Lee Gelernt is a prominent civil rights attorney serving as the Deputy Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in New York. Since joining the ACLU in 1992, he has been at the forefront of numerous landmark legal battles concerning immigration, national security, and civil liberties.
Lee Gelernt has been involved in numerous significant civil rights cases, including Ms. L v. ICE, a class-action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s policy of separating immigrant families at the U.S. border, which resulted in a federal court ruling that the practice was unconstitutional. He also played a key role in challenging the Trump administration’s travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries, achieving a nationwide injunction against the policy.
In addition to his legal practice, Gelernt is an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has served as a visiting professor at Yale Law School. He has been recognized as one of the 500 leading lawyers in the country across all fields and has received numerous awards for his public interest work.
Early Life and Education
Age and Nationality
While Lee Gelernt’s exact birthdate remains undisclosed, he is an American national, deeply rooted in the nation’s legal and academic institutions.
Family Background
Gelernt hails from a family with a strong commitment to public service and education. His father, Irwin Gelernt, was a surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital, and his mother, Lois, was a teacher and administrator at the Manhattan Country School, which she helped establish in 1966.
Academic Pursuits
Gelernt’s academic journey began at Tufts University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He furthered his studies at the London School of Economics, obtaining a Master of Science in International Relations. He then completed his legal education at Columbia Law School in 1988, serving as a Notes & Comments Editor for the Law Review. Following law school, he clerked for Judge Frank Coffin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Professional Career
Early Legal Experience
After his clerkship, Gelernt began his legal career at Altshuler Berzon LLP, a civil rights law firm, before joining the ACLU in 1992. At the ACLU, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Deputy Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project and Director of the Project’s Access to the Courts Program.
Notable Legal Advocacy
Gelernt has been at the forefront of several high-profile cases:
- Ms. L v. ICE: A class-action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s policy of separating immigrant families at the U.S. border. The case led to a federal court ruling that the practice was unconstitutional and mandated the reunification of thousands of separated families.
- Travel Ban Litigation: He successfully challenged the Trump administration’s travel ban targeting individuals from certain Muslim-majority countries, resulting in a nationwide injunction against the policy shortly after its enactment.
- Asylum Ban Challenges: Gelernt litigated against both the first and second asylum bans implemented by the Trump administration, achieving significant legal victories that protected the rights of asylum seekers.
- Title 42 Expulsions: He led efforts to challenge the use of Title 42 public health laws to expel migrants without due process, arguing that such actions violated constitutional rights.
- Rodriguez v. Swartz: This case involved the fatal cross-border shooting of a Mexican teenager by a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Fourth Amendment’s protections against excessive force apply extraterritorially, a significant decision in international human rights law.
Academic Contributions
In addition to his legal practice, Gelernt is an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has served as a visiting professor at Yale Law School. He frequently lectures at law schools and conferences across the country, sharing his expertise on civil rights and immigration law.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Gelernt has received numerous accolades for his work:
- Public Interest Achievement Award: Awarded by Columbia University’s Public Interest Law Foundation in 2002.
- National Prize for Excellence in Litigation: Twice awarded by the American Immigration Lawyers Association for his civil rights work on behalf of the immigrant community.
- Recognition as One of the 500 Leading Lawyers in the Country: By Lawdragon, a distinction given to only a handful of public interest attorneys.
Personal Life
Marital Status
Lee Gelernt is married to Alicia Gelernt. The couple has been seen attending various events together, including the Children’s Rights Gala.
Media Presence
Gelernt frequently appears in national and international media outlets, including The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, CNN, and PBS, discussing issues related to immigration and civil liberties. His work is featured in the 2020 documentary “The Fight,” which chronicles the legal battles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Conclusion
Lee Gelernt’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality. Through his legal advocacy, academic contributions, and public engagement, he continues to be a pivotal figure in the fight for immigrant rights and civil liberties in the United States.
FAQs
What is Lee Gelernt’s role at the ACLU?
Lee Gelernt serves as the Deputy Director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project.
Where did Lee Gelernt receive his legal education?
Gelernt graduated from Columbia Law School in 1988, where he was a Notes & Comments Editor for the Law Review.
Has Lee Gelernt argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court?
Yes, Gelernt has argued several cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Ashcroft v. al-Kidd.
Has Lee Gelernt received any awards for his work?
Yes, he has received numerous accolades, including the Public Interest Achievement Award from Columbia University and recognition as one of the 500 leading lawyers in the country by Lawdragon.
Is Lee Gelernt involved in teaching?
Yes, Gelernt is an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has served as a visiting professor at Yale Law School.
Has Lee Gelernt been featured in any documentaries?
Yes, his work is featured in the 2020 documentary “The Fight,” which chronicles his legal battles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Has Lee Gelernt testified before Congress?
Yes, Gelernt has testified as a legal expert before both the U.S. Senate and House.
