ORT America proudly announces that Ann-Marie Ahern, Co-Managing Principal, McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA, and Lawrence E. Oscar, Senior Counsel and former CEO and Managing Partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, will receive the 2026 ORT Jurisprudence Award, a longstanding tradition recognizing leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful community impact within the legal field. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as ORT proudly marks the 30th anniversary of the Jurisprudence Award, first established in 1996.
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.
Ann-Marie and Larry have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision throughout their careers. Their accomplishments and community engagement reflect the enduring values upon which the Jurisprudence Award was founded.
“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. “Their accomplishments and commitment to service embody the spirit of this award and reflect the strength and integrity of our legal community.”
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 thirty-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.
The award ceremony will take place on June 17, 2026 at 5:30pm 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.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to attend the event, please contact ORT America- Midwest Region at 216-464-3022 or email [email protected]. Visit www.ortamerica.org/midwest.
About the Honoree: Ann-Marie Ahern
Ann-Marie Ahern is Co-Managing Principal and head of the Employment Law group at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA. She is a dedicated, tireless advocate, and trusted advisor and has successfully litigated hundreds of employment disputes on behalf of her clients. As a Certified Specialist in Labor & Employment Law, Ann-Marie is knowledgeable of all facets of employment law and represents employees at each stage of the employment relationship. She approaches her practice with the understanding that a career is more than a paycheck, and that the loss of a job can be devastating.
Ann-Marie is an award-winning advocate and a top Labor & Employment Specialist in Ohio. Ann-Marie has been recognized repeatedly for her professional excellence, including multiple “Lawyer of the Year” honors from The Best Lawyers in America in labor and employment litigation and employment law for individuals. She has also been consistently named among Ohio’s top attorneys by Super Lawyers. A respected voice in her field, she is frequently invited to speak and provide commentary on employment law issues.
Ann-Marie has tried cases involving age, sex, race, and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, non-compete issues, breach of contract, and illegal retaliation. She has been at the forefront of the #MeToo and sexual harassment awareness movement and has been a steadfast supporter of victims of all forms of illegal discrimination. During her career, she has obtained verdicts and settlements on behalf of her clients in excess of $70 million.
Beyond her legal accomplishments, Ann-Marie has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to education and mentorship. For many years, she has served on the Visiting Committee for Cleveland State University College of Law, where she also led the Job Placement Workgroup. She currently serves on the Board of St. Joseph Academy, an all-girls school in the City of Cleveland dedicated to empowering young women to achieve academic excellence and inspiring lives of compassionate leadership and service in a global society. The school fosters unity and service to the “dear neighbor,” and all creation. As a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee, she plays a key role in guiding the school’s leadership and mission. This year, she is also serving as an advisor to the school’s Mock Trial team.
Ann-Marie’s dedication to young people extends beyond the classroom. She has coached girls youth soccer for many years, working with athletes ranging in age from eight to eighteen, and has served as a mentor with College Now, supporting students as they pursue higher education opportunities.
Her career reflects a steadfast belief in dignity, opportunity, and the power of using one’s voice to uplift and protect others. Through her leadership in the legal profession, her mentorship of students, and her service to community and educational organizations, she has created lasting impact both professionally and personally.
_____
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.