ORT America recently announced that Hahn Loeser former CEO and Managing Partner Lawrence E. Oscar will receive the 2026 ORT Jurisprudence Award, a longstanding tradition recognizing leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful community impact within the legal field. For three decades, the ORT Jurisprudence Award has honored attorneys and jurists who exemplify integrity, dedication to the profession, and sustained civic involvement. The award has become a cornerstone event in the Cleveland legal community, celebrating individuals whose careers reflect both professional achievement and a deep commitment to service.
ORT released the following statement on Oscar:
If loyalty were a person, it would look a lot like Larry Oscar. A true Cleveland “lifer.” In an era of professional job-hopping, Larry is a rare breed: he has spent his entire 45-year career at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP. Hahn Loeser is still his home, where Larry is now paying it forward by mentoring younger lawyers as Larry was mentored earlier in his career by Hahn Loeser’s senior partners of that day. These career relationships matter to Larry.
Larry joined Hahn Loeser in 1981, when the firm immediately gave him an opportunity and role in the seminal chapter 11 case of White Motor Corporation. Larry has been involved in many of the high-profile chapter 11 cases in our region and the country since, particularly in the steel industry, where he has appeared dozens of times for major publicly-traded companies. Larry has been one of the top business bankruptcy lawyers in Ohio for many years, according to the Chambers & Partners and Best Lawyers publications. Larry didn’t just occupy a corner office; he steered the ship as the firm’s Managing Partner for nine transformative years, when Hahn Loeser opened its Chicago and San Diego offices.
Larry’s influence extends beyond the client boardroom and courtroom to the civic community. Larry has chaired several important community organizations. He served as Board Chair of the Cleveland Leadership Center and has been an important leader in the arts community as Board President and Honorary Lifetime Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa). Additionally, he supported the Cleveland music world as the Founding Chair of the Advisory Council of the Cleveland Orchestra. He has been a volunteer for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland as well as a supporter of ORT. He also served on the CSU Law School-Law and Leadership Advisory Council, the Visiting Committee of CWRU Law School and on the Board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Larry was listed as a ”Notable Non-profit Board Leader” by Crain’s Cleveland Business in 2023 and listed in Cleveland Magazine’s Cleveland 500 list of community leaders for several years running including 2025.
At home in Shaker Heights, Larry’s life is just as full. He is happily married to Jeanne Shatten—a retired city planner and not-for-profit professional, who definitely keeps Larry pointed in the right direction. Together, they boast a lively dynasty of five adult children and four grandchildren. A lifetime member of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, Larry’s roots in the community run deep. Larry and Jeanne love traveling together and taking in all types of art performances and exhibitions.
When he’s away from the law, his community endeavors and his family, you can find him at the “Books & Bourbon” men’s book club—where the literary analysis is sharp, but the spirits are smoother, or on the golf course. Larry’s had 3 holes-in-one, twice with his life-long buddies from Cleveland Heights High as witnesses. Whether he’s advocating for a client or championing a museum, Larry remains one of Greater Cleveland’s most dedicated, spirited, and committed leaders.
The Event
The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at The Union Club and will bring together leaders from across the legal and civic communities. The event also serves as a key fundraising initiative supporting ORT’s global mission to advance education, vocational training, and career development opportunities around the world. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as ORT proudly marks the 30th anniversary of the Jurisprudence Award, first established in 1996.
Event co-chairs are Kenneth B. Liffman, McCarthy Lebit Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA, Jill G. Okun, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, and Shawna L. Rosner, Direct Recruiters, Inc. Legal Solutions Group. Ken Liffman was instrumental in establishing the Jurisprudence Award in 1996, and his leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for what has become a proud 30-year tradition of recognizing legal excellence in Cleveland.
Honorary Co-Chairs are James Graham, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., Kenneth B. Liffman, McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA, Catherine O’Malley Kearney, Key Private Bank, and Dan Zelman, Immediate Past Chairperson Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Ann-Marie Ahern, Co-Managing Principal, McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA, will also receive a Jurisprudence Award.
“We are thrilled to honor Ann-Marie and Larry with the ORT Jurisprudence Award during this milestone year,” said Todd Gurney, President of ORT America- Midwest Region. “They have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision throughout their careers. Their accomplishments and commitment to service embody the spirit of this award, display the strength and integrity of our legal community and reflect the enduring values upon which the Jurisprudence Award was founded.”
About ORT
ORT is a global education network driven by Jewish values and innovation, preparing people and communities for meaningful, self-sufficient futures. The ORT network reaches more than 200,000 people a year in schools, universities, and vocational training programs in more than 30 countries. We bridge the gap between ability and opportunity by providing leading science and technology education. ORT America consists of thousands of people throughout the United States who share a common, binding interest in supporting ORT, Israel and the Jewish people. ORT America is headquartered in New York, with regional offices in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. For more information, please visit www.ortamerica.org.
