Robert Lipshutz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Lipshutz
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Lipshutz (right) with President Carter in 1977
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| White House Counsel | |
| In office January 20, 1977 – October 1, 1979 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Philip Buchen |
| Succeeded by | Lloyd Cutler |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 27, 1921 Atlanta, Georgia U.S. |
| Died | November 6, 2010 (aged 88) Atlanta, Georgia U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Georgia (BA, JD) |
Robert Jerome Lipshutz (December 27, 1921 – November 6, 2010) was an American lawyer. He played an important role in the government of President Jimmy Carter. First, he helped with Carter's successful campaign to become president in 1976. After Carter won, Lipshutz became the White House Counsel from 1977 to 1979. This job meant he was the President's main lawyer and advisor. He also helped with important peace talks between Egypt and Israel in 1978.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Lipshutz was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 27, 1921. He went to Boys' High School in Atlanta. Later, he attended the University of Georgia. There, he was the captain of the debate team. He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1943.
After finishing his studies, Lipshutz served in the United States Army during World War II. When the war ended, he returned to Atlanta. He opened his own law office in 1947 and worked as a lawyer.
Working with President Carter
Lipshutz first met Jimmy Carter in 1966. At that time, Carter was running for a political office. When Carter became the governor of Georgia in 1970, he asked Lipshutz to join a state board. This showed that Carter trusted Lipshutz.
Helping the Presidential Campaign
In 1976, Jimmy Carter decided to run for President of the United States. Robert Lipshutz became his national campaign treasurer. This meant he managed all the money for Carter's election efforts. Carter won the election, and Lipshutz moved to Washington, D.C.
Serving as White House Counsel
When President Carter took office in 1977, he named Lipshutz as his White House Counsel. In this role, Lipshutz was the President's top legal advisor. He was part of a group of people from Georgia who joined Carter's team in the White House.
As the White House Counsel, Lipshutz gave advice to the President on many legal matters. For example, he advised President Carter to reduce the prison sentence of G. Gordon Liddy. Liddy had been found guilty in the Watergate scandal, a big political event. Lipshutz believed this decision was fair.
He also worked to make sure more people from minority groups were chosen for important jobs. These jobs were in the government and as judges. Lipshutz helped write a new policy about affirmative action. This policy aimed to help groups that had faced unfair treatment in the past. The Supreme Court of the United States later accepted parts of this policy.
A Key Role in Peace Talks
Robert Lipshutz played a very important part in the peace talks between Egypt and Israel. These talks happened at Camp David, a special retreat for the President. During these meetings, Lipshutz shared ideas from leaders of major Jewish organizations. His input helped the peace process move forward.
President Carter later said that Lipshutz's ideas were very important. They helped with many big decisions during his presidency. This included the creation of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Lipshutz left the White House in October 1979. Lloyd Cutler took over his role.
Later Years
After leaving the White House, Lipshutz continued to be active. He served as a trustee for several important organizations. These included the Atlanta Jewish Federation and the Union for Reform Judaism. He also worked with the Carter Center, which was founded by former President Carter.
Robert Lipshutz lived in Atlanta, Georgia. He passed away on November 6, 2010, at the age of 88. He was survived by his second wife, Betty Beck. He also had three daughters and a son from his first marriage, two stepchildren, and nine grandchildren.
See also
- List of Jewish American jurists
