David Elias Birenbaum

1937 - 2024

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, DAVID ELIAS BIRENBAUM of Washington, DC.
A renowned lawyer, scholar, and public servant known for his groundbreaking work in international law and his influential role as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for U.N. Management and Reform, David Birenbaum was a lifelong defender of democracy and tireless advocate for human rights. 
Mr. Birenbaum was a long-time partner at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, where he specialized in international trade and investment law.
Born on November 30, 1937, in Waterbury, CT, to Max Birenbaum and Mollie Cooper, Mr. Birenbaum was a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School. His long and fruitful career began with a federal clerkship in Hartford before he moved to Washington, DC to join the firm, embarking on a path that would intertwine legal practice with public service. While the bulk of his career was spent in the private sector, Mr. Birenbaum never strayed from the love of politics that brought him to the nation's capital. He took multiple leaves of absence to work on Democratic campaigns and political assignments, buoyed by his passionate advocacy for civil rights forged through growing up in Waterbury's Jewish community in the wake of World War II. One of his first cases involved representing Native American tribes seeking compensation for the unlawful seizure of tribal land.
During his legal career, Mr. Birenbaum spearheaded the lawful globalization of professional services organizations. He was a respected thought leader on the United Nations and matters of international law and trade, guest lecturing at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Georgetown University Law Center and the ESADE School of Law in Barcelona. Mr. Birenbaum's commitment to public service was unwavering. In 1968, he joined the landmark Kerner Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to study the causes of the racial riots. As assistant general counsel, he played a role in organizing hearings and contributing to the report's sections on education and urban policy. Additionally, he provided legal expertise to several Democratic campaigns, including Hubert Humphrey's, and was a key advisor to Sargent Shriver during his 1972 presidential bid. In his retirement, Mr. Birenbaum edited Shriver's manuscript about his time running the Poverty Program, the forthcoming book "We Called it a War."
A highlight of Mr. Birenbaum's career was serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for U.N. Management and Reform during the Clinton Administration. During this tenure, from 1994 to 1996, he worked on proposals to reform the institution while building relationships with ambassadors from various nations. Upon leaving the U.N., he created and chaired the Emergency Coalition for U.S. Financial Support of the United Nations. He was a Senior Scholar at the Wilson Center, where he undertook a project on U.N. reform.
His diplomatic and legal contributions extended to board memberships in organizations advancing international cooperation and democratic causes, including the Brady Center Freedom House to Prevent Gun Violence and Americans for Peace Now, with which he participated in study tours to advance peace prospects between Israelis and Palestinians.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Birenbaum cherished his family life. He was an avid traveler who explored the globe, relished opera and danced with his wife. He was a passionate Nationals fan and voracious reader with an extensive home library. He devoured the news, thought deeply and loved debating politics. He spent his final days surrounded by over 20 family members singing karaoke, eating cake and toasting to a life well lived. 
Mr. Birenbaum is survived by his wife, the Honorable Vanessa Ruiz, who was president of the National Association of Women Judges and International Association of Women Judges; his children Tracy Barone and Matthew Birenbaum (Ilona) with his first wife, Cynthia Barber; stepdaughter Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz (Rahul); grandchildren Zoe, Gabrielle, Aidan, and Santiago; and his brother Chuck Birenbaum (Molly). A second stepdaughter (Natalia Elejalde-Ruiz) predeceased him in 2017. He will be remembered fondly as a loving husband, proud father, fun grandfather, and dedicated public servant. 
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland St., Falls Church, VA 22043. Memorial contributions in David's honor may be made to several of his favorite causes, including Americans for Peace Now, Freedom House, and the International Association of Women Judges. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001.