The Brandeis Center hosted legal scholars, attorneys, and law student leaders together at the Beren Law Student Leadership Conference August 15-16, 2023. The conference explored the key civil and human rights issues impacting Jewish Americans today on college and university campuses and in workplaces. The conference honored the late Robert M. Beren, whose generous support made the conference possible and free for all law students. Robert passed away on August 8, and his son, Adam Beren, virtually met with conference attendees to honor his father’s memory. Robert was a staunch advocate for the Jewish community, and Adam spoke to how his father inspired him and the rest of his family to continue his legacy. In relation to the conference, Adam shared that his father “would be so proud of this group you’ve gathered here.” “They’re ready to take the mantle. I know that was important to my father, to be able to pass on the legacy and traditions and importance that he placed on Judaism,” Adam said. The law students in attendance represented 14 schools, including Columbia, NYU, Georgetown, George Washington, Cardozo, and others. Through a series of lectures, panels, and networking events, students engaged with prominent Jewish civil rights advocates and legal professionals about civil rights issues facing the Jewish community. Panelists discussed the definition of anti-Semitism, the presentation of contemporary anti-Semitism, and the legal strategies available to effectively counteract and combat anti-Semitism. Students left the conference with bolstered knowledge of how to use their legal education to fight against anti-Semitism and protect the rights of the Jewish community. The conference opened with an introduction from Brandeis Center Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus, who discussed that he has seen an increase in anti-Semitism over the course of his government career, which inspired him to found the Brandeis Center and fight to protect Jewish students against anti-Semitism through his work in the Department of Education. Next, LDB President Alyza D. Lewin shared her experience as a legal advocate for Jewish civil rights. “There are Jews today that are being targeted, not on the basis of their religious practice, but on the basis of our identity as a people, our history, our heritage, and the Jewish people’s deep historic, ancestral, and ethnic connection to the land of Israel,” Lewin declared. Marcus, Professor Avi Bell of San Diego State University and Bar Ilan University, and Anna Lelonek, a law student and Brandeis Center chapter leader at Cardozo School of Law, then discussed the goals and impact of the LDB chapter initiative on law school campuses. Launched in 2014, LDB law student chapters offer educational programming about legal issues relating to Jewish civil rights. The panelists discussed how these chapters fill an important gap in American legal education, and how the Brandeis Center works with student chapters to provide opportunities and resources for Jewish civil rights advocacy on campus. In the next panel, Nathan Lewin, a partner at Lewin & Lewin LLP, and Professor Michael Avi Helfand, a Brenden Mann Foundation Chair in Law and.Religion at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and Visiting Professor at Yale Law School, discussed how to use the law to protect religious liberty. Lewin has argued 28 cases in front of the Supreme Court, several of them involving religious liberty for Jewish people. He and Helfand discussed the legal protections for freedom of religious practice, and the scope of the Free Exercise Clause and Establishment Clause in cases involving Jewish rights. They also stressed that there are different avenues to fight for Jewish civil rights — both the judicial and legislative spheres. “The way law works is you have more than one track. What you can’t necessarily accomplish in court, sometimes what happens in the court allows you to then push legislative initiatives and vice versa,” Helfand said. Brandeis Center General Counsel L. Rachel Lerman, Potomac Law Group Partner Marci Lerner Miller, and LDB Staff Attorney Deena Margolies then discussed the anti-Semitic implementation of the ethnic studies curriculum in California schools. Although the curriculum is intended to teach students about underrepresented groups who may otherwise not be portrayed in existing courses, Lerman and Miller stressed that individual school districts have eschewed the original mission of the curriculum by illegally including anti-Semitic content and sources. “The school has rules. The school district itself has rules about controversial topics: they need to be fact-based, they need to show both sides, and they need to not be biased against anyone in particular. But the rules are not being followed any more than the law is being followed,” Lerman stated. The following day, B’nai B’rith International Director of Legislative Affairs, Rabbi Eric Fusfield, National Jewish Advocacy Center CEO and Director, Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, and StandWithUs Center for Combating Antisemitism Director Carly Gammill spoke on a panel about how to understand and define anti-Semitism. Panelists emphasized the importance of defining anti-Semitism in countering widespread lack of awareness. Panelists referenced the recently released U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, which endorsed the IHRA Definition of anti-Semitism, but also wrote that it “welcomes and appreciates the Nexus Document and notes other such efforts.” Panelists expressed unequivocal and exclusive support for the IHRA Definition. “The responsibility to combat anti-Semitism falls on all of us, and one of the most indispensable tools in this challenge is a commonly-accepted definition such as the IHRA Working Definition, which spotlights anti-Semitism in all of its manifestations, and allows us to call out the problem whenever it occurs,” said Fusfield. Professor Bell and LDB Senior Counsel Arthur Traldi then spoke about how to understand and interpret international law as it relates to the Palestine/Israel conflict. Traldi gave an overview of international law, and Bell spoke about how common public misconceptions about international law can create dangerous narratives surrounding Israel’s perceived war crimes and human rights violations. Hillel International Vice President Mark Rotenberg then delivered a presentation on the First Amendment and Principles of Academic Freedom. He delved into the historical evolution of academic freedom, tracing its origins from the medieval period to its adaptation in American higher education. He highlighted contemporary challenges that students, teachers, and universities face when navigating academic freedom and the right to free speech, particularly when cases of anti-Semitism arise. Rotenberg pointed to real-life examples from higher education, asking attendees to offer solutions that respect academic freedom and the right to free speech. A panel consisting of LDB Director of Corporate Initiatives and Senior Counsel Rory Lancman, Duane Morris LLP Partner Jonathan Segal, K&L Gates Partner and former director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Craig Leen, and Marci Lerner-Miller engaged in a discussion on workplace anti-Semitism. They said that anti-Semitism in the workplace is on the rise, and they highlighted the routine denial of accommodations to Jewish employees. Another significant challenge discussed was the often-limited understanding of Jewish identity by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices. Amidst these concerns, the panel provided practical insights, including ways to constructively critique employee practices and effectively advocate for the rights of Jewish employees. On the evening of August 16, ADL Senior Director, National Litigation Pasch, GS2Law Chairman and American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists President Rob Garson, Gibson Dunn Partner Akiva Shapiro, and Virginia Attorney General Anti-Semitism Task Force Member Joel Taubman presented on making fighting anti-Semitism part of your practice. Pasch shared that “whether you’re in a Jewish agency, small firm, or a large firm, there are avenues for you to make fighting anti-Semitism part of your practice.” Garson suggested that one way to combat anti-Semitism in the workplace is to remain connected to your Jewish identity despite pressures to conform, saying “don’t compromise your own principles for your job.” The keynote speaker, Former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, spoke on how the perpetuation of left-wing anti-Semitism on college campuses is creating a hostile environment for Jewish students. Mukasey also spoke about how some individuals and organizations who fund the rise of left-wing anti-Semitism are oftentimes directly connected to terrorist organizations. However, despite the dire circumstances, he concluded his speech with hope that the next generation of law students will be able to continue the fight against rising anti-Semitism. “The skills that you bring to bear and will bring to bear as lawyers — analyzing facts, making critical distinctions, and drawing reasonable conclusions — are going to be critical to giving Jewish students the tools they need to beat back the strain of anti-Semitism that currently infects U.S. college campuses.” The following day, LDB hosted training for its JIGSAW Fellows for the upcoming year. The JIGSAW Initiative trains law students to work with and advise undergraduates in combating anti-Semitism on campus. Author: Arielle Feuerstein
Earlier this month, Brandeis Center General Counsel L. Rachel Lerman, a nationally prominent appellate litigator, was asked to join the prestigious State Appellate Judicial Evaluation Committee (SAJEC) of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA). . The LACBA is a voluntary bar association founded in 1878, and it is one of the largest in the country, with over 18,000 members. Besides being the “voice of the legal community in Southern California,” the association provides counsel to “juvenile and indigent criminal defendants,” and it offers pro bono legal services. . Ms. Lerman was asked to participate in the SAJEC, which evaluates those nominated by the Governor to the California Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The committee goes through a lengthy vetting procedure to ensure that each candidate is qualified to serve in this position. Lerman joins 15 committee members, along with Chair Alana H. Rotter. . Before joining the Brandeis Center, Ms. Lerman was a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she co-chaired the firm’s national appellate law practice. She is a member of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers and has served on the Appellate Courts Committee of the LACBA. Ms. Lerman did pro bono work for many individuals and non-profit organizations before joining the Brandeis Center. She has been a part of the Brandeis Center for many years even before her recent appointment as General Counsel, serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, a position she continues to hold.
Washington, D.C. (July 22, 2022) – The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law has appointed Vice Chair L. Rachel Lerman to serve as the organization’s general counsel. Lerman will assume a set of additional responsibilities in her new role, including offering legal guidance on matters affecting the Brandeis Center as an organization. She will continue working directly on many of the nonprofit’s highest-profile cases. “We are delighted to have Rachel in this role as the Brandeis Center expands to address increased anti-Semitism in the United States,” remarked Brandeis Center Founder and Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus. “With the continued growth of our civil rights organization, we will rely on Rachel’s expertise to inform case work and represent the Brandeis Center in litigation.” “It is exciting to reach this moment in our organization’s history, where our growth and sophistication requires a dedicated General Counsel,” said Brandeis Center President Alyza D. Lewin. “We are thrilled Rachel has accepted this role. As a Chambers ranked appellate lawyer, long-time member of the Brandeis Center’s Board of Directors, and Senior Counsel at the Brandeis Center this past year, there is no one better suited to advise us in this capacity. We are in excellent hands with Rachel as our GC.” Lerman, an appellate litigator with more than 25 years’ experience, joined the Brandeis Center in July 2021 as senior counsel after serving as the organization’s Vice Chair for many years. Previously, she was a partner at Akin Gump LLP and then Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she co-chaired the national appellate practice group. She is a member of the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers and has done pro bono work on behalf of refugees and non-profit organizations for more than 20 years. “I look forward to this opportunity to take my work with the Brandeis Center a step further and help the organization sustain its impact and growth,” said Lerman. “I am honored to have been selected for this role.” The Brandeis Center continues to add additional staff to address increasing anti-Semitism across the United States. The organization’s most recent survey revealed historic challenges faced by openly Jewish college students, demonstrating that two-thirds of Jewish fraternity and sorority members feel unsafe on campus. Continuing its ongoing expansion, the Brandeis Center is currently seeking to hire several junior litigators, a senior employment counsel role, and a public policy director. The group is also accepting submissions for law clerks, law fellows, and undergraduate internships for the 2022-23 academic year.
The Brandeis Center is pleased to announce that Rachel Lerman was elected Vice President during the organization’s Annual Meeting on October 26, 2015. Rachel Lerman is a partner in Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Los Angeles office, a member of the firm’s Litigation Department and co-chair of the Appellate Practice Group. Formerly a partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Rachel Lerman focuses on appellate practice and trial strategy in complex civil cases. She has handled writs and appeals in commercial, bankruptcy, patent, trade mark, trade secret, labor, insurance defense, white collar, and family law cases in state and federal courts nationwide. Ms. Lerman has also taught, lectured, and wrote articles on different aspects of appellate practice. Additionally, Ms. Lerman has served on LDB’s Board of Directors since December 2012 and LDB’s Legal Advisory Board since July 2012. Ms. Lerman commented, “The Louis D. Brandeis Center has done outstanding work in its efforts to end anti-Semitism on campuses across the nation. I am honored to be a part of an organization that is so dedicated to the cause of justice, and I am proud to continue our work to fight against anti-Semitism as we take the next step forward.” LDB President Kenneth L. Marcus stated, “I have known Rachel Lerman since law school, and she has always shown that she is a person of exemplary character and has become a brilliant lawyer. She has been a terrific addition to the Brandeis Center’s advisory board and a vital member of our team. Her contributions have helped strengthen our organization.” During the Annual Meeting, Kenneth L. Marcus was reelected as LDB’s President, Adam Feuerstein as treasurer, Judd Serotta as secretary, and Richard Cravatts and Tevi Troy as directors. LDB President Kenneth L. Marcus commented, “Our board of Directors has helped us to make great progress throughout the years, and their skills and expertise have been invaluable assets in our fight against anti-Semitism on college and university campuses nationwide. We have made great strides so far, and as the rates of anti-Semitic incidents increased both nationally and internationally, we are more determined than ever to combat anti-Semitism and end injustice and discrimination.” (more…)
Judd Serotta The Brandeis Center has just announced the election of Philadelphia litigator Judd Serotta to its board of directors. Mr. Serotta is a distinguished litigator, a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ New Jersey Advisory Committee, and an active member of the Jewish community. The press release announce his election appears below: Philadelphia Litigator Judd Serotta Joins Louis D. Brandeis Center Board WAHINGTON, DC (PRBuzz) December 13, 2013 The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, a public interest advocacy organization established to advance the civil and human rights of the Jewish people and promote justice for all, announces the election of Philadelphia litigator Judd Serotta, Esq., to the Center’s Board of Directors. Mr. Serotta previously served as a member of the Brandeis Center’s legal advisory board. The LDB President Kenneth L. Marcus commented, “Judd Serotta’s addition further strengthens the Center’s strength in civil rights legal advocacy. I have known Mr. Serotta for several years and consider him to be an outstanding lawyer.” Serotta joins Richard Cravatts, Adam Feuerstein, Rachel Lerman, Marcus, and Tevi Troy on the Brandeis Center’s governance board. “The timing is auspicious,” Marcus observed. “The Brandeis Center has just formed its first three law school student chapters this Fall and is actively pursuing legal matters on several university campuses.” (more…)