The Life and Legacy of Sidney Korshak

Sidney Korshak was a larger-than-life figure, known for his imposing presence and sharp business acumen. He was born in 1907 in Chicago's West Side, the son of a tailor.

Korshak's early life was marked by poverty and hard work, with his family struggling to make ends meet. This experience would later shape his entrepreneurial spirit and drive.

As a young man, Korshak quickly made a name for himself in the Chicago underworld, becoming a key figure in the city's organized crime scene. His connections and reputation would serve him well in his future business ventures.

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Sidney Korshak was born into a Jewish family on Chicago's West Side Lawndale neighborhood on June 6, 1907.

His parents, Harry Korshak and Rebecca Beatrice Lashkovitz, were married on July 15, 1902, in Chicago, and had four children, including Sidney.

Sidney's father, Harry, was a wealthy Chicago contractor.

Sidney's younger brother, Morris Jerome "Marshall" Korshak, became a longtime Chicago politician, city treasurer, and state senator.

Sidney attended Herzl Elementary School.

He later went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison and obtained his law degree from the DePaul University College of Law.

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Sidney Korshak's career was a testament to his exceptional networking skills, as he befriended many Hollywood celebrities and industry leaders, including MCA/Universal chiefs Jules C. Stein, Lew Wasserman, and Sid Sheinberg.

He was a highly successful labor consultant and negotiator, working with prominent clients like Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, MGM, Playboy, MCA/Universal, and Diners Club International.

Korshak's client list was a who's who of the entertainment industry, with clients like Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and Warren Beatty.

One of his most notable clients was Jimmy Hoffa, the infamous head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with whom he was heavily involved in the Teamsters' west coast operations during the peak of organized labor's activity.

Korshak's connections extended to the highest levels of California politics, with friends including California governors Edmund "Pat" Brown, Edmund "Jerry" Brown, and Gray Davis.

His relationships with industry leaders like Kirk Kerkorian and Charles Bluhdorn further solidified his position as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Korshak's influence was not limited to the entertainment industry, as he also worked with labor attorney William French Smith, who would later become the United States Attorney General.

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Sidney Korshak was a master lawyer and fixer who allegedly got his start with the Outfit through Jake Guzik, also known as Greasy Thumb.

He represented many notable people, including Frank Sinatra and Ronald Reagan.

Korshak maintained a strong relationship with the high-level Outfit echelon, despite not wanting to be associated with their rougher elements.

This relationship was established through FBI taps of his telephone.

The Chief of the FBI Organized Crime Department considered Korshak the most powerful attorney in the world.

He was also associated with Anthony Accardo, who was considered the genuine godfather.

Bioff, an Outfit-controlled stooge, was convicted of extortion along with Brown and Circella.

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