Walter Dellinger

Walter Dellinger was a prominent American constitutional law scholar, appellate litigator, and government official. He served as the Acting Solicitor General of the United States during the Clinton administration and was a longtime professor at Duke University School of Law. Renowned for his sharp legal mind and advocacy before the Supreme Court of the United States, he was a leading figure in progressive legal circles and a frequent commentator on major constitutional issues.

Early life and education

Walter Dellinger was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and developed an early interest in law and politics. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was elected student body president and graduated with highest honors in 1963. He then pursued his legal education at Yale Law School, earning his LL.B. degree in 1966. At Yale, he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal and studied under influential legal scholars, solidifying his foundation in constitutional theory.

Legal career

After graduating, Dellinger served as a law clerk for Judge Henry Friendly on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He began his academic career at Duke University School of Law in 1969, quickly establishing himself as a respected professor. During the 1970s, he also worked as an attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, litigating civil rights cases. In 1978, he took a leave from Duke to serve as an Assistant Attorney General and head of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) in the United States Department of Justice under President Jimmy Carter, where he authored significant legal opinions.

Acting Solicitor General of the United States

In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed Dellinger to the United States Department of Justice as an Assistant Attorney General heading the OLC for a second time. In 1996, he was named the Acting Solicitor General of the United States, a role he held for over a year. In this capacity, he represented the federal government before the Supreme Court of the United States, arguing several high-profile cases. He notably defended the constitutionality of the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 and advocated for positions on issues like affirmative action and separation of church and state. His tenure was marked by skilled advocacy during a period of significant legal challenges to administration policies.

Academic career and later work

Following his government service, Dellinger returned to Duke University School of Law as a professor and also taught at Harvard Law School as a visiting professor. He joined the law firm O'Melveny & Myers in Washington, D.C., where he chaired the firm's Supreme Court and appellate practice. He remained a prolific Supreme Court advocate, representing clients in landmark cases involving campaign finance, voting rights, and health care reform. He was a frequent contributor to publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post, and a regular guest on news programs such as PBS NewsHour. He also served on the board of the American Constitution Society.

Personal life and death

Walter Dellinger was married to Anne Maxwell, an artist, and they had three sons. He was known for his wit, mentorship of young lawyers, and deep commitment to civil liberties and democratic institutions. An avid reader and opera enthusiast, he maintained a home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, alongside his residence in Washington, D.C.. Dellinger died on February 16, 2022, in Washington, D.C., from complications of pulmonary fibrosis. His passing was noted by prominent figures across the legal and political world, including Justice Elena Kagan and former President Bill Clinton, who praised his intellect and integrity.

Category:American legal scholars Category:United States Solicitors General Category:Duke University faculty Category:2022 deaths