A Statement On Behalf of the Firm
April 17, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that Seder & Chandler, LLP mourns the passing of our esteemed colleague, Burton “Buddy” Chandler. He was a remarkable attorney, a leader in the legal community, a supporter of his community and, most importantly, a fiercely loyal friend and family patriarch. He dedicated his life to the law, the protection of civil liberties and to his family including his wife Sen. Dr. Harriette Chandler, his sons, Frank and Edward, and his daughter, Vicki, their respective spouses and his grandchildren.
Burton Chandler joined our law firm, then known as Seder & Seder, shortly after his graduation from Harvard Law School in 1959. His talents and drive were recognized early by the Seder brothers and Buddy became a partner in the firm early in his career. The name of the firm would later change to Seder & Chandler and it remains as such to this day. As a partner, he would later be joined in the firm by J. Robert (“Bob”) Seder, and he, along with Bob, would lead the firm for nearly 50 years. Even after retiring as a partner of the firm, Buddy would remain a vital legal counsel to his clients until his “full-time” retirement several years ago to write a couple of books.
Buddy Chandler’s legal career was marked by his unwavering commitment to civil rights and the protection of due process in the representation of his clients. He was recognized as one of the leading civil rights lawyers in Worcester during the 1970s and 1980s. He was honored by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
He was also a devoted member of the Worcester community, serving on the boards of countless professional and civic organizations. He was a former President of the Harvard Club of Worcester, an Incorporator of the former Worcester Five Cent Savings Bank, and an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. He was a former President of Jewish Family Services of Worcester, Inc. and an active supporter of the Worcester Jewish Federation and Temple Emanuel.
His wit, charm, and loyalty to his friends were some of his most endearing qualities. He was a dear friend and colleague to all of us at the firm, and we will miss him deeply.
Buddy’s impact on the legal community and on our firm cannot be overstated. He will be remembered as a brilliant lawyer, a dedicated advocate, and a dear friend. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Seder and Chandler, LLP will close its office on Tuesday April 18, 2023, in memory of Burton Chandler so that its staff and lawyers may attend his funeral and contemplate a life well-lived with honor, intellectual curiosity, and a sparkling sense of humor.
For us, his memory will be a blessing.