On December 10, 2024, 21 days before my term as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association began on January 1, 2025, I spoke at our Annual Meeting about the importance of our role as lawyers in our society.  As I said then, “we are the voices, the advocates, the champions of those who need us – whether they are businesses striving to keep this great capitalist experiment alive or individuals who are struggling with the injustices of the world…. We have a duty as lawyers to stand for democracy and to protect the rule of law – without it, all we have is chaos.” 

This past fall I used this mantra to help me decide whether I could/would go to Spain and Portugal by myself. There is a wanderlust piece to me, but I have never been sure if it is real or imagined. It certainly existed within a certain structure, but this trip would be different and might let me know which version of me was the truth. 

Lawyers often take on many diverse roles, and one of the most unique roles is that of a third-party neutral mediator. Unlike traditional legal representation, mediation requires lawyers to step away from their advocacy role and act as impartial facilitators, helping parties resolve disputes collaboratively. This shift in responsibility brings with it a unique set of ethical obligations, which are outlined in the American Bar Association’s Formal Opinion 518, “A Lawyer’s Duties to Avoid Misleading Communications When Acting as a Third-Party Neutral Mediator,” issued on October 15, 2025 by the Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility. This column summarizes the Opinion. 

In July, the Public Interest Law Center and Stapleton Segal Cochran LLC, a Philadelphia- and Marlton-based litigation boutique, combined in a pro bono effort as amicus curiae to block efforts by the Department of Justice to prematurely end a federal consent decree involving alleged housing discrimination.  Under the 2023 consent decree, a private bank, ESSA Bank & Trust (“ESSA”), had agreed to take several steps over five years to remedy its alleged geographic and financial discrimination against communities in the Philadelphia region.  

A new chapter of service begins with our 99th Chancellor, Ezra Wohlgelernter. Catch a glimpse into the leadership shaping the future of our legal community.

Brian Levinson founded Alevistar Legal Search (an official partner of the Philadelphia Bar Association) in 2003 and serves as its managing partner. For more than two decades, Brian has worked with many of the top law firms and corporations throughout the Philadelphia area, helping them attract exceptional legal talent. He also partners closely with attorneys, paralegals, and legal support professionals to guide them toward their next career opportunity.