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Ken Reisenfeld Obituary
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ken Reisenfeld
Murray Paul Farmer
September 25, 2025
Ken you were a good friend and advocate for me I am glad we got to visit before you passed, thankyou
Peter M Hosinski
September 24, 2025
Sadly I only just learned of Ken's passing. I knew Ken for over 30 years as a fellow attorney deeply involved in international practice, sharing important clients (our practices differed) located in Washington, DC and elsewhere. He was a superb attorney and a better human being. He will be missed. My sincere sympathies to his family and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
Donna Barton
July 4, 2025
I worked with Ken in the mid 80´s at Miller & Chevalier. We ran into each other when I was visiting friends at King & Spalding in 2008 - I had worked there in the 1990´s but moved to Florida in 1999. Ken was a great guy and a wonderful attorney. So sad to see he has passed.
Robin Lelyveld Newell
April 18, 2025
Back in the 80's when I was new to the DC area, Ken was such a great friend. While busy w/work, he managed to find time to get together for lunch, invite me to AJC event or a party at his house. Both my family and I appreciated his thoughtfulness. My dad didn't have many favorites, but Ken was certainly one of them. The world has lost a shining star.
My condolences to the entire Reisenfeld family,
Robin Lelyveld Newell
murray p farmer
April 14, 2025
I am very sorry, Ken was my attorney and a good friend. Signed DRC, Inc. vs ROH
Sam Reisenfeld
April 11, 2025
Cousin Ken, you will be greatly missed. Your many achievements will have lasting impact.
Alexander Blumrosen
April 7, 2025
I am so sorry to learn that Ken, my longtime ABA friend, is no longer with us. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jim Losey
April 5, 2025
Ken and I were both in Class of `75 at Oberlin. Our senior year we had the same honors adviser (Prof. McLean), and so we - along with Matt Heartney and Peter Kennedy - spent many hours that last spring semester engaged in heavy discussions regarding comparative political systems. Fast forward a few years: in the early 1980´s, Ken and I were roommates for a couple years at the 2-bedroom apartment on Swann St. in DC. During that time, and for a few years thereafter, we played a regular weekly racquetball game. More often than not, he won - but never gloated. Eventually, we were out of touch for several years - practicing law, raising kids, etc. I was quite happy to hear from him just a couple months ago, asking if I was planning to go to our 50th reunion at Oberlin. I was looking forward to seeing him and catching up on everything.
He was an outstanding lawyer and a great guy. My sincere condolences to Ken´s family.
Ulla Klippel
April 4, 2025
Thank you for getting to know you.
Douglas A Cooper
April 3, 2025
Ken was was one of my ushers in my wedding...he was also my landlord at two different times, my tennis partner, softball teammate and running mate during the 80's. I was honored to be apart of his wedding too! Please accept my deepest sympathies to the entire Reisenfeld family. My guess is Ken's working on his backhand now...or doing a little gardening. Maybe with Ken's influence, the Brown's will finally make the Superbowl!
Paul Klopper
March 31, 2025
L-R. Paul, Kenny, Jeff, Steve.
You will be missed but our shared memories are forever.
Kim Ringler
March 29, 2025
Kenny was a first class mensch in high school and college when I knew him. Gone too soon but may his life and achievements bring comfort to his family.
Dale Shrallow
March 27, 2025
My sincere condolences to Hal and his family. Have fond memories of Ken at Shaker as a warm and friendly person.
Joseph L Raia
March 26, 2025
Such a thoughtful, insightful but humble leader and colleague - always supportive, always responsive. Thank you Ken. You are missed.
Joe Raia, former Chair ABA International Law Section
Penny Adelstein
March 25, 2025
Hal & family - plz accept my deep condolences on the untimely passing of your SUPER STAR brother. Though he was 3 classes ahead of me in school, I remember seeing him walking around the neighborhood & was always struck by his good looks! I finally got to meet & talk to him at one or two of his Shaker reunions, where I was asked to work the sign-in desk for his class.
I'm astonished & in awe to learn of all that this seemingly quiet & modest guy went on to achieve & accomplish in the world to make it a better place. What an incredible legacy that must make you & his daughters so very proud.
Regards, on behalf of the Adelstein family at the other end of Shelburne.
Raul R Herrera
March 25, 2025
Ken was an awesome colleague and friend. RIP You will be missed.
Anna Joubin-Bret
March 25, 2025
Ken will be thoroughly missed by the UNCITRAL community. How often did he open the doors of his firm to host side-events and brainstorming discussions. Always welcoming, always thoughtful. Rest in peace, dear Ken
Todd Rengel
March 25, 2025
I'm so very sad to hear about Ken's passing.
Ken was an absolute delight. I've had hundreds of clients over the years and he was wonderful: easy to talk to, open, good sense of humor, and effortlessly collaborative.
I last spoke with him the day before he passed. We were working on a new website for the next phase of his career. To get it right, I needed to "get into his head," so we had several deep conversations about what he wanted and how that would fit into his life. I got a sense of Ken that maybe others who only knew him for a couple of months might be able to achieve. He was extraordinary. It was a real honor to have had the chance to meet him.
My sincerest condolences to his family and close friends.
Marie- B Cilia De Amicis
March 25, 2025
Nikolaus Pitkowitz
March 24, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of Ken´s passing. I have known him for many years, and it was always a great pleasure and enrichment to meet and engage with him in a range of aspects, be it international arbitration, the ABA, or our joint publications. His contributions to the legal profession-and the lives he touched-will be remembered with deep respect. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to know him. Nikolaus Pitkowitz, Vienna, Austria
David W. Bowker
March 24, 2025
Rest in peace, Ken, you will be missed.
Licy Benzaquen
March 24, 2025
I had the pleasure to work with Ken not so long a go and witness his great commitment, ethics and love for his profession. My deepest condolences for the family.
Anke
March 23, 2025
In loving memory.
March 23, 2025
Our condolences to Linda and Hal as well as the rest of the family. Many memories from our teenage years. Bob and Gail Silber(Kaufman)
Marc Benson
March 23, 2025
So profoundly thankful that his life touched ours. My eyes tear up while I simultaneously smile as echoes of his laughter trigger so many wonderful memories. Ken made the world a better place. He will never be forgotten
Dave Berger
March 22, 2025
Missing Ken, AKA Kenny (from Mercer Elementary). Condolences to his family.
Barbara Frisch-Klopper
March 22, 2025
Kenny was one of my first boyfriends in sixth grade. I remember so well parties at Danny Gross´s house as well as my home.
He will always be in my heart!
Julie Mihaly
March 22, 2025
Kenny- he'll always be Kenny to me- was in more ways than any of us could really state, one of a kind. A standout from the get go whose efforts ultimately made this world a better place. But the thing that I can most conjure to this day, is the sound of his laugh. It was brilliant. Farewell & thank you, Kenny. You will not be forgotten.
Marcy Arfa McSkimming
March 21, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to the Reisenfeld family, with fond memories from a classmate from Shaker Heights.
Marcy Arfa McSkimming
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