G. Bradley Rainer, a prominent and prolific Philadelphia lawyer, passed away on March 5, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Brad devoted his practice to estate planning, trust and estate administration, and business transactional law and was a recognized expert in matters of legal ethics. Brad previously served as director of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He was a member and chair of the Professional Responsibility Committee and member and co-chair of the Professional Guidance Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

“Brad was a lawyer’s lawyer; in the literal sense,” said Louis J. Rizzo Jr., managing partner of Reger Rizzo & Darnall, LLP, “because he regularly represented lawyers in firm formations and dissolutions, but also in a broader sense. He was the kind of lawyer who other lawyers regularly sought out for advice on matters of ethics and professionalism, as well as the personal matters we all deal with related to the practice. His insight and capacity for understanding made him a true counselor in our profession, our community and within our firm. All of these are diminished by his loss.”

Brad was a long-time adjunct professor at Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, where he conducted seminar courses in integrating trusts and estates law, business law and professional responsibility. Brad frequently lectured on business and estate planning and legal ethics, including programs for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (“PBI”), Central Atlantic School of Trust, The Fiduciary Education Foundation, Association of Corporate Patent Counsel, and a number of estate planning councils.

Kirby G. Upright, Brad’s co-presenter at PBI’s Estate Institute for most of the Institute’s 15-year history, remembers Brad as “a consummate professional and ethics scholar who brought his experience and vast knowledge to every presentation, as well as making me look good. A challenge for sure.”

“Brad will be missed by all. Our Bar has lost a valuable member and resource,” continued Upright. “A friend, a colleague, a professional – are words that only touch the surface when one remembers Brad. Brad was thoughtful, kind and caring in his professional life as well as in his personal life. I knew Brad as a highly respected professional and dear friend. I also had the pleasure of sharing in the pride Brad enjoyed as a loving husband and father who treasured his family and the accomplishments of his children.”

In addition to his legal work, Brad devoted a significant amount of time to various community organizations. He served as President of the Board of Directors of the Joseph J. Peters Institute (“JJPI”) and is the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees of Northern Children’s Services.

“He was really devoted to practical philanthropy,” said Richard Cohen, Ph.D., a member of the JJPI board with Brad. “His true legacy is that JJPI is stronger and more vibrant than ever. The legal mechanisms Brad set up on behalf of JJPI and other non-profits will ensure that these organizations will provide essential services for many years to come. Just as he will be missed by the legal community, Brad will be tremendously missed by the non-profit community.”

Brad is survived by his wife, Joan Klamkin Rainer, son, Daniel Rainer, daughter, Julia Rainer, mother, Ruth Rainer, three sisters and two brothers. A memorial service is planned for Friday, March 21, at 2:00 p.m., at Friends Center, located at 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia.

It was Brad’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations made in his name be directed to the Capital Campaign for Northern Children’s Services (more information about Northern Children’s Services can be found at www.northernchildren.org.