Background
Koskoff was born in New Haven, Connecticut on June 23, 1913, and was as the youngest of seven children born to Israel and Hattie Koskoff.
Koskoff was born in New Haven, Connecticut on June 23, 1913, and was as the youngest of seven children born to Israel and Hattie Koskoff.
Student, Wesleyan University. Bachelor of Laws, Boston University, 1936. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Suffolk University, 1980.
Described as "one of Connecticut"s most widely known trial lawyers," Koskoff was the chairman of the Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder law firm and led several legal professional associations. Koskoff was lead defense counsel in the New Haven Black Panther trials of the 1970s and represented Black Panther Lonnie McLucas, who was charged with kidnapping and conspiracy. Koskoff also represented Dare to be Great salesman Glen Turner and F. Lee Bailey.
Koskoff as "well-known for his efforts to improve the image of his profession and to persuade his colleagues to give legal assistance to people unable to obtain it on their own." He served as president of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (American Trial Lawyers Association) from 1979 to 1980.
He also served as president of its Connecticut affiliate, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association. Koskoff also founded and was chairman of the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a board certification organization, and founded the Roscoe Pound-American Trial Lawyers Foundation (now the Pound Civil Justice Institute).
Koskoff was also instrumental in the establishment of the National Advocacy College educational programs at several law schools across the country. Koskoff died in 1989 at the age of 75 of a heart attack while being driven to a doctor"s office in Milford.
At the time of his death he lived in Westport.
Member National Board Trial Advocacy (founder, chairman), National Association Criminal Defense Lawyers, International Society Barristers, Association Trial LawyersAm. (past president), Connecticut Bar Association, Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, Bridgeport Bar Association Died March 13, 1989.
Married Dorothy Fuchs, February 21, 1937. Children: Susan Glazer, Michael P., Elizabeth.