The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs notes with great sadness the death on February 21 of Judge Louis F. Oberdorfer, a distinguished jurist, former Assistant Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice under Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and partner at the law firm of Wilmer Cutler & Pickering (now Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP).

In 1968, Judge Oberdorfer was the guiding force in the creation of the Washington Lawyers’ Committee and other local Lawyers’ Committees throughout the country. He served with distinction as a member of our Executive Committee from 1968 until his appointment to the Federal Bench by President Carter in 1977.

In all respects, Judge Oberdorfer’s career epitomized the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to equal justice. We are exceedingly grateful and proud that the Oberdorfer family has requested that gifts in Judge Oberdorfer’s memory be directed to the Louis F. Oberdorfer Fund at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, 11 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036. Links to news articles reviewing Judge Oberdorfer’s career are provided below.

Rod Boggs
Executive Director
Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

Articles:
Washington Post
Legal Times