Nineteen years ago, as she was driving in her car to visit her mother in Philadelphia from her home in Willingboro, N.J., Lillie R. Daniels’ vehicle was struck by a speeding ambulance in an intersection. Thus began a lawyer-client relationship she has had with Dean I. Weitzman ever since. Mrs. Daniels, now 67, a retired hospital worker, called Weitzman after she was given his card by a stranger. “What impressed me most is that I called him and told him I wanted to come and see him” to talk about the crash. “He said ‘no, you were in an accident and I will come and see you.’ He came the next day.” He handled the case for her and the settlement. “We’ve been friends ever since,” Mrs. Daniels said. “I call him if I have a problem, and he calls me back. I tell him you are like my son.” “I never had to go anywhere on my own,” including medical visits and legal proceedings, she said. “He always said ‘I will pick you up and take you there.’ That’s what I love about him.” In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The following year, after her treatment, she told Weitzman that she wanted to create an organization, The Bread of Life Foundation, to help women with breast cancer and he helped her with the paperwork and provided legal advice – on a pro bono basis. “He did a lot of leg work for me,” she said. “He did it all.” In 2005, the group honored Weitzman at its annual luncheon. Last October, he provided five $100 gift cards to cancer survivors at a foundation fundraiser. “They are a law firm that cares” Mrs. Daniels said. “They are loving. They are compassionate. They are honest and anything they can do for you they will do. They will go the extra mile.”

Willingboro, N.J.