lawrence warren pierce (december 31, 1924 – february 5, 2020) was an american politician and lawyer. he was united states circuit judge of the united states court of appeals for the second circuit from 1981 to 1990, nominated by ronald reagan. before he was a united states district judge of the united states district court for the southern district of new york from 1971 to 1981, nominated by richard nixon. he was born in philadelphia, pennsylvania.