Leslie Abramson: A Legal Pioneer

Early Life and Education

Leslie Abramson was born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from Barnard College in 1964 and went on to earn her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1967.

After graduating from law school, Abramson worked as a staff attorney for the New York State Assembly. She then joined the Legal Aid Society, where she represented indigent clients in criminal cases.

Career

In 1977, Abramson opened her own law firm, Abramson & Zuckerman. The firm quickly gained a reputation for taking on high-profile cases, including the defense of Joey Buttafuoco, the millionaire auto body shop owner accused of statutory rape, and Claus von Bulow, the Danish socialite accused of attempting to murder his wife.

Abramson was known for her aggressive and unorthodox approach to litigation. She was not afraid to challenge the prosecution's case aggressively and often used unconventional tactics to defend her clients. Her success rate was impressive. She won acquittals for over 80% of her clients.

Notable Cases

Joey Buttafuoco Case

In 1992, Abramson represented Joey Buttafuoco, a millionaire auto body shop owner, who was accused of statutory rape of a 16-year-old girl.

The case was highly publicized, and Abramson's aggressive defense tactics drew criticism from some quarters. She eventually won an acquittal for Buttafuoco, but the case damaged her reputation.

Claus von Bulow Case

In 1982, Abramson represented Claus von Bulow, a wealthy Danish socialite, who was accused of trying to murder his wife.

The case was complex and highly publicized. Abramson used a variety of tactics to defend von Bulow, including challenging the prosecution's evidence and presenting expert testimony on sleep disorders.

She eventually won an acquittal for von Bulow, but the case further damaged her reputation.

Legacy

Leslie Abramson is a controversial figure in the legal community. Her aggressive tactics have drawn criticism from some, but she has also been praised for her dedication to her clients and her willingness to take on unpopular cases.

She is a pioneer in the field of criminal defense and has helped to advance the rights of the accused.