Louis Nizer Papers, 1940-1994

Summary Information

Abstract

Manuscripts and correspondence of attorney Louis Nizer.

At a Glance

Arrangement

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in 8 series.

• Series I: Correspondence
• Series II: Publications, 1940-1994
• Series III: Writings
• Series IV: Addresses and Introductions, 1942-1980
• Series V: Research Material
• Series VI: Rosenberg Trial Material
• Series VII: Messages and Papers of the Presidents
• Series VIII: Scrapbooks and Press Clippings

Description

Summary

Collection contains material related primarily to Nizer's literary activities, including research material and manuscripts for his books, article drafts, and drafts of speeches and addresses. There are also scrapbooks and press clippings related to Nizer which document his public life.

• Series I: Correspondence

• Series II: Publications, 1940-1994

• Series III: Writings

• Series IV: Addresses and Introductions, 1942-1980

• Series V: Research Material

• Series VI: Rosenberg Trial Material

• Series VII: Messages and Papers of the Presidents

• Series VIII: Scrapbooks and Press Clippings

Using the Collection

Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection has no restrictions. This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Louis Nizer Papers; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Accruals

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Ownership and Custodial History

Material was bequested to the Columbia University Libraries in 1995. Collection was accessioned by the law library and incorporated into their special collections. In 2013 transferred to the RBML.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

2012.2013.M117: Source of acquisition--Diamond Law Library Special Collections. Method of acquisition--Transfer; Date of acquisition--03/11/2013.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Papers processed ceh 05/--/2013.

Revision Description

2013-06-12 xml document instance created by Carrie Hintz

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches at Columbia University through the Archival Collections Portal and through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, as well as ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Genre/Form

Subject

History / Biographical Note

Biographical Note

Louis Nizer was a trial lawyer and author of books including My Life in Court, Catspaw, and Implosion Conspiracy.

Nizer was born in 1902 in London, though his parents moved to Brooklyn, New York when Nizer was a young child and he spent most of his youth in the United States. Nizer attended Columbia College and earned his BA from the institution in 1922 before continuing on to earn his law degree from the Columbia University Law School in 1924.

Nizer, along with fellow attorney Louis Phillips, established a law practice in 1926, the foundations of the firm that would become Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin, Krim, and Ballon.

Much of Nizer's legal career focused on entertainment law, and in particular the film industry. In addition to representing individuals and companies involved in the film industry, he served as the lawyer for the New York Film Board of Trade. He, along with Jack Valenti, was instrumental in creating the motion picture ratings system still in use by the Motion Picture Association of America.

In addition to his trial work, Nizer was a writer who wrote popular books related to the law. His best known work is his 1962 memoir, My Life in Court which documented his experiences in the courtroom; other of his books, such as Catspaw, also documented cases that he worked on over the course of his career. He also penned a book about the Rosenberg case, Implosion Conspiracy, which resulted in its own legal action when Nizer was sued by the Rosenberg family. In addition to his books, Nizer also wrote a column for the Chicago Tribune.

Nizer died in 1994 of kidney failure at the age of 92.