In Memoriam: Gerald Walpin 1931-2016

The Center for Individual Rights is deeply saddened by the tragic death last Friday, June 24, of our longstanding Board member Gerald Walpin. We extend our condolences to Jerry’s wife, Sheila, his three children, six grandchildren and extended family.

Jerry spent more than forty years at the New York firm of Rosenman Colin Freund Lewis & Cohen (later Katten Muchin & Rosenman LLP) culminating as Senior Partner and Chairman of the Litigation Department. Jerry specialized in securities, employment, and criminal defense litigation. Prior to that, Jerry served as Chief of Prosecutions for the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. After retiring from Rosenman Colin, Jerry was nominated by President George W. Bush, confirmed, and served for two years as Inspector General for National and Community Service.

In recent years, Jerry was active in public debate over the role of the courts and the need for an aggressive defense of individual rights.  He published a book, The Supreme Court vs. The Constitution, numerous editorials in The New York Daily News, the American Spectator, National Review, and Fox News, and several articles in Federalist Society publications.

CIR’s Chairman, Jeremy Rabkin, said, “Jerry was with CIR nearly from the beginning.  He was always urging CIR to try harder and aim higher.  We will miss him.”

CIR’s President Terence Pell said, “Jerry had an uncompromising commitment to civil liberties. He was a ready source of cases and clients for our consideration.  In 2002, he served as lead counsel in Sypniewski v. Warren Hills R.S.D., a successful defense of the free speech rights of students.  I will miss his ready advice and active presence among us.”