American ORT honors Mechanic

Real Estate Weekly, Jan 8, 2003

The Real Estate & Construction Industry Chapter of American ORT presented its 2002 "ORT Community Achievement Award," to Jonathan L. Mechanic, of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, at their annual awards luncheon.

"Jonathan has been one of the driving forces behind New York's real estate industry and is truly one of the leaders in the field," said U.S. Congresswoman, Nita M. Lowey, who was the featured speaker at the event.

Barbara Laskin, of Laskin Media Inc., welcomed the distinguished guests to New York's Sheraton Hotel, while chairman and chief executive officer of Insignia/ESG, Stephen B. Siegel, presented the prestigious award. Mechanic was recognized for his outstanding professional contributions within the real estate industry. As a prominent nationally-known real estate lawyer, he has provided incomparable dedication and concern for ORT's cause and immense contributions to the Jewish community.

Mechanic thanked American ORT for choosing him as their honoree and noted, "This year we are proud to celebrate ORT's 122nd anniversary. Think for a moment, 122 years of consecutive and continuous service to the Jewish people and to all people worldwide. 122 years of educating millions of people in new skills and trades so that they and their families can earn a respectable living is a great accomplishment. Because of ORT, millions of people live in dignity and are self-sufficient."

Mechanic holds a bachelor's degree from Brandies University with magna cum laude honors and received his J.D. from New York University School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Mechanic and his wife, Wendy, have two sons, Marc and Ross, and live in New York City.

Also contributing to the annual awards luncheon were, executive director of American ORT, Paul B. Firestenberg, chapter president Arnold Penner, and Jerry L. Cohen. of Tishman Speyer Properties, L.P. Laskin also gave the closing remarks.