The following is a press release from Berchem Moses PC.
Wilton’s town counsel Ira W. Bloom, senior partner at Berchem Moses PC, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Marvin J. Glink Private Practice Local Government Attorney Award by the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA).
This national award recognizes an exceptional private practice attorney serving municipal clients who demonstrates the traditional qualities of excellence in the practice of law, along with providing outstanding service to the public, and who possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal community, the highest of ethical standards, who is devoted to mentoring young lawyers, and who is devoted to educating lawyers in local government law.
According to a press release from Berchem Moses, Bloom was selected from a competitive pool of nominees nationwide, with his candidacy supported by letters of recommendation from municipal clients, including several first selectmen, fellow local attorneys, and the IMLA District Representative for the tri-state area. He will be formally presented with the award at IMLA’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans on Oct. 17.
“I am greatly honored by this. It has been very gratifying for me to combine my private practice with public sector law. I am always so impressed by the dedication and expertise of the municipal officials with whom I have worked. And my colleagues at the law firm provide me with great support,” Bloom said.
With decades of experience in land use and municipal law, Bloom has been town counsel for Wilton since 2016. He also currently serves as town attorney for Westport (since 1998), New Canaan (since 2012), and Weston (since 2018); and counsel for Easton (since 2003). He has also represented Madison as land use counsel and numerous other municipalities for special projects. He is a frequent speaker at bar association seminars — most recently on affordable housing — and has written several articles on legal issues.
In addition to his municipal legal work, Bloom has held leadership roles in bar associations, including membership in the House of Delegates of the Connecticut Bar Association, president of the Connecticut Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section, and as treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Municipal Attorneys. He has also been named as a James W. Cooper Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation, which recognizes outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges and teachers of law.
On a local level, Bloom has served as a member of the Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and chairman of the Westport Board of Education. He has been a member of Rotary and other civic organizations.