Kenneth Feinberg Biography – Explore the comprehensive biography of Kenneth Feinberg, an American attorney renowned for his mediation expertise in high-profile compensation cases. Learn about his net worth, age, early life, education, notable works, family, and career achievements.
Kenneth Roy Feinberg is a distinguished American attorney specializing in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Born on October 23, 1945, in Brockton, Massachusetts, USA, Feinberg has played a pivotal role in administering compensation funds for numerous significant events, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund. His expertise has been sought in resolving some of the nation’s most complex and emotional disputes.
Kenneth Feinberg Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Roy Feinberg |
| Date of Birth | October 23, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Brockton, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Attorney specializing in mediation and alternative dispute resolution |
| Education | – Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1967)- Juris Doctor, New York University School of Law (1970) |
| Early Career | – Law clerk for Judge Stanley H. Fuld, New York State Court of Appeals- Assistant U.S. Attorney- Administrative Assistant and Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy |
| Law Practice | – Founding partner at Kaye Scholer LLP’s Washington office- Founded The Feinberg Group (now Law Offices of Kenneth Feinberg) in 1993 |
| Notable Roles | – Special Master, September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (2001–2004)- Administrator, BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund (2010)- Administrator, One Fund Boston (2013)- Administrator, Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund (Virginia Tech shooting, 2007)- Special Master for TARP Executive Compensation (“Pay Czar”, 2009)- Administrator for compensation programs related to Sandy Hook, Aurora theater shooting, Penn State abuse scandal, Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting, and Boeing 737 MAX crashes |
| Academic Roles | Adjunct professor at: – Harvard Law School- Columbia Law School- University of Pennsylvania Law School- Georgetown University Law Center- New York University School of Law- University of Virginia School of Law- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law |
| Publications | – What Is Life Worth? (2005)- Who Gets What: Fair Compensation after Tragedy and Financial Upheaval (2012) |
| Awards & Honors | – Numerous legal and public service awards including “Lawyer of the Year” (2004), Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal (2014), and more |
| Personal Life | – Married to Diane (“Dede”) Shaff- Three children and four grandchildren |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be in the range of several million USD due to extensive legal career and consulting work |
| In Popular Culture | – Portrayed by Michael Keaton in the 2021 Netflix film Worth, based on his book What Is Life Worth? |
Key Takeaways
- Renowned Mediator: Kenneth Feinberg is a leading figure in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, having overseen compensation funds for major events like 9/11 and the BP oil spill.
- Educational Background: He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law.
- Authorship and Film Portrayal: Feinberg authored the memoir “What Is Life Worth?”, which inspired the 2020 biographical film “Worth”, where he is portrayed by actor Michael Keaton.
- Family Life: Married to Diane “Dede” Shaff, with whom he has three children and four grandchildren.
- Academic Contributions: Serves as an adjunct professor at several prestigious law schools, including Columbia University School of Law and Georgetown University Law Center.
Early Life and Education
Kenneth Feinberg was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He pursued higher education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Feinberg then attended the New York University School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree, laying the foundation for his illustrious legal career.
Career Journey
Feinberg’s career is marked by his involvement in resolving some of the nation’s most challenging disputes. He served as the Chief of Staff to Senator Ted Kennedy, gaining valuable experience in legislative processes. Feinberg later founded The Feinberg Group, a law firm specializing in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Over the years, he has been appointed to administer several high-profile compensation funds, including:
- September 11th Victim Compensation Fund: As Special Master, Feinberg oversaw the distribution of over $7 billion to victims and their families.
- BP Deepwater Horizon Disaster Victim Compensation Fund: Managed the $20 billion fund established to compensate individuals affected by the 2010 oil spill.
- One Fund Boston: Administered the fund created to assist victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
Notable Works and Media Portrayal
In 2005, Feinberg authored the memoir “What Is Life Worth?”, reflecting on his experiences with the 9/11 compensation fund. This memoir served as the basis for the 2020 biographical film “Worth”, directed by Sara Colangelo. In the film, actor Michael Keaton portrays Feinberg, depicting his challenges in determining appropriate compensation for the victims’ families.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Feinberg has received numerous accolades, including:
- The New York University Albert Gallatin Medal for Professional Achievement (2011)
- The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Law (2014)
- Listed in “The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America” by The National Law Journal (2013)
Academic Contributions
Beyond his mediation work, Feinberg is dedicated to education, serving as an adjunct professor at institutions such as:
- Columbia University School of Law
- University of Pennsylvania Law School
- Georgetown University Law Center
- New York University School of Law
- University of Virginia School of Law
- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
Personal Life
Kenneth Feinberg is married to Diane “Dede” Shaff, and together they have three children and four grandchildren. Despite his demanding career, Feinberg values family life and maintains a close relationship with his loved ones.
Conclusion
Kenneth Feinberg’s career exemplifies dedication to justice and compassion in the face of tragedy. His expertise in mediation and alternative dispute resolution has provided solace and financial relief to countless individuals affected by unforeseen disasters. Through his writings and the cinematic portrayal of his work, Feinberg’s legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations on the complexities of valuing human life and the importance of empathy in the legal profession.
FAQs About Kenneth Feinberg
1. Who is Kenneth Feinberg?
Kenneth Feinberg is an American attorney renowned for his expertise in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, having overseen compensation funds for major events like the September 11 attacks and the BP oil spill.
2. What is Kenneth Feinberg’s educational background?
Feinberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Juris Doctor from the New York University School of Law.
3. What notable works has Kenneth Feinberg authored?
He authored the memoir “What Is Life Worth?”, reflecting on his experiences administering the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.
4. Has Kenneth Feinberg been portrayed in film?
Yes, the 2020 biographical film “Worth” depicts Feinberg’s role in the 9/11 compensation efforts, with actor Michael Keaton portraying him.
5. What is Kenneth Feinberg’s family life like?
Feinberg is married to Diane “Dede” Shaff, and they have three children and four grandchildren.
