Industry Veteran, Author of ‘Real Estate Titles’ Passes Away
January 31, 2012
James M. Pedowitz, 96, a long-time industry veteran and author of “Real Estate Titles,” passed away Jan. 26 at his New York home.
His obituary can be viewed here and messages to the family can be left on the online guestbook.
Described as perfect gentleman and industry leader, Pedowitz was heavily involved in ALTA, serving on the Judiciary Committee from 1972 to 1979, representing the Federal Court, 2nd Circuit (Connecticut, New York, and Vermont), and chair of the Committee on the Commission on Uniform Laws from 1975 until 1979.
He was a renowned real estate attorney with a special expertise in real estate title law. His text titled "Real Estate Titles" is considered the definitive writing on the title industry and was in its third edition.
Pedowitz served as first vice president and chief counsel for The Title Guarantee Company from 1969 to 1979. He also served as vice president and regional counsel for Pioneer National Title Insurance Company from 1972 to 1979. He was partner of the law firm Marshall, Bratter, Greene, Allison & Tucker from 1979 to 1982 and special counsel to Rosenman & Colin from 1982 to 1990. At the age of 72, Pedowitz taught real estate law courses on a full-time basis as a visiting professor at St. John's University Law School for six years. He then joined Berkman, Henock, Peterson & Peddy and continued to practice until November 2011. He served as president of the Nassau County Bar Association, and was an officer and served as chairman of the Real Property Law Section of the New York State Bar Association.
Pedowitz graduated from the New York University Law School in 1938. He served in the Army in World War II. When the war ended he was a Major, and remained in the Reserves for 25 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.