New York, NY, November 3, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) announced the election of Robert G. Sugarman as its new National Chair.  A New York attorney, Mr. Sugarman has been actively involved with ADL for four decades.  He was elected to the three-year term on October 30 at ADL's Annual Meeting.

"It is a special honor and privilege to have been chosen to lead this venerable agency in its vital mission of combating anti-Semitism, bigotry and prejudice," said Mr. Sugarman.  "As the League advances toward its centennial year, the enormity of the problems we face as Americans, as Jews and as citizens of an increasingly complicated world is staggering. There is much work to be done to combat anti-Semitism, to support the State of Israel, to defend American ideals and values, and to work for the betterment of civil society for all. Our challenge is to keep the League vibrant so we can do our part to help solve these problems."

In his years of work with ADL, Mr. Sugarman has held many prominent leadership positions including as National Civil Rights Chair, National Intergroup Chair, as a National Commissioner for nearly 30 years and as a Member of the National Executive Committee nearly 20 years.  He also served as a vice-chair of ADL's New York Regional Board. He has participated in many ADL leadership delegations abroad, including Israel, Italy, Russia and Turkey.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding, articulate and proven leader to guide us through the next three years," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  "Robert Sugarman brings to his new role a deep understanding of the challenges we face from the resilience of anti-Semitism, the threat of global terrorism, the need to protect and defend the democratic State of Israel and our democratic values and institutions at home."

An attorney, Mr. Sugarman is a retired partner in the New York law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, which he joined in 1975, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. His professional career encompassed a broad range of intellectual property and First Amendment matters, and his pro bono activities have continually reflected his commitment to promoting anti-discrimination and free speech for all.  He is a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School.

Mr. Sugarman has long been active in community and philanthropic work. He is a past president of Hillel of New York, served as a member of the executive committee of the Lawyers Division of UJA/Federation of New York and is a member of the Collections and Exhibitions Committee of the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

Mr. Sugarman and his wife and children reside in New York City.