Childhood and Education Journey of Alan Dershowitz in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Alan Dershowitz. From birth to education, explore key events.

Alan Dershowitz is an American lawyer and law professor, most notably at Harvard Law School from 1964 to 2013, becoming the Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law in 1993. He is known for his expertise in U.S. constitutional and criminal law. Dershowitz is a frequent media commentator, political analyst, and legal expert, often involved in high-profile cases and expressing his views on a range of legal and political topics.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 1, 1938: Alan Dershowitz Born

On September 1, 1938, Alan Morton Dershowitz was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York.

Others born on this day/year

1952: First Job at Deli Factory

In 1952, at age 14, Alan Dershowitz's first job was at a deli factory on Manhattan's Lower East Side.

1959: Graduated from Brooklyn College

In 1959, Alan Dershowitz graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude.

1959: Married Sue Barlach

In 1959, Alan Dershowitz married Sue Barlach, whom he described as an "Orthodox Jewish girl", after meeting her at a summer camp. Dershowitz was 20 and Barlach was 18.

1961: Elon Dershowitz Born

In 1961, Elon Dershowitz, son of Alan Dershowitz and Sue Barlach, was born. He later became a film producer.

1962: Graduated from Yale Law School

In 1962, Alan Dershowitz graduated from Yale Law School, ranked first in his class with a Bachelor of Laws. He was also editor-in-chief of The Yale Law Journal.

1963: Jamin Dershowitz Born

In 1963, Jamin Dershowitz, son of Alan Dershowitz and Sue Barlach, was born. He later became an attorney.

1964: Joined Harvard Law School

In 1964, Alan Dershowitz joined Harvard Law School as an assistant professor.

1973: Separated from Sue Barlach

In 1973, Alan Dershowitz separated from his first wife, Sue Barlach.

1976: Divorced Sue Barlach

In 1976, Alan Dershowitz divorced Sue Barlach. He later won full custody of their children.

1986: Married Carolyn Cohen

In 1986, Alan Dershowitz married Carolyn Cohen, a retired neuropsychologist.

1990: Ella Dershowitz Born

In 1990, Ella Dershowitz, daughter of Alan Dershowitz and Carolyn Cohen, was born. She later became an actress.

2008: Sunny von Bülow died

Sunny von Bülow, whose attempted murder her husband Claus von Bülow was convicted of, passed away in 2008. Alan Dershowitz represented Claus von Bülow and succeeded in having the conviction overturned, and von Bülow was acquitted in a retrial.

April 2009: Participated in Doha Debates

In April 2009, Alan Dershowitz took part in the Doha Debates at Georgetown University, where he spoke against the motion "this House believes it's time for the US to get tough on Israel."

October 2016: Compared Trump unfavorably to Clinton

In October 2016, Alan Dershowitz said there's no comparison between who has engaged in more corruption and who is more likely to continue that if elected President of the United States, comparing Trump unfavorably to Hillary Clinton.