Simon H. Rifkind (1901 – 1995) was an American attorney, federal judge, and senior partner at the New York law firm that later became known as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. He was noted for his service on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and for his later contributions to legal writing and public commentary.
Early life and education
- Born: August 27, 1901, New York City, New York, United States.
- Education: Received a Bachelor of Arts from the City College of New York and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School (1924).
Legal career
- Private practice: After admission to the New York bar, Rifkind practiced law at the firm of Baer, Rifkind & Volk, where he specialized in corporate and securities matters.
- Academic work: He served as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School, teaching courses in commercial law and trial practice.
Federal judicial service
- Appointment: Nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on March 31, 1955, and confirmed by the United States Senate as a judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- Tenure: Served from April 7, 1955, until his resignation on May 6, 1960. While on the bench, he presided over a range of civil and criminal cases, including matters involving antitrust law, securities regulation, and organized crime.
Return to private practice and later activities
- Law firm partnership: Following his resignation, Rifkind re‑joined private practice as a senior partner at the firm then known as Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. He helped expand the firm’s corporate litigation and securities practices.
- Public commentary: Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Rifkind contributed legal analysis to newspapers and television programs, becoming a frequent commentator on constitutional and regulatory issues.
- Authorship: He authored several articles and essays on the administration of justice and the role of the judiciary in a democratic society.
Personal life and death
- Family: Rifkind was married to Louise H. Rifkind; the couple had two children.
- Death: He died on February 10, 1995, in New York City.
Legacy
Simon H. Rifkind is remembered for his relatively brief but impactful judicial service, his contributions to the growth of one of New York’s pre‑eminent law firms, and his public advocacy for a transparent and accountable legal system. His career bridged both public service and private practice, exemplifying the mid‑20th‑century American lawyer‑jurist archetype.