Alan Dershowitz Education: Dershowitz attended Yeshiva University High. He then proceeded to Brooklyn College where he studied political science and graduated magna cum laude in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts.
He then attended Yale Law School, where he became the editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal.
Who Is Alan Dershowitz
Alan Morton Dershowitz is an American lawyer, author, and political commentator.
He has been a professor at Harvard Law School since 1964 and is known for his expertise in criminal law, constitutional law, and human rights.
Dershowitz has represented notable clients such as Claus von Bülow, O.J. Simpson, and Jeffrey Epstein. He has authored over 30 books on legal and political topics.
Alan Dershowitz Education
Alan Dershowitz attended Yeshiva University High School and played basketball there.
After high school, he studied political science at Brooklyn College and graduated magna cum laude in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts.
He then attended Yale Law School, where he served as the editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal.
Upon completing law school, Dershowitz worked as a law clerk for chief judge David L. Bazelon of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1962 to 1963.
Dershowitz regarded Bazelon as a highly influential mentor, describing him as both his best and worst boss.
Bazelon imparted valuable lessons, teaching Dershowitz about civil liberties, Jewish activism, and the importance of being a decent person.
In 1964, Dershowitz joined the faculty of Harvard Law School and, three years later, became the youngest law professor in Harvard University’s history to be granted tenure.
He retired from teaching in 2013.
Dershowitz is a prolific author, having written over 30 books, including popular titles like “The Best Defense” and “Taking Liberties.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938, Dershowitz graduated from Brooklyn College in 1959 and Yale Law School in 1962.
He began his career as a law clerk for Judge David Bazelon and later joined the faculty of Harvard Law School.
Dershowitz’s legal career includes defending high-profile clients in criminal cases like Claus von Bülow, O.J. Simpson, and Jeffrey Epstein.
He has also represented clients in civil cases, including the families of Elian Gonzalez and Rachel Corrie.
In addition to his legal work, Dershowitz is a prolific writer, addressing various legal and political issues in his books.
Some notable works include “Taking Liberties: A Decade of Defending Our Civil Liberties” (1997), “The Case for Israel” (2003), and “The Case Against Impeaching President Trump” (2019).
He is also a regular contributor to newspapers and magazines and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs.
Although Dershowitz is a controversial figure, with some criticisms of his views, he is highly regarded within the legal community, and his work has had a significant impact on the development of law.
Alan Dershowitz Education and Notable Clients
Alan Dershowitz has represented several notable clients. Among them are;
- Claus von Bülow, who faced accusations of attempting to kill his wife, Sunny.
- O. J. Simpson, who was accused of murdering his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson
- Jeffrey Epstein, who faced accusations of sex trafficking.
- Mike Tyson, who faced accusations of rape.
- Patty Hearst, who was kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army.
- Leona Helmsley, who was convicted of tax evasion.
- Jim Bakker, who was convicted of fraud.
- Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks.
- Nelson Mandela, who served as the first black president of South Africa.
Controversies & President Donald Trump
Since Trump took office, Dershowitz has been an active defender of him and his administration on cable news and other platforms.
He has consistently addressed allegations of colluding with Russia during the 2016 election.
Moreover, Dershowitz played a significant role as one of Trump’s lawyers during his Senate impeachment trial.
In 1974, Dershowitz expressed his concerns regarding individuals accused of crimes connected to the Watergate scandal, which ultimately led to Richard Nixon’s resignation.
During an interview, he discussed his worries about these individuals receiving a fair trial in Washington, DC.
Dershowitz attributed part of his concern to the city’s racial makeup.
Personal Life
Alan Education and Net Worth
Alan Morton Dershowitz, an American lawyer, jurist, and political commentator, possesses an estimated net worth of $25 million.
Throughout his career, he primarily worked at Harvard Law School.
At the remarkable age of 28 in 1967, he achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest full professor of law in the institution’s history.
Since 1993, he has held the Felix Frankfurter professorship at Harvard Law School.