10 Most Influential Jewish Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

13 min readDec 7, 2023

Numerous Jewish lawyers have left indelible marks on history, shaping the legal profession. Their contributions span various fields of law, influencing both their contemporaries and the generations that followed. This article highlights ten of the most influential Jewish lawyers throughout history, celebrating their achievements and enduring legacies.

Louis Brandeis (1856–1941)
Felix Frankfurter (1882–1965)
Benjamin N. Cardozo (1870–1938)
Arthur Goldberg (1908–1990)
Judith Sheindlin (1942-present)
Alan Dershowitz (1938-present)
Robert H. Jackson (1892–1954)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)
Abel Pacheco (1933-present)
Stanley Mosk (1912–2001)

1. Louis Brandeis (1856–1941)

Louis Dembitz Brandeis, born on November 13, 1856, in Louisville, Kentucky, grew up in a cultured and politically liberal household. His parents, Adolph Brandeis and Frederika Dembitz, were immigrants from Bohemia who raised him in a secular Jewish environment. They fostered in him an appreciation for education, culture, and history, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.

Brandeis’s early education culminated in his graduation from the Louisville Male High School at age 14. His academic prowess continued at Harvard Law School, which he entered at 18. Despite financial constraints and deteriorating eyesight due to intense studying, Brandeis excelled, graduating as valedictorian with the highest grade point average in the school’s history. His legal education was marked by a deep commitment to justice and a mastery of legal principles.

Brandeis’s career as a lawyer and legal scholar was distinguished by his advocacy for social justice and the development of the “right to privacy” concept. He championed numerous progressive causes, earning the moniker “People’s Lawyer.” His notable contributions include fighting railroad monopolies, advocating for labor laws, and shaping the Federal Reserve System. His innovative “Brandeis Brief” changed the nature of evidence presentation in the law. In 1916, his appointment as an associate justice on the Supreme Court marked him as an influential figure in American jurisprudence, particularly in free speech and privacy.

2. Felix Frankfurter (1882–1965)

Felix Frankfurter was born in Vienna, Austria on November 15, 1882. He was brought up in a Jewish family that valued education and culture. In 1894, his family emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. This new environment posed challenges but offered opportunities for young Felix, who quickly adapted to his new homeland, showcasing a strong aptitude for learning and a deep interest in the American legal system.

Frankfurter’s educational journey was impressive. He attended City College of New York and later graduated from Harvard Law School with a law degree. His academic prowess at Harvard laid the foundation for a distinguished legal career. Frankfurter’s legal education was not just about acquiring knowledge; it shaped his perspective on justice and law, which he carried throughout his life.

Felix Frankfurter’s major achievements include his long tenure as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a position he held from 1939 to 1962. His tenure on the Court marked his strong commitment to judicial restraint and respect for precedent. He played a significant role in numerous landmark cases, shaping American constitutional law. Frankfurter passed away due to heart failure on February 22, 1965, in Washington, D.C., leaving a legacy as a profound legal scholar and a respected jurist. His contributions to American law and his approach to judicial decision-making continue to be studied and admired.

3. Benjamin N. Cardozo (1870–1938)

Born on May 24, 1870, in New York City, Benjamin Nathan Cardozo hailed from a distinguished Sephardic Jewish family with deep roots in the United States. His father, Albert Jacob Cardozo, was a respected New York Supreme Court judge but resigned amid a scandal. His mother, Rebecca Washington Nathan, passed away when Benjamin was young, leaving him and his twin sister, Emily, to be raised by their older sister, Nell.

Cardozo’s education was robust and precocious. At just 15, he entered Columbia University and later attended law school. Despite leaving law school without a degree, Cardozo passed the bar in 1891 and embarked on a successful legal career. His early professional years were marked by a drive to restore the family name tarnished by his father’s judicial misconduct. Cardozo quickly became a leading appellate lawyer, co-founding the law firm Simpson, Warren, and Cardozo.

His significant contributions to American jurisprudence defined Cardozo’s legal career. Elected to the New York Supreme Court in 1913, he was soon appointed to the New York Court of Appeals, where he became Chief Judge in 1926. His profound influence on common law was evident through his thoughtful and innovative rulings. In 1932, Cardozo reached the pinnacle of his career when President Herbert Hoover appointed him to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he served until he died in 1938. As an Associate Justice, Cardozo was part of the liberal bloc and authored major opinions that shaped American law and society.

4. Arthur Goldberg (1908–1990)

Arthur Joseph Goldberg, born on August 8, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois, was the youngest of eight children in an Orthodox Jewish family of Russian immigrants. His father, a produce peddler, passed away early, leaving the family in financial hardship. Despite these challenges, Goldberg could continue his education while working side jobs, demonstrating early resilience and determination.

Goldberg’s legal ambitions were sparked by the famous Leopold and Loeb trial he attended during high school. He pursued his education at Crane Junior College, DePaul University, and finally Northwestern University, where he excelled academically. Despite completing his law degree at a young age, Goldberg had to fight for his right to practice law due to age restrictions, showcasing his early advocacy skills and dedication to the legal profession.

Significant contributions to labor law and civil rights marked Goldberg’s career. Starting in a small law firm, he quickly became a prominent labor attorney, playing a crucial role in the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. His legal prowess and commitment to workers’ rights led to his appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and later, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where he helped draft significant resolutions. These roles underscored his lifelong dedication to public service and legal excellence.

5. Judith Sheindlin (1942-present)

Judith Susan Sheindlin, known as Judge Judy, was born on October 21, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish parents of German and Russian descent. Her father, a dentist, and her mother, an office manager, instilled a strong sense of discipline and morality in her. Sheindlin’s upbringing in a modest, hardworking family laid the foundation for her future legal career.

After graduating from James Madison High School, Sheindlin pursued higher education at American University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in government. She then attended New York Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1965. Her early career in law began as a corporate lawyer, but she soon shifted to family law, passionately prosecuting cases of child abuse and domestic violence. Her exceptional skills and attitude led to her appointment as a criminal court judge by New York Mayor Ed Koch in 1982 and later as a supervising judge in Manhattan’s family court.

Sheindlin’s legal career turned to entertainment after a Los Angeles Times article and a CBS 60 Minutes feature brought her national recognition. This led to her first book and the launch of her court show, Judge Judy, in 1996. The show presented real cases with Sheindlin’s unique adjudicating style and became a massive success, earning her numerous awards and a place in the Guinness World Records. Sheindlin’s transition from a legal professional to a television icon showcases her multifaceted career and lasting impact on popular culture and the legal community.

6. Alan Dershowitz (1938-present)

Alan Morton Dershowitz, born September 1, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in a Jewish Orthodox family. His parents, Claire and Harry Dershowitz were deeply rooted in their community, with his father being a founder and president of the Young Israel of Boro Park Synagogue. Dershowitz’s early life in Borough Park was marked by his rebellious nature and strong personality, which later shaped his legal career.

Dershowitz’s academic journey began at Yeshiva University High School, leading him to Brooklyn College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. His exceptional intellect and argumentative skills were further honed at Yale Law School, where he graduated first. This impressive educational background laid the foundation for Dershowitz’s distinguished legal career.

As a legal luminary, Dershowitz’s career is highlighted by his tenure at Harvard Law School, where he became the youngest full professor in the institution’s history. Known for taking on high-profile and often controversial cases, he has represented figures like Patty Hearst and O.J. Simpson. His legal expertise extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by his numerous books on law and politics, making him a prominent figure in American legal and academic circles.

7. Robert H. Jackson (1892–1954)

Robert H. Jackson was born on February 13, 1892, in Spring Creek Township, Pennsylvania, and raised in Frewsburg, New York. The son of William Eldred Jackson and Angelina Houghwout, he demonstrated an early interest in law and honed his writing skills at Jamestown High School. At age 18, Jackson began studying law under his uncle Frank Mott’s firm in Jamestown, which led to a pivotal meeting with Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Jackson attended Albany Law School for a year, where he chose a less conventional path, earning a certificate instead of a degree, before being admitted to the bar in 1913.

Jackson rapidly ascended in the legal world, initially practicing in Jamestown and later moving to a prominent law firm in Buffalo. His career was marked by significant involvement in New York State politics and the Democratic Party. His legal prowess and political acumen caught the attention of Franklin Roosevelt, who appointed him to a commission reviewing the state judicial system. Jackson’s influence extended nationally through leadership roles in the American Law Institute and the American Bar Association.

In 1934, Jackson’s career took a dramatic turn as he entered the Roosevelt administration, serving in high-profile roles, including Assistant Attorney General and U.S. Solicitor General. His legal strategies against corporations and his performance as the government’s chief advocate before the Supreme Court solidified his reputation. Appointed as U.S. Attorney General in 1940, Jackson played a crucial role in significant national policies, including the Lend-Lease agreement. His appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1941 marked the pinnacle of his legal career, where he became known for his eloquent writing and commitment to due process, contributing significantly to landmark decisions.

8. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nathan and Celia Bader, faced early family tragedy with the loss of her older sister and later her mother. Despite these hardships, Ginsburg excelled academically, propelled by her mother’s emphasis on education. She attended Cornell University, where she met her husband, Martin D. Ginsburg, and became a mother before starting law school at Harvard. Ginsburg transferred to Columbia Law School, graduating joint first in her class. Her career began with challenges due to gender, but she persisted, co-authoring a book on Swedish law and becoming a professor at Rutgers and Columbia Law Schools.

Ginsburg’s legal career was marked by a steadfast commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. As a volunteer attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union and its general counsel in the 1970s, she argued and won multiple cases before the Supreme Court. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She served there until 1993 when President Bill Clinton nominated her as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Ginsburg was the second woman and the first Jewish woman to serve on the Court.

During her tenure on the Supreme Court, Ginsburg was known for her strong stance on gender equality, civil liberties, and social justice issues. She authored landmark opinions, including United States v. Virginia, which struck down the male-only admissions policy at the Virginia Military Institute. Ginsburg became a cultural icon known for her dissent and resilience in battling cancer. She served on the Court until she died in 2020 from complications of pancreatic cancer. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the legal field and a champion for equality endures.

9. Abel Pacheco (1933-present)

Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, born on December 22, 1933, in San José, Costa Rica, rose to prominence as a politician, serving as the President of Costa Rica from 2002 to 2006. Before his political career, Pacheco was a renowned medical doctor, graduating from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and specializing in Psychiatry from Louisiana State University. His upbringing and early life details, including his parents' professions, are not extensively documented, but his later achievements in various fields highlight a diverse and impactful career.

Pacheco’s journey beyond medicine significantly contributed to Costa Rican culture and media. He was a popular television presenter and a respected academic, teaching at the University of Costa Rica. Additionally, Pacheco was an entrepreneur, managing a gentlemen’s outfitter in San José. His foray into literature and music, where he wrote novels and songs, further underscored his multifaceted talents. These cultural contributions, alongside his medical career, laid a diverse foundation for his subsequent entry into politics.

In politics, Pacheco first served as a deputy in the Legislative Assembly, representing San José for the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC). His overwhelming selection as the PUSC presidential candidate in 2001 was a triumph over the party’s establishment. Winning the presidency in 2002 after a runoff, Pacheco focused on free-market reforms and austerity measures. His tenure as president was significant for Costa Rica’s political landscape. Post-presidency, Abel Pacheco’s current activities are not widely publicized, but his legacy includes his contributions to Costa Rican politics, culture, and literature.

10. Stanley Mosk (1912–2001)

Morey Stanley Mosk, an influential American law and politics figure, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on September 4, 1912. His family, including parents Paul and Minna Mosk, moved to Rockford, Illinois, when he was three. His parents, Reform Jews of Hungarian and German origin, were admirers of Progressive Wisconsin Senator Robert M. La Follette, shaping Mosk’s early exposure to political ideas. The Great Depression profoundly influenced Mosk, who graduated from the University of Chicago in 1933 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. With his father’s business struggling, the Mosk family relocated to Los Angeles, where Stanley pursued a legal education, earning an LL.B from Southwestern University School of Law in 1935.

Mosk’s legal career began in a solo practice, reflecting the versatile nature of his early professional life. He dabbled in various legal areas, driven by necessity during the tough economic times. His political entry was somewhat incidental, as he assisted Democratic politician Culbert Olson. This association led to his appointment as Olson’s executive secretary upon Olson’s election as Governor of California in 1938. Mosk’s judicial career commenced with his appointment to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, making him the youngest judge in the state at 31. His judicial acumen was evident early on, especially when he declared the enforcement of racially restrictive covenants unconstitutional, preceding a similar ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mosk’s ascent in the legal field continued with his election as the Attorney General of California in 1958, a position he held with distinction, becoming the first Jew to serve as a statewide executive branch officer in California. He displayed a progressive stance on civil rights, establishing the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division and challenging discriminatory practices in various fields. His tenure included handling landmark cases and issuing numerous written opinions. Mosk’s judicial philosophy and advocacy for civil rights were further cemented when he was appointed to the California Supreme Court in 1964, serving until he died in 2001. His tenure on the Supreme Court was marked by his liberal views and an independent streak, notably in cases like Bakke v. Regents of the University of California. Despite personal opposition to the death penalty, Mosk upheld such convictions, adhering strictly to the law. His service on the court, the longest in its history, impacted California’s legal landscape.