Cardozo Society back in business

It’s been a number of years since the Cardozo Society gathered for networking and programming. On Dec. 12, 35 people gathered in the board room at the Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence to hear Judge Netti C. Vogel speak.

Wednesday’s event was co-chaired by Ron Markoff and Peri Ann Aptaker.

Vogel spoke passionately about her Jewish upbringing in Chicago. Vogel’s Jewish values helped shape her as a professional in the legal field. When asked about her most difficult verdict, she explained it is when she disagrees with the jury’s decision. She clarified that there are times that she feels the jury is wrong in their decision but she has no choice but to uphold the verdict.

Prior to taking the bench, Vogel practiced law for 19 years as a civil litigator. During her legal career, she helped break barriers for women in what was once a male-dominated profession.

The night ended with a poem about Vogel composed by Markoff. Everyone agreed this was the perfect way to end and to honor Judge Vogel.

In honor of Judge Vogel

READY IN COURT!  READY IN COURT!

So the Bailiff bellows

His raspy voice is hardly mellow

The Bailiff shrieks all rise

As her Honor takes the bench I surmise

The clerk calls each case

How slow is the pace!

A young lawyer comes forward to argue for the day

He hopes he will readily earn his pay

Her Honor listens from the bench

He really hopes she will be a mensch

But Judge Vogel looks down with a stare

I’m sure it gave this lawyer a mighty scare.

He begins to argue his motion

But nerves make him feel like lotion

His legs begin to be unsteady

He questions whether he was ready

Her Honor stops him in his tracks

His arguments are filled with cracks

His motion is finished – the decision to be had

Win or lose, the lawyer can’t be mad

For her Honor may be tough but always she’s fair

Notwithstanding the Projo, she didn’t give a care

We are so fortunate to have a judge, Jewish and of her kind

Who will never hesitate to speak her mind

Her decisions have been just

Their readings a must

I must say that Judge Cardozo, an esteemed scribe

Would be so proud that our Judge belongs to the Tribe.

The purpose of the Cardozo society is to strengthen the commitment of Jewish legal and accounting professionals to the global Jewish community through educational and cultural activities. The Cardozo Society offers networking opportunities and programs targeted specifically to members of the legal and accounting professions.

For more information, contact Seth Finkle, sfinkle@jewishallianceri.org.

SETH FINKLE (sfinkle@jewishallianceri.org) is the manager of development at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.