Chancellor: Comisky Exemplified High Ideals

Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Scott F. Cooper issued the following statement today on the passing of former Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Marvin Comisky, Chairman Emeritus at Blank Rome LLP:

"Marvin Comisky was a pioneer in the legal profession and a natural-born leader who exemplified the ideals of personal character, keen intellect, and professional commitment. A consummate lawyer, he managed a full-time practice while serving as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association in 1965 and was integral in leading the commitment to diversity among law firms at a time when such efforts did not exist.
As Chancellor in 1965, Marvin Comisky focused on the problems of the courts, fostering a new level of cooperation between bench and bar. He advocated for the creation of additional judicial seats to address the high volume of cases in the Philadelphia court system, resulting in the addition of ten judges that year. He was instrumental in persuading the court to establish for the first time a formal ceremony for the induction of lawyers.
Under Comisky’s leadership, the Association addressed itself to the national call for a “war on poverty” by creating a plan in which Philadelphia lawyers would assure the availability of legal services to the poor throughout the city.
He also established a fund for underemployed lawyers “so that our less fortunate brothers at the bar may have a friendly, helping hand in times of stress.”
Comisky also created the Philadelphia Bar Association’s first published Annual Report.
Marvin Comisky was a personal mentor to me in my professional career. As a partner in the law firm that he helped to create, I am honored to have followed in his footsteps to serve as Chancellor of America’s oldest metropolitan bar association.
On behalf of the entire legal community, we extend our condolences to Marvin Comisky’s family at this difficult time. We do this gratefully with the knowledge that they and we are sustained by the warm and shining memory of this great man."

Services will be held on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Beth Shalom Congregation, 8231 Old York Road in Elkins Park. Contributions in Marvin’s name can be made to: Beth Shalom Congregation, 8231 Old York Road, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania 19027, or Abramson Center for Jewish Life, 1425 Horsham Road, North Wales, PA 19454-1320.