Seeger Weiss LLP, led by founding partner Christopher A. Seeger, has made a $500,000 donation to the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School to establish The Seeger Weiss/Daniel Anderl Memorial Fund, which will provide long-term, flexible funding for the Institute to support two critical areas of the legal system: defending judicial independence and advancing education in complex litigation, including mass torts and multidistrict litigations (MDLs).
The fund is named in part to honor Daniel Anderl, the late son of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas. Daniel was killed in 2020 when a gunman targeted his family at their home in New Jersey. At 20 years old, he was entering his junior year at Catholic University with plans to pursue a legal career like his parents. His story left a lasting impact on Seeger, who has long championed fairness, accountability, and integrity in the justice system.
Seeger serves on the Leadership Council at the Bolch Judicial Institute. As a highly accomplished plaintiff attorney known for his leadership in complex, high-profile multidistrict litigations, he has seen firsthand the critical role that continued judicial education and robust resources play in helping navigate today’s increasingly complex legal landscape.
“Through this endowment, we are honoring Daniel Anderl’s memory by supporting measures that defend judicial independence and making a long-term commitment to reaffirming the public’s faith in our courts,” said Seeger. “Now more than ever, it is critical to support entities like the Bolch Judicial Institute that strengthen our courts and preserve the fair administration of justice for all.”
Unlike many law firm donations, which are often tied to specific initiatives or limited to short-term use, this contribution is structured as a gift to the Institute’s endowment. That means it will provide sustained support across all the Bolch Institute’s efforts, whether advancing judicial education, developing research, convening leaders in the legal community, or strengthening civic understanding.
The Bolch Judicial Institute, established in 2018, is widely recognized for its leadership in improving and advancing the administration of justice. The Institute provides unique educational and scholarly opportunities for sitting judges in the United States and around the globe; conducts research and supports teaching and scholarship; and develops civic education initiatives to advance its mission.