explored how ancient legal wisdom applies to modern tort law. No wonder Ezra is a sought-after speaker on comparative law.
Fighting for Those Who Need It Most
In his law practice, Ezra has always gravitated toward helping the victims of wrongful conduct. Workers hurt by unsafe conditions. Families shattered by drunk drivers. Patients betrayed by medical negligence. People whose civil rights were violated. He's taken on major amusement parks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey when people got seriously hurt on their premises. When a case requires going toe-to-toe with powerful corporate defendants, Ezra doesn't blink.
In the 1990s and early 2000s—long before police accountability became a national conversation—Ezra was already in federal court holding law enforcement accountable. He represented innocent bystanders injured and killed during high-speed police chases through crowded neighborhoods. He took on excessive force cases. He fought for incarcerated people whose medical needs were being deliberately ignored. Back then, this was not trendy work, but to Ezra it was never about following the crowd, but rather his laser-focus on the pursuit of justice.
In another of his notable victories, Ezra was lead counsel in a case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court which held that an auto insurance carrier had to compensate victims suffering negligent infliction of emotional distress in underinsured motorist claims. The decision didn't just help our clients—it opened the door for countless other victims across Pennsylvania who'd had their claims denied while waiting for the Court's ruling.
A Leader in the Legal Community
But for Ezra, individual achievement and accolades were never his objective. Here's something I can tell you from nearly 40 years of trying cases together and working alongside him: Ezra is the consummate team player. In a profession that's not exactly famous for checking egos at the door, Ezra collaborates effortlessly with everyone, with skill and grace. His selflessness and quiet determination to find solutions to thorny problems are why he has been selected for leadership positions throughout his career.
Ezra is an esteemed Past President of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, where he has been a member of the Board of Directors for more than 25 years. He has served as Editor in Chief of PTLA’s publication The Verdict and currently is Chair of the Committee for a Better Tomorrow, the trial lawyers’ PAC. I can tell you from attending many important meetings with other sharp and savvy trial lawyers that when Ezra speaks, everyone listens.
For Ezra, the practice of law and using one’s skills and training to help others are inseparable. For seventeen years, he was (and still is) dedicated to the work of the SeniorLAW Center, where he served as an officer and Co-Chair of the Board Development Committee, underscoring Ezra’s belief in service through stewardship. His work on the Finance and Audit Committees strengthened the organization’s ability to advocate for Philadelphia’s older adults. A little birdy has confided to me that his extraordinary efforts will be publicly recognized by the SeniorLAW Center this coming year.
The qualities that will make Ezra a superb leader of our Bar Association are captured by the comments of the colleagues he has worked closely with over the years:
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Past Executive Director Harvey Hurdle: “When you get to know Ezra you will find that he prioritizes his family, faith, and service to others. He is kind, intelligent and inquisitive, accomplished but humble. In an era when boorish behavior is tolerated and even accepted, Ezra shows that you can still be a true gentleman and succeed. I cannot think of a better representative of the Philadelphia Bar Association in 2026 when the eyes of the world will be on Philadelphia. And yes – he is always dressed impeccably!”
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Chancellor Kathy Jaffari: “During 2025, I have had the privilege of working with Ezra as our Chancellor-Elect, whose wit and warmth has made even the most challenging of days brighter for me. I am grateful for his steady hand, sound counsel, and the countless ways he has supported me and has elevated everyone around him. I will cherish our friendship and am thankful for the Philadelphia Bar Association that brought us together.”
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Larry Bendesky, Managing Shareholder at Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky: "Ezra lives by the principle that a leader isn't the loudest person in the room, but rather the person who generates energy and action through cooperative effort, always bringing people into the discussion without a hidden agenda, actively listening to the opinions of others, and working to form a consensus that everyone can believe in."
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Former Chancellor Abe Reich: “Ezra is one of the finest persons and lawyers I have known in my career. His demonstrated judgment, character and compassion bodes well for his leadership of the oldest bar association in the country.”
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Former Chancellor Marc Zucker: “Ezra brings a fresh perspective to the Bar Association, honed by years of experience as a trial lawyer. He was a true asset in in the growth of our Young Lawyers Trial Academy which he graciously agreed to co-chair this year in the midst of his many duties as Chancellor-Elect.”
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Feldman Shepherd Co-Managing Partner Mark Tanner: “Ezra’s wisdom, willingness to discuss and consider issues with an open mind, and unwavering moral compass has provided reliable guidance to our firm time and time again. It has been a joy to work with him as a partner, and an even better experience to know him as my friend.”
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Law school classmate Kim Plouffe: “I have known Ezra his entire legal career, having met the first day of law school in August 1978. Ever since there has never been a question in my mind about his integrity, character or sense of fairness. He has always extended the same courtesies, respect and decency to all he encountered regardless of differences.”
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SeniorLAW Center Executive Director Karen Buck: “I've known Ezra as a colleague, partner and a 'boss' for almost 20 years, including two terms on our SeniorLAW Center Board of Directors. He is smart and strategic. He is passionate about public interest law and service to those who are struggling and disenfranchised. He is loyal. He listens before he speaks. He has lifelong friends, an often overlooked sign of a leader - someone who knows how to build and maintain strong and meaningful relationships. And he brings gravitas to any situation, combined with a natural sense of humor and eloquence.”
The admiration and respect that Ezra enjoys outside of the legal community is equally illuminating:
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Beverly Bernstein, family friend for more than 40 years: “Ezra's enduring commitment to Jewish education, leadership and community service stands as a testament to his character and serves as an inspiration to all who know him.”
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High school friend Abraham Yudin: “Ezra’s loyalty is his signature. He builds connections that last a lifetime.”
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Close friend and accountant Harris Devor: “There are just a handful of people who touch your life in a very special way and become among the most important people in your life. Ezra is one of those few for me. I am hard pressed to name anyone more compassionate, wise, and selfless than he is. I am blessed to know him for the last 35 years.”
What Ezra Means for the Bar Association
So what does all this mean as Ezra steps into his role as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association?
It means we're getting a leader of impeccable character who will fight to elevate our profession, improve our justice system and defend the rule of law. Someone who advocates for the underdog and who has the moral clarity to do what's right. Someone who sees the bigger picture—how one case, one decision, one policy can affect thousands of people.
We're getting someone who understands that leadership isn't about being the most strident voice but is rather a product of careful listening, thoughtful engagement and building consensus. Someone who's led multiple complex organizations and earned universal respect. Someone who bridges different communities and brings people together.
And we're getting someone who believes deeply that justice should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. Someone who brings both ancient wisdom and modern strategy to everything he does. Ezra's scholarship in comparative law—his ability to draw insights from centuries of legal thinking—means he'll lead the Bar Association with respect for our traditions while innovating for the future.
His career proves something important: you can be a zealous advocate and still be a person of integrity and kindness. You can take on powerful institutions and still be collaborative. You can be deeply religious and scholarly while pioneering civil rights litigation. You can earn every professional honor while still finding time to do pro bono work.
In other words, you don't have to choose between being excellent and being good. Ezra's living proof that you can be both.
Full Circle
My instincts about Ezra when we first met were right. He has been a wonderful partner, a brilliant lawyer, a devoted community leader, and a true friend. Everything he's accomplished in helping to build our firm, fight for justice for our clients, and serve the broader community has prepared him for this moment.
The Philadelphia Bar Association is getting someone special. Someone who understands that leadership is about service. Someone who's been proving for nearly four decades that the practice of law, at its best, is about using your skills to help people and make the world a little more just.
Welcome, Chancellor Wohlgelernter. The legal community is lucky to have you leading us forward.
Alan M. Feldman is Co-Managing Partner at Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernter, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig and has practiced alongside Ezra Wohlgelernter for nearly 40 years. Alan is also former Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
