Peter L. Zimroth, a figure of immense respect and admiration within the NYU Law community and beyond, passed away on November 7, 2021, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of public service and legal expertise. Best known as the inaugural director of the prestigious Center on Civil Justice (CCJ) at NYU Law and a highly regarded adjunct professor, Peter Zimroth’s contributions have indelibly shaped the landscape of law and justice.
For a quarter of a century, from 1990 to 2015, Peter Zimroth was a leading partner at Arnold & Porter, demonstrating his prowess in legal practice. His commitment to public service shone brightly when, in 2013, he was appointed as the court-mandated independent monitor in the significant stop-and-frisk litigation involving the New York Police Department. This role underscored his reputation for integrity and his ability to navigate complex legal and social issues. A year later, in 2014, Peter Zimroth took on the directorship of the CCJ, further solidifying his dedication to NYU Law and its mission. In a fitting tribute to his profound impact and generous spirit, NYU Law recently celebrated the renaming of the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law to the Peter L. Zimroth Center on the Administration of Criminal Law.
Peter Zimroth’s journey in law began with distinguished academic achievements and early career experiences that laid a strong foundation for his future accomplishments. He honed his legal skills as an assistant US attorney for the Southern District of New York, gaining invaluable experience in federal law. His passion for legal education led him to NYU Law, where he imparted his knowledge to students in courses on federal courts, criminal law, and criminal procedure, inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. His academic pedigree is impeccable, holding a JD from Yale Law School, where he served as editor-in-chief of the esteemed Yale Law Journal. Following his graduation, Peter Zimroth embarked on prestigious clerkships, first for Chief Judge David L. Bazelon of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and subsequently for Justice Abe Fortas of the US Supreme Court, experiences that undoubtedly shaped his understanding of the highest levels of the American legal system.
Beyond his roles in academia and legal practice, Peter Zimroth was a thought leader and author who engaged deeply with critical issues in the legal and political landscape. In 1974, he published Perversions of Justice, a compelling book that critically examined political trials in the United States during the tumultuous late 1960s and early 1970s. His commitment to public service continued to manifest as he joined the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in 1975, taking on the responsibility of chief of the Appeals Bureau. From 1977 to 1980, Peter Zimroth further ascended in the DA’s office, serving as chief assistant district attorney in Manhattan, showcasing his leadership and legal acumen in the realm of criminal justice. Prior to his tenure at Arnold & Porter, he was a partner at Kostelanetz & Ritholz until 1987. Subsequently, from 1987 to 1989, Peter Zimroth served as New York City’s corporation counsel, a pivotal role in which he oversaw a broad spectrum of crucial city functions, including economic development projects, city contract policies, law enforcement, transportation, and legislation. Notably, his innovative vision for the city’s law on public financing of elections became a benchmark for municipalities across the nation. A true champion of public service, Peter Zimroth passionately believed in the law as an instrument for social good, famously arguing before the Supreme Court to defend New York City’s law prohibiting discrimination against women in private clubs and challenging the US Census’s undercounting of minorities in New York, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to equality and justice for all.
Dean Trevor Morrison eloquently captured the essence of Peter Zimroth’s impact: “Peter was a brilliant lawyer dedicated to public service and to this institution, as well as a beloved colleague and friend. His legacy will endure through both the work he did during his lifetime and the ongoing mission of the center named in his honor.” Peter Zimroth’s life and career stand as an inspiring testament to the power of law to effect positive change and the enduring importance of public service.
Related Links:
- “Groundbreaking criminal justice center named for Peter Zimroth” NYU Law website, 8/25/21
- “Center on Civil Justice launches; Peter Zimroth appointed director” NYU Law website, 1/15/14
- “Adjunct Professor Peter Zimroth to oversee NYPD’s stop-and-frisk reforms” NYU Law website, 8/16/13
