Norman Siegel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norman Siegel
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Norm Siegel speaking at City Hall
New York City, 2008 |
Norman Siegel is a well-known civil rights lawyer. He used to be the head of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which is a big group in New York that works to protect people's rights. The NYCLU is part of a larger national organization called the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Norman Siegel has also run for a public office in New York City and is famous for fighting for people's freedoms.
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Early Life and School
Norman Siegel was born on November 21, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Benjamin and Sydelle Siegel. He has three brothers and sisters.
After finishing New Utrecht High School, he went to Brooklyn College. Later, he studied law at NYU Law School. Interestingly, one of his classmates there was Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani later became the mayor of New York City and often disagreed with the NYCLU in court.
Working for Civil Rights
Norman Siegel started working for the NYCLU early in his career. From 1973 to 1976, he was the Field Director. Then, from 1985 to 2000, he became the Executive Director. This means he was in charge of the whole organization. Before joining NYCLU, he also worked for other groups that helped young people and provided legal services.
Helping People as a Lawyer
After leaving the NYCLU, Siegel started his own law practice. He has helped many different groups and people. For example, he represented Critical Mass, a group of cyclists. He also helped people who were against the expansion of Columbia University. He even worked with families who were concerned about Rudy Giuliani's 2008 campaign for President.
Siegel has also written many opinion pieces for major newspapers in New York City. These include the New York Times, Newsday, and the New York Daily News. He has also taught a class at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, New York. He has served on the boards of many different foundations, helping them with their important work.
Running for Public Advocate
Norman Siegel has run for New York City Public Advocate several times. This job involves being a voice for the people of New York City. In 2001, he ran but lost. He tried again in 2005 and 2009, but he was not successful.
In 2010, Siegel helped make an agreement with New York City. This agreement made sure that online journalists could get official press passes. This was important for them to be able to report the news.
His Law Firm Today
In 2012, Norman Siegel started a new law firm with some of his friends and colleagues. The firm is called Siegel Teitelbaum & Evans, LLP. They handle many different kinds of legal cases.
