Jerold R. Ruderman

Jerry Ruderman served for 18 years as managing partner of Wilson Elser’s White Plains, NY, office, leading its expansion from 15 attorneys in 1990 to become what is now the largest law practice in Westchester County. He also served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and of its Operations Group until his retirement and transition to of counsel in 2008.

Throughout his career, Jerry has focused on bankruptcy and creditor’s rights as well as real estate matters. His experience includes commercial leasing, real property acquisitions, commercial loan transactions, loan restructuring and workouts, and bankruptcy matters. He has represented various lending institutions and financing companies in secured commercial lending transactions, as well as landlords and tenants in commercial leasing transactions.

Jerry also has been instrumental in building the firm’s municipal liability practice in White Plains, which has defended most of the cities and municipalities in Westchester County during the past 20 years. This work includes a wide range of civil rights and municipal liability cases, including wrongful conviction, excessive force, malicious prosecution, false arrest, false imprisonment and other high-stakes claims against public employees and officials.

While Jerry continues to practice law, he spends much of his time on outreach and development activities to support and promote the next generation of the firm’s leaders, speaking to and actively participating in bar association, law school, civic and government groups.

Professional/Community Activities
Jerry has long been active in Westchester County, NY, civic affairs through his involvement in a number of professional and community organizations. He is past president of the Westchester County Bar Association and chairman of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission. In May 2012, he was appointed by New York Court of Appeals Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman to serve on the Pro Bono Advisory Committee, which will make recommendations on how to implement the new pro bono service requirement for admission to the New York state bar. He also currently serves as chairman of the Grievance Committee for the Ninth Judicial District, is a member of the Chief Judge’s statewide Grievance Review Committee and previously was a member of the Judicial Screening Committee for the Appellate Division, Second Department.

In addition, Jerry supports many endeavors that encourage and promote higher education. He serves on the Cornell University Board of Trustees and the Pace University Law School Board of Visitors and frequently has presented lectures in his areas of practice to law students at Pace, Cornell and New York University.