Key facts
- William D. Zabel, a lawyer recognized for his civil rights advocacy and work on high-profile cases, died at age 89.
- He co-founded the law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel in 1969.
- Zabel authored an amicus brief for the ACLU in Loving v. Virginia, a landmark Supreme Court case that struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage.
- He helped recover billions for victims of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, including negotiating a $7.2 billion settlement.
- Zabel also represented survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre in a pro bono legal action.
- He served as board chairman for Human Rights First and the Immigrant Justice Corps.
William D. Zabel, a distinguished lawyer celebrated for his contributions to civil rights and his work on significant legal cases, has passed away at the age of 89. Zabel was widely recognized for his dual career as a successful trusts and estates lawyer and a passionate advocate for social justice.
His legal career, which spanned over six decades, included co-founding the prominent law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel in 1969. Among his most notable achievements was his role in the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, where he authored an amicus brief for the ACLU. This case ultimately led to the unanimous 1967 ruling that declared state laws prohibiting interracial marriage unconstitutional, a cause Zabel championed since his time as a law student. He considered this case and the establishment of his firm as the pinnacles of his legal career.
Beyond his work on interracial marriage, Zabel was deeply involved in recovering substantial sums for victims of Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme, notably negotiating a $7.2 billion settlement, which was the largest civil settlement in the U.S. at the time. He also dedicated his legal expertise to human rights causes, serving as board chairman for organizations like Human Rights First and the Immigrant Justice Corps. His commitment extended to representing survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre on a pro bono basis, appealing to the Oklahoma State Supreme Court for reparations.
Zabel's passion for justice was influenced by his upbringing in South Dakota and his parents' political activism. His early experiences, including a moot court case on interracial marriage and a childhood incident where his grandfather sought legal damages for a poisoned dog, shaped his belief in the law's power to achieve justice. His career also saw him advising high-profile clients such as George Soros, Greg Norman, and Howard Stern.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to social justice and human rights, professorships bearing his name were established at both Princeton University and Harvard Law School, attracting world-class faculty to pursue related academic work. Zabel's legacy is marked by his ability to leverage his legal acumen for the public good, leaving an indelible impact on civil rights and legal advocacy.