Los Angeles, California – Marshall B. Grossman, a highly regarded litigator in Hollywood, passed away at the age of 84 after battling Parkinson’s disease for a decade. Known for representing high-profile clients such as Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, and J.K. Rowling, Grossman was a prominent figure in the legal world. However, his connection to Rabbi Boruch Shlomo Cunin of West Coast Chabad-Lubavitch revealed a softer side to the tough lawyer.
Rabbi Cunin described Grossman as “like a brother” and emphasized his unwavering support, always ready to lend a hand when needed. Grossman was deeply involved in advocating for the Jewish community and played a crucial role in the annual Chabad Telethon as its co-chair. Additionally, he actively participated in Chabad initiatives, including efforts to return the library of the Sixth Rebbe—Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1939, Grossman’s family moved to Los Angeles when he was just four years old. Early experiences of anti-Semitism left a lasting impression on him. Despite facing discrimination, Grossman pursued a career in law and graduated from the University of Southern California Law School in 1964. He faced additional challenges as a Jewish attorney in a city where many law firms were unwelcoming to Jews. Nonetheless, Grossman joined a boutique law firm, Weber, Schwartz & Alschuler, and embarked on a successful litigation career. He co-founded the Association of Business Trial Lawyers in 1973 and earned recognition as one of the top ten trial lawyers in the country.
Grossman’s distinctive qualities did not go unnoticed. Retired Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Burt T. Pines described him as a force of nature, possessing a rare combination of intelligence, oral skills, legal knowledge, and innovative thinking.
Beyond his legal victories, Grossman’s commitment to Jewish causes was evident throughout his life. For years, he dedicated his time and expertise pro bono to assist Agudas Chassidei Chabad in a lawsuit against the Russian Federation. The lawsuit aimed to retrieve religious books belonging to the Sixth Rebbe that were confiscated during the Bolshevik Revolution and the Holocaust. Grossman’s tireless efforts included testifying before the Helsinki Commission in 2005, shedding light on the persecution of Chabad leadership by the former Soviet Union.
Recounting his encounters with Grossman, Rabbi Cunin highlighted the attorney’s multifaceted persona. Known for his fiery nature in the courtroom, Grossman displayed a softer side outside of work. He ensured everyone had a siddur (prayer book) during services, lent a helping hand to elderly attendees, and hosted Torah classes for attorneys during lunch breaks.
Grossman’s legacy lives on through his contributions to the Jewish community and his dedication to family. He is survived by his wife, Marlene, their children, Rodger and Leslie, and grandchildren Sofia, Goldie, and Max. Grossman’s impact on the legal profession and his commitment to Jewish causes will be remembered by many.
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