Preet Bharara Quotes
- Lawyer
- India
- 1968
Preet Bharara is an Indian-American lawyer, author, and former federal prosecutor. He is best known for his tenure as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including those involving Wall Street executives and po…Read More
Preet Bharara is an Indian-American lawyer, author, and former federal prosecutor. He is best known for his tenure as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including those involving Wall Street executives and political figures. Bharara is also a frequent commentator on legal and political issues, and has written for various publications. He is the author of the bestselling book “Doing Justice: A Prosecutor’s Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law,” which offers insights into the criminal justice system and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Bharara is widely recognized for his integrity, intelligence, and dedication to public service.Read Less
Preet Bharara is an Indian-American lawyer, author, and former federal prosecutor. He is best known for his tenure as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including those involving Wall Street executives and political figures. Bharara is also a frequent commentator on legal and political issues, and has written for various publications. He is the author of the bestselling book “Doing Justice: A Prosecutor’s Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law,” which offers insights into the criminal justice system and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Bharara is widely recognized for his integrity, intelligence, and dedication to public service.
Preet Bharara Career Highlights
- Bharara was born in Firozpur, Punjab, India in 1968 and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two. He grew up in New Jersey and attended Harvard College and Columbia Law School.
- After graduating from law school, Bharara worked as a law clerk for a federal judge and then joined the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in New York City.
- In 2000, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, where he worked on a variety of high-profile cases, including the prosecution of the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street” Jordan Belfort.
- In 2009, Bharara was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He was unanimously confirmed by the Senate and became the youngest U.S. Attorney in the country at the time.
- During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Bharara oversaw the prosecution of numerous high-profile cases, including those involving terrorism, financial fraud, and public corruption. He also focused on cybercrime and civil rights issues.
- Bharara gained national attention for his successful prosecutions of several prominent politicians, including New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
- In 2017, Bharara was fired by President Donald Trump after refusing to resign along with 45 other U.S. Attorneys who were appointed by Obama. This move sparked controversy and raised concerns about political interference in the justice system.
- After leaving his position as U.S. Attorney, Bharara joined the New York University School of Law as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence and also became a Senior Legal Analyst for CNN.
Key Contributions by Preet Bharara
- Bharara’s most significant contribution is his dedication to upholding the rule of law and fighting against corruption and injustice. He has been praised for his integrity, intelligence, and fearlessness in pursuing justice.
- During his time as U.S. Attorney, Bharara’s office recovered over $14 billion in civil and criminal actions, including a record-breaking $8.9 billion settlement with the French bank BNP Paribas for violating U.S. sanctions.
- He also established the first-ever civil rights unit in the Southern District of New York, which focused on protecting the rights of vulnerable communities and prosecuting hate crimes.
- Bharara has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and has spoken out against the use of excessive force by law enforcement. He has also been a strong supporter of immigrant rights and has fought against discrimination and hate crimes targeting minority communities.
What Sets Preet Bharara Apart
- Bharara’s unwavering commitment to justice and his track record of successful prosecutions have earned him a reputation as one of the most effective and respected prosecutors in the country.
- He has been recognized for his leadership and legal expertise, receiving numerous awards and honors, including the New York City Bar Association’s John Marshall Award for Outstanding Legal Achievement and the New York State Bar Association’s Gold Medal.
- Bharara is also known for his strong moral compass and his willingness to stand up against powerful individuals and institutions, even at the risk of his own career.
Takeaways
- Preet Bharara’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his exceptional legal skills and his dedication to serving the public interest.
- His story is a testament to the American Dream, as he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential and respected figures in the legal world.
- Bharara’s legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring lawyers and advocates, reminding us of the importance of integrity, courage, and perseverance in the pursuit of justice.