Louis Nizer

Former Lawyer and Author

Bio

Louis Nizer (1902-1994) was a well-known lawyer and author. The Carnegie Council's Nizer lecture series was named after him.

Louis Nizer was born February 6, 1902 in London, England but lived most of his life in the United States. He graduated in 1924 from the Columbia School of Law. Nizer was a founding partner in the law firm of Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin, Krim, and Ballon in New York City. During his long and distinguished career Nizer represented many celebrities including Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, and Johnny Carson.

In addition to sustaining his legal career Nizer also wrote many books. In 1973, Louis Nizer wrote The Implosion Conspiracy, which examined the Rosenberg trial and execution. The book relies heavily on the trial transcript, but also includes many moving stories of the Rosenbergs' lives in the months following their trial. Nizer is best known for My Life in Court, a best seller describing some of Nizer's own cases. Louis Nizer died on November 10, 1994 at the age of 92.