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Kolsby, Gordon, Robin & Shore founding partner Allan H. Gordon died June 19.
Memorial Service, Sunday June 24, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood, PA. Shiva at the home of Lauren and Lenard Cohen, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 PM. 125 Old Gulph Rd., Wynnewood, PA.
As a partner at Kolsby Gordon, Mr. Gordon was one of the most esteemed attorneys in Philadelphia. Known for his professionalism, legal acumen and expertise at trial, he also largely responsible for building the firm’s reputation as an elite and respected personal injury firm.
Mr. Gordon concentrates his practice on plaintiffs’ trial work in professional malpractice, medical malpractice, products liability, drug injury, and personal injury. He has tried cases involving failure to diagnose cancer, failure to prescribe vaccines, obstetrical negligence, orthopedic negligence, catastrophic injury due to defective machinery, as well as diving accidents.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Mr. Gordon has litigated cases for both plaintiffs and defendants that have achieved significance nationwide, assisting those who are sued for false allegations and helping victims of extreme negligence.
In 1980, Mr. Gordon represented Schering Plough, securing an appropriate settlement for the drug manufacturer who had been sued by turkey growers claiming their product harmed the fowls’ embryos.
Kolsby Gordon was also named national counsel of a 1978 case, representing a group of women who developed cancer years after taking the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), a hormone drug prescribed to pregnant women to prevent premature labor and miscarriage. The firm represented the nation’s first case concerning the drug, and many consequential lawsuits thereafter.
EARLY YEARS
In 1970, Mr. Gordon joined the firm then known as Kolsby & Wolf. After six years of successfully trying and resolving cases throughout Philadelphia, he was named partner—a role in which he has continued to grow, along with the firm.
Building upon the firm’s reputation as a plaintiffs’ litigation boutique, Mr. Gordon takes great pride in the individualized attention that each client receives when they come to Kolsby Gordon. The practice of law is exceptionally rewarding, and gives him the opportunity to directly handle cases that can dramatically improve the life of seriously injured clients.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Widely sought for his wealth of expertise, Mr. Gordon is a member of nearly every professional organization that recognizes excellence in the practice of trial law.
In 1990, Mr. Gordon helped found the Judge Pro Tempore program within the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, a move that drastically reduced the extreme backlog of civil cases within Philadelphia by allowing pre-selected attorneys to sit as pro bono judges when needed.
From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Gordon also served as the chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, the oldest metropolitan bar association in the country, as well as chair of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Mr. Gordon is a member of the Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and American Bar Associations; the Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Associations; and the Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society.
EDUCATION
- J.D., Temple University Beasley School of Law, 1966
- B.S., Temple University, 1963
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Pennsylvania
- United States District Courts for the Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania
- United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Board of Directors and volunteer attorney, Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent
- Chancellor and chair of the Board of Governors, Philadelphia Bar Association
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Fellow, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Fellow, International Society of Barristers
- Fellow, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Judge Pro Tem, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas
- Lecturer, Temple University Beasley School of Law
- Lecturer, Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
- Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
- Lecturer, Gratz College
- Master, Temple University Law School Inn of Court
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Executive Board, Temple University School of Law Alumni Association
- Member, Tau Epsilon Rho Law Society
- President, Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
- Zone Delegate, Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- Strathmore’s Who’s Who Registry
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Philadelphia Super Lawyers
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- Awarded Honorary CHS Barnwell Button 2003 by CHS Classmates
Link to the Philadelphia Inquirer Obituary http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries/allan-h-gordon-77-former-chancellor-of-philadelphia-bar-association-20180622.html
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Jay Kerzner
Sad to hear of Allan's passing. Great guy, smart, witty, many professional accomplishments. Last memory-sharing a cab ride from airport into downtown Philly- Al gave me some off the cuff legal advice.
Jay Kerzner
Paul Hirschman
Last week Kim and I attended the memorial service for Allan Gordon held here in South Florida. Allen’s family and friends came to pay their respects and to support Sharon, her daughters and their families. The Rabbi spoke of knowing Allan for only a short time as the Gordon’s were congregants for only several years. However, he vividly described Allan, and viewed Allan in much the same manner as I have always viewed Allan, a dear friend.
As we walked into the main sanctuary, I noticed an almost life size photo of Allan. Yes, there he was, that same loving smile on his face. Immediately it brought more tears to the many already non dry eyes of those in the sanctuary. The service was emotional as first the Rabbi spoke followed by family members, business associates, and friends. Sharon spoke of a loving and caring husband, their three daughters gave accounts of their relationships with Allan, and a moving eulogy was delivered by Allan’s mentor and law partner Herb. And to quote Herb, "Like Sarah Lee, nobody doesn't like Allan Gordon".
Sitting there I realized that we, I, have lost a dear friend. Allan and I have on occasion discussed how we were very similar in many ways and dissimilar in others. At Central High we were both underachievers and between us we did not have a single Barnwell award. We both went to Temple University as undergrads and were at the top of our class. We then went on to earn added degrees at Temple University. We each married our life partner of over 55 years. Our wives were even classmates in high school. We had children of whom we are very proud and grandchildren who call us “Z’ for Zeyde, the Yiddish word for Grandfather. We were both successful in our careers. We have had similar medical issues that had given us a further bonding. And finally, we both enjoyed the warmth of the climate living here in South Florida.
As we aged our friendship developed and it spanned almost 65 years. I will always remember Allan with a smile on his face. He would enter a room and somehow it would seem brighter. He had the ability to inject humor into any situation. There wasn’t a conversation of ours that did not include something funny, a joke, a story that would have us both laughing to the point of discomfort.
Allan, you were unique. You were a dear friend and you will be missed by many. You were loved by many.
Jerome E. Goldberg
Attended the Memorial Service for Allan on Sunday morning June 24th at a synagogue in the western suburbs of Philadelpahia along with Jeff Schwartz and his lovely wife Joan. The Philadelphia Bar Association was out in full force to salute one of its own. Allan was lauded as an attorney of great legal skill and talent who adhered to high ethical standards. His well-known wit and humor were celebrated. His lasting legacy, though, will be his three lovely daughters.
Jerry Goldberg
Marc Levin
I did not know Allan very well. Not nearly as much as did some mutual friends It was not until years of reunions listening to Allan's stand-up routine that I came to appreciate his extraordinary wit, intelligence and joy for life. One moment that comes to mind was the "debate" between Allan and Joel Browndorf over who was more worthy of receiving a post-graduation Barnwell button! At the recent 60th reunion, I was disappointed at not having the pleasure of hearing Allan's shtick once again, because of his illness.
Mostly, Allan best reflected and encapsulated the significance of our remarkable years together at Central.
For this and much more, I will miss my friend dearly. My heart goes out to Sharon, Allan's dazzling partner for life.
Marc Levin
Joel Browndorf
He "worked" a room like a concert pianist. His humor and intellect was memorable. Allan Gordon will be missed by all.
One of the 210's most notable alumnae and a friend of over 60 years. He was always available to counsel on any subject that concerned a classmate.
My condolences to Sharon. He was a true gentleman - rest in peace Allan.
Joel Browndorf
Ronald Fogel
To say that Allan was a great guy is an understatement. He made all feel welcome while in his company. He truly will be missed. My deepest condolences to Sharon, an old Mt. Airy friend.
Ron Fogel
Herbert N. Weinstein
iwill miss him very much
Herb Weinstein
.Everything that everyone has said about Allan Gordon is absolutely true
The remarkable thing about him is what he accomplished while being not the best of health fo the past number of years and HE NEVER Complained
Fredric C. Jacobs
Wonderful guy and good friend. We always laughed about who finished lower in the class. It is particular gratifying to see the warm comments of Herbie, Ronnie, Joel, Jay, Marc, Paul and Jerry.
Freddie
Herbert Ian Wachstein
I confess I never knew Allan close up and well, but he always appeared to me to be a good and decent guy. I just took the time to look at Allan's photo in our graduation book. After reading it, let me make three points. First, he spelled his name at the time with one "L" (Alan), in our year book; Second, the words under his photo note that his interests at the time of our graduation included, among other things, girls; and Third, my clearest memories of Allan are seeing him while I was playing ball on the street with friends in my West Park community just outside of Wynnefield visiting one of our areas many beautiful girls on a regular basis on Sherwood Road near 46th Street. My condolences and best wishes to Allan's family.
Nathaniel Goodman
I knew Allan well from homeroom and then years at Temple. What I recollect most vividly from the reunions, is Paul Hirschman’s relentless efforts to keep us together and Allan’s wit and humanity.
Allan would tell the same NYC trip story with such hilarity as he would tell me of his 18 year-old Army basic training story every time he saw me in my ROTC uniform at Temple.
I loved it each time as we loved Allan!
Wholehearted regrets to Sharon and Family.