Meet Jon Yoffe
Local attorney Jon Yoffe grew up in Jewish Baltimore, and from an early age he was aware of The Associated. Yet it wasn’t until he was in law school that he first became involved, chairing events and winning The Associated’s Zelda Miller Award given to young adults for their dedication to the Annual Campaign.
This year, as co-chair of The Associated’s Lawyers Division (with Rachel Hirsch), Jon is excited about an event on the boundaries of protected speech.
“For most lawyers, unless you practice in the area of constitutional law, you learned about free and protected speech in law school, and now these issues are really at the forefront, particularly on college campuses since October 7th. What is and isn’t appropriate? When does it cross the line? This conversation couldn’t be timelier,” he says.
Here are nine additional things to know about this father of three.
He will tell you that his Associated journey began as early as preschool.
Jon’s first Associated “experience” was as a kindergartener at the J Stoler Early Learning Center at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC. Growing up, he also attended Camp Milldale and played tennis at the J.
“Although I was young and didn’t really know anything about The Associated, there was always this brand awareness about the organization. I saw their signs and knew it was important to the Jewish community.”
In law school, Jon became involved with The Associated.
“A friend of mine was in The Associated’s Young Leadership Council (YLC) and told me this would be a great way to meet people outside of my current network. And, he added, ‘you’ll never know what will come of it.’”
So, Jon interviewed and was selected for YLC where he became impressed with The Associated’s unique model and how it supports the community. He started giving each year to the Annual Campaign, attending events and taking on leadership roles. His first leadership role was co-chair of the first Generosity Gala with his wife, Marni.
He met his wife, Marni, at the Matzoh Ball.
It was the quintessential Jewish singles event held every year on Christmas Eve. For the Yoffes, the year was 2008, the place, Power Plant Live. They began dating the summer of 2009, and were married in 2014.
In his spare time, Jon loves playing the guitar … in fact his talent landed him at the Baltimore School for the Arts.
Jon began playing the guitar in middle school and enjoyed it so much he decided to audition for the Baltimore School for the Arts. Upon being accepted, he played classical music and jazz and sang in the choir. In fact, as a student he sang in the choir at the inauguration of former Mayor Martin O’Malley.
He’s always wanted to help people and had an early interest in medicine.
Jon has practiced personal injury law with Stavisky, Yoffe & Castro in Baltimore for 14 years. “I love what I do, representing people and families whose lives have changed dramatically in an instant. It gives me great pride and purpose in helping these families navigate the legal system and put their lives back together.”
With a father who was an optometrist and a grandfather who was an optician, Jon initially thought he might be interested in a career in medicine. That all changed when he took a chemistry course at the University of Maryland, College Park.
“That was the end of that idea. I remember one of my good friends was taking organic chemistry, which I’d have to take next. I took one look and said forget it, I’m out!” He switched gears and worked to become an attorney.
“Ironically, as an attorney who represents injured victims, I read medical records every day and I talk to doctors often. I need to understand some medicine, but thankfully I don’t have to do any chemistry!”
He hopes to impart his values to his children.
“We want our kids to be proud of being Jewish and understand what it means to be Jewish. We teach our kids about Jewish values like tzedekah. They see us going to Associated events and we talk about what we’re doing and why. And of course, they see The Associated signs outside school and synagogue like I did.
Being involved in The Associated has given me a way to help people beyond my own personal reach. It funds a vast network of services and support programs for the Jewish community in Baltimore and around the world, and I love knowing that our campaign sustains and improves Jewish life, and the community we live in. It’s important work.”
His father’s advice on his 21st birthday still stays with him today.
“My parents threw me a big party for my 21st birthday. During the party, my dad got up and made a toast, where he said, “here’s to becoming #1 without stepping on #2.” It’s advice to always be considerate of others, especially in competition or in business. I always remember that, and friends of mine still tell me how much it impacted them.
Other words he lives by:
Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
This quote is always in the back of my mind, and it has really informed the way I practice law and treat my clients.
The best part of Baltimore for this long-time native.
“Definitely the Ravens and Orioles! But aside from Baltimore sports, I love how small the Baltimore community is. I feel like I know everyone, but even when I meet someone new, there’s always a connection.”
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing List
Add Impact to Your Inbox
Sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.
Join Our Mailing List
Please Wait while we loading your video.