Nearly 600  members of Houston’s legal community and their guests helped the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) give the Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award to Melanie Gray of Winston & Strawn, LLP and Mark Wawro of Susman Godfrey L.L.P. April 22.

Attorney John McArthur heaped praise on Wawro and Gray, both of whom he’s known for thirty-plus years.   He spoke glowingly about their honesty, dedication to the law and to public service.

Wawro and Gray both complimented ADL, saying “they do wonderful work,” and  adding “ADL touches so many different segments of the community.”  They also were generous in their praise for each other, their friend the late Karen H. Susman, after whom the award is named, and Houston’s legal community. Gray said one of the best decisions she made was coming to Houston where she “became a part of this legal community.

Other speakers at the event included ADL Board Chair Ian Scharfman, ADL Board Member and Event Chair Mark Trachtenberg, and ADL Regional Director Martin B. Cominsky.

The Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award is given annually by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)  to an outstanding member or members of Houston’s legal community who exhibit an exceptional commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service.   Gray and Wawro are deserving recipients with a long list of financial and volunteer contributions to numerous Houston and Texas organizations and agencies, including the University of Texas Law School, the Menil Collection, Baylor College of Medicine, the Society for the Performing Arts, Change Happens!, the Houston Area Women’s Center, and Girls, Inc.

As of April 23, the Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award Luncheon raised more than $387,000.  Funds raised go toward ADL programs and services.

Sherry and Gerald Merfish served as honorary chairs for the luncheon.   Robert Carlton and Nicole Soussan served as vice chairs.