Nationality United States Occupation Lawyer Role Lawyer | Alma mater Columbia Name Frederic Coudert, | |
Died December 20, 1903, Washington, D.C., United States Education Columbia College of Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University | ||
Frederic René Coudert Sr. (New York City, March 1, 1832 – Washington, D. C., December 20, 1903) was an American lawyer with Coudert Brothers. He was of French descent.
Life
His father Charles Coudert was French, and left France in 1824. Frederic graduated from Columbia College of Columbia University in 1850, and on his majority was admitted to practice in the courts. He became a leader of the Bar.
During the controversy concerning American and British seal fisheries in the Bering Sea, and in the controversy concerning the disputed boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana (see Guayana Esequiba), he acted as legal adviser for the United States Government. He was uniquely qualified for the position, being fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish; he was also gifted with a ready and caustic wit.
He consented in 1876 to visit Louisiana for the purpose of urging the Returning Board to act justly, respecting election returns which were to determine the presidential succession. In 1892 and again in 1893 he was a prominent opponent of the courses taken by his own political party.
He declined the Russian mission, a judgeship of the Court of Appeals of the State of New York, and a justiceship of the Supreme Court of the United States. He accepted (as the only public office he ever held) unsalaried membership in the Board of Education of the City of New York. From 1889 to 1899, he was president of the Manhattan Club, a social club of prominent members of the Democratic Party.