Lee Gelernt Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Wife, Religion, Education, Legal Career, Cases, Twitter, Net Worth, Family
Lee Gelernt Wikipedia, Biography
Lee Gelernt is a prominent civil rights attorney serving as the Deputy Director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) Immigrants’ Rights Project in New York. Recognized as one of the nation’s leading public interest lawyers, he has argued numerous significant cases, including before the U.S. Supreme Court and various federal appellate courts.
Gelernt has been instrumental in challenging several controversial immigration policies. Notably, he led a national class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration’s practice of separating immigrant families at the border, a case highlighted in the documentary “The Fight.”
He also successfully contested the administration’s travel ban targeting individuals from certain Muslim-majority countries and challenged both the first and second asylum bans. Additionally, Gelernt served as lead counsel in opposing the use of Title 42 public health laws to expel migrants without asylum hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond his legal practice, Gelernt contributes to legal education as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has previously taught at Yale Law School. He frequently appears in national and international media, including major publications and news outlets, discussing civil rights and immigration issues.
Early Life and Education
Age and Nationality
While Lee Gelernt’s exact age is not publicly disclosed, he has been actively engaged in civil rights law since the early 1990s. He is an American citizen, and his legal career has been primarily based in New York.
Religion
There is no publicly disclosed information regarding Lee Gelernt’s religious affiliations.
Family
Gelernt hails from a family deeply rooted in public service and advocacy. His father was a pioneering surgeon, and his sister, Michelle, serves as a federal public defender. His mother co-founded Manhattan Country Day, a progressive school emphasizing excellence, justice, compassion, peace, and educational equity.
Education
Gelernt earned his Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University in 1984, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. He went on to receive a Master of Science in International Relations from the London School of Economics in 1985. He completed his Juris Doctor at Columbia Law School in 1988, serving as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Law Review.
Career
Professional Background
Since 1992, Lee Gelernt has been a dedicated attorney at the ACLU’s national office in New York, focusing on immigrants’ rights and national security issues. He currently holds the positions of Deputy Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project and Director of the Project’s Program on Access to the Courts.
Over his career, Gelernt has argued numerous significant civil rights cases across various federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals for multiple circuits. He has also testified as an expert before both the U.S. Senate and House.
Notable Cases
Family Separation Policy Challenge
Gelernt served as lead counsel in challenging the Trump administration’s practice of separating immigrant families at the U.S. border. This national class-action lawsuit resulted in a federal court declaring the practice unconstitutional and mandating the reunification of approximately 2,700 families. His work on this case was featured in the documentary “The Fight” and a cover story in the New York Times Magazine.
Travel Ban Litigation
He successfully argued the first legal challenge to President Trump’s executive order banning travel from several Muslim-majority nations. A federal court in Brooklyn issued a nationwide injunction against the ban just one day after its enactment.
Asylum and Deportation Challenges
Gelernt led successful challenges to both the Trump and Biden administrations’ asylum bans, which severely restricted access to asylum protection for those fleeing danger. He also litigated cases to prevent the deportation of long-term residents to countries where they faced persecution and torture.
Academic Contributions
In addition to his legal practice, Gelernt contributes to legal education as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has served as a visiting professor at Yale Law School.
Personal Life
Marital Status and Children
Lee Gelernt is married and has two sons, aged 13 and 17. Both sons attended Manhattan Country Day, the school co-founded by his mother.
Net Worth
Specific details regarding Lee Gelernt’s net worth are not publicly available.
Conclusion
Lee Gelernt’s career exemplifies a steadfast dedication to civil rights and immigrants’ advocacy. Through his strategic litigation and commitment to justice, he has significantly influenced U.S. immigration law and policy, earning him recognition as a leading public interest lawyer.
FAQs
What is Lee Gelernt’s role at the ACLU?
Lee Gelernt serves as the Deputy Director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project and Director of its Program on Access to the Courts.
Which universities has Lee Gelernt taught at?
Gelernt has taught as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School and has served as a visiting professor at Yale Law School.
What notable case did Gelernt handle involving the Trump administration’s travel ban?
He successfully challenged the travel ban targeting individuals from certain Muslim-majority nations, resulting in a nationwide injunction against the ban.
How many children does Lee Gelernt have?
Gelernt has two sons, aged 13 and 17.
What is Lee Gelernt known for in his legal career?
Lee Gelernt is known for his tireless work in advocating for the rights of immigrants. He has been involved in several high-profile cases, including challenging the Trump administration’s family separation policy, the Muslim travel ban, and various asylum restrictions. His strategic litigation has shaped U.S. immigration law and policy.
What role did Lee Gelernt play in the family separation case?
Gelernt was lead counsel in the national class-action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s family separation policy at the U.S.-Mexico border. His efforts led to a court ruling that declared the policy unconstitutional and mandated the reunification of separated families.
Has Lee Gelernt worked on any significant cases regarding asylum?
Yes, Lee Gelernt has worked on several significant cases related to asylum, including challenges to the Trump administration’s attempts to restrict asylum protections. His legal actions have been instrumental in preventing the enforcement of asylum bans that would have denied many individuals their right to seek refuge in the U.S.
Is Lee Gelernt involved in any public speaking or media appearances?
Yes, Lee Gelernt frequently appears in the media and has delivered public speeches on civil rights, immigration law, and related issues. He is regularly interviewed by major news outlets, including newspapers, television stations, and podcasts. His insights into the state of immigration law and civil liberties are widely respected
