E333: Howard Langer- Rediscovering the writer within
Howard Langer spent a lifetime mastering the art of argument, as a leading antitrust and consumer law attorney, professor, and advocate who helped recover more than $200 million for victims of fraud. But at age 70, he finally answered another lifelong calling: writing the novel he had carried inside him for decades. In this inspiring conversation, Howard shares the story behind The Last Dekrepitzer, winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award, and reflects on law, justice, faith, creativity, resilience, and why it is never too late to rediscover the writer , or the dream, within.
Learn more about Howard at: https://howardlanger.com/
Show notes:
Show Notes
⚖️ [02:22] Reading biographies of famous lawyers as a child
💼 [05:42] Feeling "utterly astonished" and comfortable in the courtroom
⚖️ [07:24] Ronald Dworkin on the contingent fee: "Feel good and make money"
📖 [10:05] The failed attempts before finding the story
❓ [11:08] Writing without knowing: Discovering the rabbi's journey day by day
🎭 [12:44] Fiddler on the Roof's romanticized view vs. harsh reality
💬 [17:05] Reader feedback: A woman broke down crying reading the book
🛑 [19:21] "I can't give prayers of praise to God—He's broken trust with me"
🚗 [26:10] The accident at 63: Coma for weeks, both legs badly broken
🎶 [29:41] What makes Howard tick: Playing banjo (took it up late in life)
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Born: New York City 1950
BA CCNY 1973
MA University of Toronto 1974
JD University of Pennsylvania 1977
Founding Partner Langer Grogan & Diver 2001-present
specializing in antitrust and consumer law and class actions. Leading case recovered over $200 million from Wachovia Bank for class of victims of fraudulent telemarketers.
Adjunct Professor of Law University of Pennsylvania 1999-present
Also have taught short courses at The Centre for Competition Law, Oxford University and the University of Tokyo
Recipient of multiple awards for pro bono legal work
Winner of 2024 National Jewish Book Award for the novel, The Last Dekrepitzer, also finalist for Athenaeum Award
Married for 42 years. Two adult sons. Live in Philadelphia
