Press Release
Washington, D.C. – B’ nai B’rith International has named Scott D. Gilbert the recipient of its Commitment to Justice Award for his unwavering dedication to philanthropy, pro bono work and leadership in helping people and communities. Only a handful of honorees have received the decades-old award that’s given on special occasions to select individuals. Mr. Gilbert received the award on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at a cocktail reception and dinner event which kicked off at 6 p.m. in Union Station’s Columbus Club and East Hall, respectively.
Nearly 300 people attended the event, including some of the individuals and organizations who have received pro bono services from Mr. Gilbert’s D.C.-based law firm, Gilbert LLP.
Guests and the media were treated to a showcase of motorcycles and learned how they contribute to the law firm’s charitable culture.
The global voice of the Jewish community, B’nai B’rith International is the most widely recognized Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. With members in 50 countries, B’nai B’rith mobilizes volunteers to improve the quality of life in communities around the world, promoting the values of the organization in areas of community service, disaster relief, youth education, public action and health awareness.
“Giving has never being a cliché to me or our firm; it has always being a fundamental part of my life,” said Scott Gilbert, founder and chairman of Gilbert LLP. “As a matter of fact, when I founded our firm, my mantra was ‘do well, have fun and give back’ and that spirit resonates daily because, thankfully, we’re continuing to do very well and are having fun while giving back to the community.
Mr. Gilbert is recognized as one of the most prominent legal experts in insurance recovery and is widely acknowledged as one of the field’s most important innovators. He has long been on the forefront of high-profile initiatives, settlements, and litigation, representing clients in a variety of complex liability and insurance disputes.
“The road for happiness for so many is paved with the good works of Scott Gilbert,” said Moishe Smith, president of B’nai B’rith International who said, “He has successfully used his legal skills to help the vulnerable.”
Gilbert LLP devotes at least 10 percent of the firm’s hours to providing free representation to people and organizations in need. As of April 2009, the firm had already exceeded the10 percent mark and also received an award honoring its pro bono work from the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Mr. Gilbert’s brother, Harvard University professor and author of the New York Times Bestseller, Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert, provided the keynote speech at Wednesday’s event.
About Gilbert LLP
Based in Washington, DC, with an office in Austin, Gilbert LLP is a law firm representing a wide range of clients, including corporations, partnerships, non-profit organizations and individuals in complex disputes, including high-stakes litigation, bankruptcy matters, class actions and ADRs. Best known for representing policyholder interests in insurance coverage matters, Gilbert LLP also has an active public interest practice that specializes in complex multi-plaintiff actions involving cutting-edge issues. Visit www.gotofirm.com for more information.
About B’nai B’rith International
B’nai B’rith International, the global voice of the Jewish community, is the most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. BBI works to aid the victims of disaster; improves the lives of senior citizens through housing and advocacy; promotes health initiatives and education; provides youth leadership training; serves community members in need; and fights intolerance around the world. B’nai B’rith…since 1843. Visit www.bnaibrith.org for more information.