Robert Abrams
Credit: Robert Abrams
2013

Robert Abrams

Biography

Robert Abrams is an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of New York from 1979 to 1994. Born on July 4, 1938, in NYC, Abrams has dedicated his career to public service and has made significant contributions to the legal and political landscape of the state. After high school, he went on to graduate from Columbia College and New York University School of Law. In 1965, Abrams made his foray into politics, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly. He went on to win the 1969 Bronx Borough President election and became the 9th Bronx Borough President. During his tenure, when there were talks about the Yankees leaving the Bronx, he fought for the Bronx in the mayor’s office, and the Yankees were here to stay. In 1978, Abrams was elected as the Attorney General of New York, becoming the first person of Jewish faith to hold the position. Throughout his tenure, Abrams gained a reputation as a tireless advocate for justice and a skilled litigator. He played a crucial role in landmark cases. After leaving office in 1994, Abrams returned to private practice and continued to be actively involved in public affairs. He served as a professor of law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Robert Abrams' dedication to public service, his commitment to justice, and his unwavering advocacy for the rights of New Yorkers have solidified his legacy as a prominent figure in New York politics and the legal field. His contributions have had a lasting impact, shaping policies and laws that continue to benefit the state and its residents to this day.

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