Michael Gordon

Michael S. Gordon, Washington, DC, was inducted into the College in 2001.

Who could have known at the time (1962) that detailing Michael Gordon, then a young DOL lawyer, to the staff of the Committee on Corporate Pension Funds—the cabinet-level task force established by President Kennedy to study the nation’s private pension system—would so profoundly affect the lives of millions of America’s working men and women?  The task force’s report, which reflected Mike’s pen and vision, identified and analyzed both the perils and promise of private-sector pension plans.  And as those who know ERISA know, Mike’s work on that task force and at DOL brought him to the attention of Senator Jacob Javits, who in 1970 hired Mike as minority pension counsel to the Senate Labor Committee.  It was there that Mike’s formidable intellect, tenacity, political skills, vision, idealism, and quiet sense of humor helped midwife the miracle that was ERISA’s enactment.  Mike left the Senate staff to put together a richly varied law practice—but Mike was never happier than when he was representing regular folks against powerful interests.  He was Don Quixote, but armed with David’s slingshot.   He was also chair of the Pension Rights Center’s board.  But most of all, Mike was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather; a loyal Cubs fan; and a true and truly wonderful friend.