October 18, 2021 – Ulmer & Berne LLP is proud to announce that the Cleveland Jewish News has named Cleveland Partner-in-Charge Patricia A. Shlonsky to its 2021 list of “18 Difference Makers,” which honors and celebrates individuals who make invaluable contributions for the betterment of Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community.
The “18 Difference Makers” awards were created to recognize community members who embrace “tikkun olam,” a tenant of Judaism that encourages performing acts of kindness to perfect or repair the world. Shlonsky was selected for this honor by a panel of judges who considered her active involvement to better the Jewish community, efforts to safeguard those who may be at a disadvantage, and admirable characteristics of integrity and generosity.
“Patty is known for her dedication to causes larger than herself, and we’re very proud of her extensive involvement both at Ulmer and in the community,” said Scott P. Kadish, Managing Partner. “Her extraordinary achievements, leadership, and service are shining examples of how to incorporate civic engagement into a successful career.”
Shlonsky is the first woman to serve as Ulmer’s Cleveland Partner-in-Charge in the firm’s more than 110-year history, and she is one of seven partners on the firm’s Management Committee, which manages all aspects of the firm’s operations. She also serves as Group Leader of Ulmer’s Employee Benefits and Tax Practice Groups, and she advises clients on a wide range of employee benefits and ERISA litigation matters. She is consistently recognized for her legal accomplishments, and has been ranked by Chambers USA as one of Ohio’s “Leaders in Their Field” for Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation every year since 2007, among other honors.
In addition to her robust practice and firm responsibilities, Shlonsky works to improve literacy, education, and economic advancement for all people throughout Northeast Ohio. A voracious reader and author of a popular book review blog, “From Briefs to Books,” she is a longtime Board Member and Past President of the Cuyahoga County Public Library Board of Trustees. She also serves as Vice President of the Board and Program Committee Co-Chair for The City Club of Cleveland and as a Board Member for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio. Her previous community service includes leadership roles with The Center for Community Solutions, Business Volunteers Unlimited, and Dress For Success Cleveland.
Shlonsky also serves on the Retirement Fund Committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and is a regular participant in the Federation’s Women IN Philanthropy K’Sharim: Connecting Jewish Leaders Program, which empowers women to be community leaders and strengthen the Cleveland Jewish community. At Ulmer, she is an active member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and she participated in planning and hosting the Ulmer-sponsored program, “Stop the Hate: Anti-Semitism in America,” with guests Holly Huffnagle, U.S. Director for Combating Antisemitism from the American Jewish Committee, and Oren Segal, Vice President of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism.
The 2021 “18 Difference Makers” honorees will be recognized at a celebratory reception and ceremony at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, on Dec. 9, and will be featured in a special section of the Cleveland Jewish News on Dec. 10. Click here to learn more about the “18 Difference Makers” awards.