Sherrie Savett Marks 50 Years in Law and Jewish Leadership

Sherrie Savett, a prominent figure in the Philadelphia legal community and a dedicated leader in Jewish communal life, has reached a remarkable milestone: 50 years at Berger Montague. During her tenure, she has not only risen to the role of executive shareholder but has also made significant contributions to various Jewish organizations, impacting countless lives.

Savett’s legal career has predominantly focused on class action securities fraud and whistleblower cases, with her leadership contributing to the recovery of over $3 billion for state and federal governments. Her commitment to justice and equality extends beyond her legal practice, as she actively promotes a supportive environment for women in law.

Early Life and Awakening to Jewish Identity

Born and raised in a largely Jewish community, Savett’s journey toward a deeper understanding of her heritage began at age 15 when she read Leon Uris’s novel “Exodus.” Despite being raised in a warm and loving Jewish family, she felt a lack of formal Jewish education. Reflecting on her upbringing, she noted, “I came from a lovely, warm Jewish family that celebrated holidays casually, but there was virtually no Jewish education on any level.”

After obtaining her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Savett joined Berger Montague at a time when the legal profession was predominantly male. She emphasized the supportive culture within the firm, stating that approximately 40% of the lawyers are women, with many holding partnership positions. Savett has worked to serve as a mentor and role model for younger women entering the field.

Leadership in the Jewish Community

Savett’s engagement with the Jewish community intensified when she received a letter from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia at age 28, inviting her to participate in a leadership mission to Israel. This trip, which coincided with Yom HaZikaron, left a profound impact on her. She vividly recalls a moment of silence that enveloped Tel Aviv, stating, “The love that I felt at that moment for the Jewish people was so tremendous. It’s never left me.”

During her time in Israel, Savett visited Mount Herzl and paid her respects at the grave of Yonatan Netanyahu, a significant figure in Israeli history. This experience inspired her to take on leadership roles within the Federation, culminating in her position as chair of the board from 2011 to 2014. She described her tenure as “the greatest honor” of her life, forging lasting friendships with others equally committed to the Jewish community.

Savett’s involvement does not stop with the Federation. She has held various roles in organizations such as the American Jewish Committee, Israel Bonds, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. She has also participated in initiatives like PJ Library and Momentum, aimed at enhancing Jewish identity among young families.

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Savett co-founded the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project with her partner, Vitaly Rakhman. This nonprofit organization focuses on training Jewish institutions to handle emergencies effectively, ensuring that communities are prepared for unexpected events.

Recognizing her extensive contributions, the American Jewish Committee honored Savett in 2025 for her remarkable service to both the legal profession and the Jewish community. She continues to express her dedication, saying, “Now, I just want to do whatever I can to improve the lives of Jewish people, to celebrate being Jewish, to protect Jewish people.”

Sherrie Savett’s journey is a testament to the impact one individual can have over decades, bridging the worlds of law and community service, and leaving a lasting legacy in both spheres.