George Woodward Wickersham

George Woodward Wickersham (September 19 1858 – January 25 1936) was an American attorney who served as the United States Attorney General from 1909 to 1913 during President William H. Taft’s administration. After his tenure in the Department of Justice, he continued to occupy prominent legal and public service positions under both Republican and Democratic presidents, including appointments by Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover. He later presided over the Council on Foreign Relations from 1933 until his death.

Early life and career

Wickersham was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 19 1858. He received his early education at local schools before pursuing legal studies through apprenticeship—a common practice of the era—under an established law firm while simultaneously preparing for admission to the bar. In 1880 he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, a credential that complemented his practical experience and positioned him for entry into New York City’s competitive legal market.

In 1883 Wickersham joined the New York City firm Strong and Cadwalader. Four years later he became a partner, and the partnership eventually evolved into the well‑known firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. His legal career was marked by steady advancement within this practice, which would later become one of the most respected law firms in the United States. The firm’s growth reflected Wickersham’s reputation for diligence and his ability to navigate complex commercial matters.

Wickersham married Mildred Wendell; together they had a son, Cornelius Wendell Wickersham, who followed his father into the legal profession and also served as an officer in the New York Army National Guard, eventually attaining the rank of major general. The family resided for much of their lives in Cedarhurst, New York, within what is now the Village of Lawrence. Their domestic life was rooted in a community that valued civic engagement, mirroring Wickersham’s own public commitments.

Cabinet tenure

In 1909 President William H. Taft appointed Wickersham as United States Attorney General. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate, and he served in that capacity until 1913. During his four‑year term he oversaw the Department of Justice’s enforcement activities and represented the federal government in legal matters. He presided over a period when antitrust enforcement and federal regulatory policy were expanding, and his office played a key role in interpreting and applying the Sherman Act.

One notable action during this period involved the American Bar Association (ABA). In 1912, when the ABA’s executive committee voted to remove Assistant Attorney General William H. Lewis—an African American lawyer—from membership amid Southern protests, Wickersham intervened by sending a letter to all 4,700 members urging them to support Lewis and refuse to resign. This episode illustrated his willingness to challenge prevailing discriminatory attitudes within professional organizations.

Wickersham’s tenure also intersected with the early years of President Woodrow Wilson’s administration. Although Wilson appointed his own personnel to federal offices after taking office in 1913, Wickersham remained active in legal circles. From 1914 to 1916 he served as president of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, a role that positioned him at the center of the city’s legal community and allowed him to influence local jurisprudence.

In 1916, when Wilson nominated Louis Brandeis for appointment to the United States Supreme Court, Wickersham publicly opposed the nomination. He characterized Brandeis’s supporters in disparaging terms, reflecting his discomfort with the nominee’s background and the broader social context of the time.

Following the United States’ entry into World War I in 1917, President Wilson named Wickersham to serve on the War Trade Board to Cuba. The board’s purpose was to oversee trade regulations during wartime, ensuring compliance with national security interests and contributing to the war effort through economic oversight.

After his service as Attorney General, Wickersham continued to contribute to public affairs under subsequent administrations. In 1929 President Herbert Hoover appointed him to the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement—commonly known as the “Wickersham Commission.” The commission was tasked with examining law‑enforcement practices across the country, a role that underscored Wickersham’s enduring influence in shaping federal legal policy. The commission’s findings were later cited in discussions of policing standards and corruption reform.

He did not return to government service under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Instead, he turned his attention to private civic organizations, becoming president of the Council on Foreign Relations from 1933 until his death in 1936. In this capacity he helped guide discussions on international affairs during a period of growing global tension and contributed to the organization’s early development as a leading forum for foreign‑policy debate.

Legacy

Wickersham’s career spanned both legal practice and public service, leaving a lasting imprint on American jurisprudence and policy. His involvement with the Wickersham Commission contributed to reforms in law‑enforcement practices that resonated well beyond his lifetime. The commission’s findings influenced subsequent legislation aimed at improving policing standards and addressing corruption.

In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, the Friends of the Law Library of the Library of Congress established an annual award bearing his name in 1996. This award honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in legal scholarship and service, thereby perpetuating Wickersham’s commitment to the rule of law.

Wickersham passed away in New York City on January 25 1936 and was interred at Brookside Cemetery in Englewood, New Jersey. His legacy endures through the institutions he helped shape, the reforms he advocated for, and the award that continues to recognize legal excellence in his name.