Benet Polikoff was born in Langley, South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina, served in World War I and graduated from the University of South Carolina with his LL.B. in 1921.
He practiced in Columbia, South Carolina, Winston-Salem, North Carolina and after 1938, in New York City. Jack Clareman was his partner there and he maintained lifelong ties with his many Southern friends.
He represented performers such as Libby Holman, Clifton Webb and Montgomery Clift; a Jamaican resort hotel, a national bank that he helped to organize, and numerous large real estate and commercial ventures.
He was active in community life in New York City, was Commander of the American Legion Post and was President of the Lion’s Club of New York. He was President of the American Jewish Association for Neighborhood Centers and was Trustee of the Associated YMCAs and YWCAs. He was a lifelong member, Vice-President and Director of the Christopher Reynolds Foundation, promoting world peace and improved race relations.
His intellect, quiet humor, optimism, compassion and warmth assured his success. He advised clients on business and their families on personal matters. His genuine personal concern made him the ideal famiily lawyer.