Feldman Shepherd Co-Founding Partner Ezra Wohlgelernter Installed as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association

Feldman Shepherd is pleased to announce that co-founding partner Ezra Wohlgelernter was installed on December 10, 2025, as the 99th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the oldest bar association in the United States.

Speaking at his installation to a standing-room-only audience of more than 300 people, Wohlgelernter, in addition to thanking his family, friends, professional colleagues, and past and future leaders of the Association, noted the significance of the Bar Association as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026.

“This historic occasion offers us, as leaders and members of the Bar Association, a profound opportunity to honor the enduring values of our democracy and the Rule of Law. As Thomas Paine said, ‘In America, the Law is the King,’” Wohlgelernter said.

Wohlgelernter outlined his top priorities as Chancellor to include: inspiring civic engagement, expanding CLE opportunities, preparing members for the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, supporting the professional development of young lawyers, and continuing the Association’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

With respect to civic engagement, Wohlgelernter noted that trial lawyers devote enormous time and resources to selecting 12 jurors, but the “real truth” is that jury selection does not begin on the first day of trial. “It begins in middle school in eighth grade civics, when young students first learn about the Constitution, the justice system, and their future roles in society.”

“If we expect citizens to value the rule of law, they must understand it,” Wohlgelernter said. “If we expect them to trust the justice system, they must see themselves reflected in it. If we expect them to participate, we must teach them what participation means.”

Wohlgelernter noted that AI technology is rapidly transforming how attorneys manage their firms and practice law. He vowed to build upon the Association’s momentum this past year in addressing AI. “In the midst of the AI boom, we must proactively prepare to utilize the latest technology while maintaining fidelity to our ethical and professional standards,” he said.

A practicing attorney for more than 40 years, Wohlgelernter has served in many leadership positions in legal associations, non-profit organizations, and Jewish educational institutions. He previously served as the Bar Association’s Chancellor-Elect and Vice Chancellor, as well as co-chair of the Young Lawyers Trial Academy, co-chair of the Medical-Legal Committee, and on the State Civil Litigation Section Executive Committee. From 2014 to 2016, Wohlgelernter served as an investigator for the Association’s Commission on Judicial Selection. When the Association worked to open the courts after COVID-19, he served on a committee of leaders of the plaintiff and defense bars that collaborated with the judiciary to open safely and expeditiously for civil trials.

At Feldman Shepherd, Wohlgelernter maintains a diverse practice portfolio, including a successful history of motor vehicle and truck accident litigation, premises liability claims, medical negligence litigation, and other significant personal injury matters.

Wohlgelernter is the second Feldman Shepherd attorney to serve as Chancellor, following co-founding partner Alan M. Feldman who held the position in 2006.

“With Ezra, the Philadelphia Bar Association gains a highly respected leader, distinguished by his unwavering integrity and dedication to the rule of law. He combines impressive intellectual rigor with creative problem-solving, possessing a unique ability to bring people together in pursuit of shared objectives. I have no doubt that Ezra will be an outstanding Chancellor for all of us,” Feldman said.