In Memory of Colleague and Friend Amber M. Racine

The Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel joins the legal community in mourning the untimely loss of our beloved colleague and friend, Amber M. Racine.   Amber was a bright light and a warm spirit whose effervescent smile lit up whatever room she entered.  She was a brilliant, fearless and passionate advocate for her clients, and the moral compass of our profession.  She was a beacon of hope personified for marginalized communities, never hesitating to help those who needed her the most.  Amber was the embodiment of everything we should strive to be as lawyers, citizens, humans.

Amber understood that love should always be bestowed as a gift – given freely, willingly and without expectation.   Amber shared her gifts so selflessly with others, especially younger attorneys whom she encouraged, pushed, mentored and nurtured.   She appreciated the critical need to invest her time, talent and treasure in the next generation, challenging them to be the very best.  Wise beyond her years, Amber knew that when you learn, you must teach, and when you get, you must give.

As the writer Leo Buscaglia has so aptly said, “The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises.”   Amber, you are our beautiful flower plucked too soon.   We will carry on your good works, we will nurture the tender seeds that you have planted, and we will see your colorful spirit shining through every bloom.

We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Amber’s mother, Juliana Cedeno; her brother, Jason Racine; her niece, nephew, family, friends and coworkers.

Sincerely,

Daniel Ferhat, PADC President