The Man

Sid Lezak, in whose honor the Lezak Project was founded, was aptly remembered as “A Man of Justice” in an Oregonian editorial following his death in April, 2006. Sid relentlessly pursued fairness and equality throughout his long and distinguished career and a host of community leadership roles.

Sid moved to Oregon in 1949, following his service in World War II as a decorated aviator and his graduation from the University of Chicago Law School. His first years in Oregon were spent as a labor lawyer; he travelled the state representing lumber, sawmill, and other workers and their unions (while also being openly critical of the Teamsters’ corrupt and criminal activities). In 1961, at the age of 37, Sid was appointed U.S. Attorney for Oregon by President Kennedy, a position he held during six presidencies, making him the second longest-serving U.S. Attorney in the history of the country. During those years he trained and mentored a cadre of young attorneys whose careers he helped launch and for whom he remained a significant figure throughout his life. He was also known as a good friend to Oregon Tribes for his advocacy of treaty rights.

The Work

After he stepped down as U.S. Attorney in 1982, Sid forged another career in the then-new profession of dispute resolution. He became an avid and effective proponent of mediation and is often regarded as the father of mediation in Oregon. In 2004, Sid was presented the International Academy of Mediators President’s Award, one of many honors and awards he received throughout his lifetime.

Among the social justice work for which Sid is remembered is his strenuous advocacy for increased support for legal aid, including his long involvement with the Lawyers’ Campaign for Equal Justice; his untiring support for public ownership of Portland General Electric; his efforts to protect Oregon’s environment from overdevelopment; his leadership as a Planned Parenthood Board member; and his role in ending the City Club’s men-only membership rule. Other board service included the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission and the Foundation for Public Broadcasting.

Sid’s beloved wife of 56 years, Muriel D. Lezak, is a renowned neuropsychologist; together they raised their three children, Anne, David, and Miriam. While no one lives forever, Sid’s fight for social justice lives on through the lives of those he inspired and through the work of the Sidney Lezak Project.

Links

Oregon State Bar Bulletin

Oregon Jewish Museum’s interview with Sid [pdf]