Nizer, Louis (1902–1994)

English-born lawyer and author. Nizer represented many famous entertainers such as Charlie Chaplin and Mae West. He represented the New York association of movie companies, was the general counsel for the Motion Picture Association of America, and also became a recognized authority on contracts, copyright, and plagiarism law. His best-known case was the successful libel suit by US journalist Quentin Reynolds against Westbrook Pegler, another journalist, in 1954. Nizer was also a caricaturist and painter, he wrote both words and music of songs, he was much in demand as a toastmaster, and he wrote many articles and books, including My Life in Court (1961) and The Jury Returns (1966).

Born in London, England, Nizer immigrated to the USA at age three. Noted for this oratorical skills as a youth, he graduated from Columbia University's law school (1924). He formed the law firm Phillips, Nizer, Benjamin & Krim in 1926 and remained with it throughout his career.