Douglas E. Kliever ’64

Doug died April 8, 2026.  

He graduated from Medford (Ore.) Senior High School, where he was senior class president, a two-time state forensic champion, and a National Merit Scholar. At Princeton, Doug majored in the Woodrow Wilson School, concentrating in international affairs, ate at Elm Club, and graduated magna cum laude. At Stanford Law School, he was president of the Law Review and graduated in 1967. He met and married Virginia “Cookie” Harper, the law school librarian, and following graduation, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Doug clerked for Judge Oscar Davis of the U.S. Court of Claims.  

Following his clerkship, Doug began a distinguished legal career with the DC office of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton where, initially as an associate and then a partner, he represented major industrial clients in the pioneering era of federal environmental law and regulation. After retiring from Cleary in 1997, he continued in private practice until 2005, representing major firearms industry trade associations. 

Doug was an avid traveler, initially with Cookie until she passed away in 2008, and thereafter with family and friends. His avocations included woodworking and gardening. He is remembered for his intellect, discipline, and devotion to his family.  

The class extends its condolences to Doug’s two sons and their families.