A New York native, Frederic Coudert studied at Columbia, earning an AB in 1890, AM in 1891, and PhD in 1894 from that school. He studied law at Columbia from 1890-92 and was admitted to the bar in New York state in 1892, joining the family law firm, Coudert Brothers, which specialized in international law. Coudert would become known as an authority on constitutional and international law, and many of his clients were from Europe, notably several European governments. From 1913-14, Coudert served as special assistant to the Attorney General of the United States, James McReynolds. Beginning in 1897, Coudert argued several cases before the US Supreme Court. He wrote six books on international law, argued several cases on international law before the Supreme Court, and spoke frequently before the American Bar Association and American public policy groups. Coudert also served as President of the American Society of International Law from 1942-46, and President of the National Highways Protective Society during 1912-14. His war service included time in 1898 during the Spanish-American War when he was a 1st lieutenant in command of Troop A, New York Volunteer Cavalry, and in World War I, he was in Paris, serving as a member of the American Committee. In sports, he was President of the Fencers Club of New York and a long-time member of the New York Skating Club. Coudert served on the IOC from 1936-48, and was named an honorary member in 1950.
United States