Sherrie Savett Celebrates 50 Years of Legal and Jewish Leadership

Sherrie Savett, a prominent legal figure in Philadelphia, is marking an impressive milestone of fifty years in the courtroom. Over her extensive career, she has not only established herself as an executive shareholder at Berger Montague, a well-respected law firm, but has also significantly contributed to Jewish communal life through various leadership roles.

Savett has dedicated much of her professional life to class action securities fraud cases and whistleblower litigation, helping recover over $3 billion for state and federal governments. Her work has had a profound impact on both the legal field and the communities she serves.

A Journey of Jewish Awakening

Savett’s commitment to Jewish life deepened dramatically following a pivotal moment in her youth. At the age of 15, she read the book “Exodus,” which opened her eyes to the Holocaust. Despite growing up in a predominantly Jewish area, she did not receive a thorough Jewish education and felt a significant gap in her understanding of her identity. As she reflects, “I came from a lovely, warm Jewish family that celebrated holidays casually, but there was virtually no Jewish education on any level.”

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Savett entered a legal profession that was largely male-dominated. At Berger Montague, she experienced an inclusive atmosphere that fostered women’s advancement. “In our law firm, I think about 40% of the lawyers are women, and there are many women partners,” she stated, noting her desire to serve as a mentor and role model for younger female attorneys.

Community Leadership and Lifelong Connections

Savett’s involvement with the Jewish community took on new dimensions when she received a letter from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia at age 28. The organization identified her as a potential leader and invited her on an all-expenses-paid mission to Israel. That trip, which coincided with Yom HaZikaron, left a lasting impression on her.

“On a busy street in Tel Aviv, everything stopped for a moment of silence,” she recalled, describing the powerful experience of collective remembrance. This trip inspired her to take on a leadership role within the Federation, where she served as chair of the board from 2011 to 2014. She considers this role “the greatest honor” of her life, allowing her to forge lifelong friendships with others equally committed to the Jewish community.

Savett’s contributions extend beyond the Federation. She has held various positions with organizations such as the American Jewish Committee, Israel Bonds, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. She is also involved with the American Associates of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, PJ Library, and Momentum, an initiative likened to “Birthright for young mothers.”

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Savett and her partner, Vitaly Rakhman, founded the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project. This nonprofit organization trains Jewish institutions to effectively handle emergencies, ensuring they are prepared when crises arise.

Savett’s dedication to both her legal career and her Jewish community has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, she received recognition from the American Jewish Committee for her exceptional contributions.

“Now, I just want to do whatever I can to improve the lives of Jewish people, to celebrate being Jewish, to protect Jewish people,” Savett expressed, highlighting her ongoing commitment to her community. Through her work and service, she continues to inspire others and exemplifies leadership in both the legal and Jewish realms.