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The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas hosted its 15th annual Cardozo Cocktail on Thursday, Jan. 29, bringing together local legal professionals and community leaders for an evening of recognition, connection and celebration. Held in the home of Lea and Fry Wernick, the event drew a vibrant crowd who enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, conversation and a program honoring this year’s distinguished award recipients.
The Cardozo Society co-chairs — Cory Feldman, Brad Foxman, Max Friedman, Scott Hotchkiss and Brittney Lefkovits — welcomed guests before the evening’s awards were presented. Michael Newman received the 2026 Bill Finkelstein Award, recognizing his longstanding Jewish leadership and contributions to the Dallas community. David Ashton was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Young Attorney Award for his emerging leadership and commitment to community involvement.
Robert French, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas CEO, addressed the room with heartfelt appreciation for the honorees and the broader legal community, saying, “Our legal professionals play a vital role in building the kind of community we’re all proud to call home. Seeing this room filled with leaders who are deeply committed to justice, service and Jewish life gives me tremendous hope for our future. Michael and David, tonight’s award recipients, represent the very best of who we are.”
Brittany Stevens, senior director of Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Professional Division and corporate sponsorships, who helped lead the event, added, “The Cardozo Cocktail is a highlight of our year because it reflects the power of shared purpose. Our honorees remind us that leadership isn’t defined only by what happens in courtrooms — it’s defined by how we show up for our community. We are so proud to celebrate them.”
Guests also heard a moving personal reflection from Fry Wernick, bringing warmth and depth to the evening, alongside the support of the Federation’s leadership team, including Sherry Goldberg, board chair; Dot Haymann, immediate past board chair; and Joel Marcovitch, chief advancement officer. A special thank-you was extended to CBIZ, the networking reception sponsor, for helping make the gathering possible.
As the Federation’s Business and Professional Society continues to expand opportunities for engagement, attendees were invited to mark their calendars for the next event: the Young Professionals Happy Hour on Feb. 24, designed to strengthen networking, mentorship and collaboration among business professionals under 40. Those interested in participating can contact Stevens at bstevens@jewishdallas.org to register.
