Ken Reisenfeld

Ken Reisenfeld, a distinguished attorney and global leader in investor-state arbitration, passed away on March 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 71.

Born on April 1, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, Ken's intellectual brilliance and passion for justice were evident from an early age. He graduated from Shaker Heights High School before earning his Bachelor of Arts with honors from Oberlin College, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He then pursued his legal education at Harvard Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor degree. Following law school, he clerked for Chief Judge Frank J. Battisti of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio during the implementation of Brown v. Board of Education in the Cleveland School District's school desegregation case in 1978-1979 before embarking on a remarkable legal career.

Ken was a preeminent figure in international arbitration and dispute resolution. As a global leader of BakerHostetler's Investor-State Arbitration team, he was widely recognized as one of the world's foremost advocates and arbitrators in cross-border commercial, licensing, and investment disputes. His expertise earned him recognition in Chambers and Legal 500 rankings. Over four decades, he litigated and adjudicated cases before some of the most prestigious international tribunals, including the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal and the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. His career spanned leading global law firms such as White & Case, King & Spalding, and Haynes & Boone before his tenure at BakerHostetler.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken was deeply committed to advancing the rule of law worldwide. As Chair of the American Bar Association's International Law Section, he led a distinguished task force that sought to reform the United Nations Human Rights Commission to address its disproportionate focus on Israel. He also co-authored reports aimed at strengthening civil liberties in national security and intelligence operations. His dedication to justice extended to combating antisemitism and hate while protecting democracy and individual rights both domestically and abroad.

Ken's contributions to the legal profession were widely recognized. In 2023, he was honored with the Judge Learned Hand Award by the American Jewish Committee, its highest distinction for members of the legal profession. In May 2025, he will be posthumously awarded the ABA Section of International Law Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary impact on international law and human rights advocacy.

Outside of his professional life, Ken was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm. He had an insatiable intellectual curiosity and was passionate about politics, ethics, and engaging in spirited debates. His Jewish faith was a source of great pride and comfort throughout his life, influencing his advocacy work and personal values. He found joy in travel, tennis, hiking, biking, theater, entertaining friends, playing softball, and championing Jewish causes. Above all else, he cherished his daughters Julia and April, who were the center of his world.

Ken is survived by his beloved daughters Julia and April; his devoted girlfriend Anke Klippel; his siblings Linda and Hal; his sister-in-law Cindy; his nieces Lindsey, Sharon, and Rebecca; his nephews Geoff and Brett; and many dear friends and colleagues who admired him deeply. He was predeceased by his parents Florence and Allen Reisenfeld.

A memorial gathering to honor Ken's life will be held on April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., located at 2121 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.

Ken Reisenfeld leaves behind an enduring legacy as a brilliant legal mind, a fierce advocate for justice, a loyal friend, and a devoted father. His impact on international law and human rights will continue to inspire generations to come.

To honor Ken's memory, donations may be made to the American Jewish Committee by visiting www.ajc.org/donate and selecting the "In memory of" option to direct contributions toward this important work.