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Kunstler William

Jul 7, 1919

Rating : A (Data based on a reliable source)

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  • Libra
    Moon Sign
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  • Gemini
    Sun Sign
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  • Sagitarius
    Lagan

Remembering Since 1995

Events Events

Relationship : Marriage 14 January 1943 (First wife) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Work : New Career 1948 (Admitted to bar, conservative coporate lawyer)

Work : New Job 1961 (Became radical lawyer)

Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1962 (Book, "The Case for Courage")

Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1966 (Book, "Deep In My Heart")

Social : Great Publicity 1968 (Defended Chicago Seven)

Social Crime Perpetration 1970 (Contempt of court)

Relationship : Meet a significant person 1977 (Second wife)

Social : Great Publicity 1991 (Won acquittal of El Sayyid A. Nosair)

Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 1994 (Autobiography, "My Life as a Radical Lawyer")

Health : Medical procedure 7 August 1995 (Pacemaker installed) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Death:Death by Heart Attack 4 September 1995 (Age 76) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Ai Generated Biography Biography

American author and radical attorney noted for being a crusader for the peoples rights against the all-powerful state. Kunstler specialized in protecting the rights of the unpopular, political dissidents, civil disobeyers and the militant poor. He epitomized a generation of white, middle-class attorneys who worked for civil rights, electrified by cases that were unpopular and with clients that had few allies in the legal profession. His deep mistrust of government fueled his enthusiasm to help the underdog in society. In 1994, he wrote his autobiography, "My Life as a Radical Lawyer." In 1919, Kunstler was an honor student at Yale University and later at Columbia Law School. He originally became a lawyer for the prestige, status and relatively high income given the respectable career. He served in WW II and was awarded the Bronze Star under the rank of Major. In 1948, he was admitted to the bar and worked as a conservative corporate lawyer until 1961. In his 40s, Kunstler left the corporate world and concentrated on the passionate defense of radical causes. In 1961, he took the case of the Freedom Riders to help break segregation in the South. His biggest case was his defense of the Chicago Seven in 1968. It was this case that catapulted the lawyer on to the national scene as a radical lawyer defending the underdog in the American legal system. His other clients included Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lenny Bruce. He protested the Vietnam War and fought police brutality. In the 1970s, he defended Native Americans, members of the Black Panthers, revolutionaries, Yippies and Abbie Hoffman. In the 80s and 90s, Kunstlers critics called him a relic of the 1960s who ran out of causes to support. He defended organized crime figure John Gotti and Malcolm Xs daughter Qubilah Shabazz from charges of trying to have Louis Farrakhan killed. In 1991, he won the acquittal of El Sayyid A. Nosair of charges of killing Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of the Jewish Defense League. Unpopular with prosecutors, Kunstler capitalized on his fame by writing his books, "The Case for Courage," 1962 and "Deep in my Heart," 1966. In 1970, the lawyer with the long flyaway hair and signature bifocals perched above his forehead was almost thrown in jail for four years for contempt of court. On 1/14/1943 he married his first wife with whom he had two children. In 1977, he met his second wife, Margaret Ratner while working on a legal case. Kunstler had a pacemaker installed on 8/07/1995 to help stabilize his heart. He died of a cardiac arrest on 9/04/1995 in New York, NY. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less

bio Latest Info with AI

Update at: Sep 17, 2025
William Kunstler - Public Profile

William Kunstler

Born: July 7, 1919, New York City, United States

Biography

William Kunstler was a prominent American lawyer and civil rights activist known for his involvement in some of the most high-profile and controversial cases of the 20th century. He was a passionate advocate for civil liberties and was often involved in defending clients who were considered outcasts or underdogs.

Recent News

While William Kunstler passed away in 1995, his legacy continues to be a topic of discussion in legal and civil rights circles. Recent documentaries and retrospectives explore his impact on the American legal system and civil rights movement. His work remains influential, and his cases are studied in law schools across the country.

Social Media Presence

Although Kunstler himself did not live in the age of social media, his legacy is preserved through various online platforms. Documentaries, interviews, and articles about his life and work are frequently shared on platforms like Twitter and Facebook by civil rights organizations and legal scholars.

Recent Projects and Documentaries

In recent years, several documentaries have been produced, examining Kunstler's life and the landmark cases he was involved in. One such project is "William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe," which provides a deep dive into his career and personal life, offering insights into his motivations and the challenges he faced.

Legacy and Influence

Kunstler's work has inspired a new generation of lawyers and activists who continue to fight for justice and equality. His defense of unpopular clients and causes remains a powerful example of the role of lawyers in advocating for human rights and social justice.