Martin 'Marty' Lipton, born June 22, 1931, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to a Jewish family, is a prominent American corporate lawyer and founding partner of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, established in 1965. He graduated from Jersey Preparatory School in 1948, earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1952, and received an LL.B. from New York University School of Law in 1955, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. Lipton clerked for Judge Edward Weinfeld in 1956 and began his career at a small firm before co-founding his legendary practice, which became one of the world's most profitable law firms, renowned for its expertise in mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. He is best known for inventing the 'poison pill' shareholder rights plan in 1982, a key defense against hostile takeovers, establishing him as a dominant figure alongside Joseph Flom in M&A during the 1980s. Lipton has had a profound impact on corporate governance, lecturing and teaching as an adjunct professor at NYU Law School for over 20 years and authoring influential works. He chaired the NYU School of Law Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1998 and the NYU Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2015. His public service includes advising on New York City's 1975 fiscal crisis with Felix Rohatyn, roles with the New York Stock Exchange committees, co-chairing the Partnership for New York City (2004-2006), and emeritus positions with organizations like the American Law Institute and Prep for Prep. Lipton has received numerous honors, including from Wharton, NYU, the Legal Aid Society, and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has been listed among the National Law Journal's 100 Most Influential Lawyers since 1985.