Rifkind, Simon Hirsch

▪ 1996

      Russian-born U.S. lawyer and judge (b. June 5, 1901, Meretz, Russia—d. Nov. 14, 1995, New York, N.Y.), in a career of more than 60 years, represented clients ranging from the Municipal Assistance Corp., which rescued New York City from bankruptcy in the mid-1970s, to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in two well-publicized lawsuits. Renowned for his versatility in legal matters, he held several political appointments, notably as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's adviser on Jewish affairs in post-World War II Europe. He subsequently was awarded a Medal of Freedom. In 1910 Rifkind's family emigrated from Russia to New York City, where he later attended City College of New York (B.S., 1922) and Columbia University (LL.B., 1925). He began his career serving as the legislative secretary (1927-33) of Sen. Robert F. Wagner—one of the leading sponsors of New Deal legislation—later joining him as a partner in his law firm (1930-41). He was a federal district court judge for southern New York from 1941 until 1950, when he joined the firm that would later become known internationally as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. In 1956 the Supreme Court chose him to arbitrate the rival claims of Western states to the water of the Colorado River, and Pres. John F. Kennedy selected him to examine (1961-62) labour disputes in the railroad industry. Rifkind also held prominent posts on the New York City Board of Higher Education, the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and the American College of Trial Lawyers.

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