Preet Bharara: A Profile of a Notable Legal Career
Preetinder Singh Bharara, born on October 13, 1968, is a distinguished Indian-born American attorney and former federal prosecutor. Known for his tenure as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2017, Bharara has made significant contributions to American jurisprudence, particularly in the realms of financial crime and public corruption. As of 2025, he holds a position as a partner at the WilmerHale law firm.
Early Life and Education
Bharara was born in Firozpur, Punjab, India, to a Sikh father and a Hindu mother. His family immigrated to the United States in 1970 when Bharara was just two years old. They settled in Eatontown, New Jersey, where he grew up and later graduated as valedictorian from Ranney School in Tinton Falls in 1986. Bharara pursued higher education at Harvard College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in 1990. Following this, he attended Columbia Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1993 and contributed to the Columbia Law Review.
Bharara began his legal career at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as a litigation associate. He subsequently worked at Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman focusing on white-collar defense work before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Manhattan from 2000 to 2005. There, he prosecuted cases against organized crime syndicates including the Gambino and Colombo crime families. His foray into public service continued as he served as chief counsel to Senator Chuck Schumer from 2005 to 2009, playing a significant role in an investigation into the firings of U.S. attorneys.
Tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York
Bharara’s appointment as U.S. Attorney was made by President Barack Obama on May 15, 2009, and he was sworn into office on August 13 of that year after receiving unanimous Senate confirmation. His leadership of the Southern District of New York was marked by aggressive prosecutorial tactics and high-profile cases that spanned both organized crime and financial misconduct.
During his time in office, Bharara gained recognition for his unyielding stance against corruption and fraud. His office successfully prosecuted numerous Wall Street executives for insider trading and securities fraud. Among these cases was the notable investigation into the Galleon Group which led to the conviction of Raj Rajaratnam on multiple counts related to insider trading. Bharara’s efforts earned him accolades such as being named one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time magazine in 2012.
Major Investigations and Prosecutions
Financial Crimes
Bharara’s tenure was particularly focused on combating financial crimes. He presided over numerous high-stakes cases against major financial institutions including Citibank and JPMorgan Chase. For instance, Bharara’s office secured a record $1.8 billion settlement from SAC Capital Advisors for insider trading violations—the largest penalty ever imposed for such offenses at that time.
His office also initiated civil lawsuits against banks like Bank of America during the aftermath of the financial crisis regarding fraudulent mortgage practices. Bharara’s relentless pursuit of accountability extended beyond Wall Street; he tackled organized crime with initiatives that led to over a thousand convictions related to drug trafficking and violent crimes.
Terrorism Prosecutions
Bharara’s legacy includes significant terrorism prosecutions that underscored his commitment to national security post-9/11. He advocated for trying terrorism suspects in civilian courts rather than military commissions, emphasizing transparency and due process. His office achieved notable convictions against high-profile terrorists linked to al-Qaeda and other extremist organizations.
Public Corruption
Perhaps one of Bharara’s most publicized efforts involved tackling corruption within government ranks. His office investigated several prominent politicians—including state senators and city council members—resulting in multiple convictions for bribery and fraud. Among these cases was the prosecution of former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who was found guilty of taking millions in payoffs.
The Khobragade Incident and Diplomatic Fallout
In December 2013, Bharara drew international attention when his office arrested Devyani Khobragade, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York, for alleged visa fraud related to her housekeeper’s employment conditions. The incident strained India-U.S. relations significantly as it sparked protests from Indian officials who deemed the treatment of Khobragade unacceptable given her diplomatic status.
This event highlighted Bharara’s role at the intersection of law enforcement and international diplomacy—a challenging position that required balancing legal obligations with geopolitical sensitivities.
Dismissal Amid Political Transition
Bharara’s career took a pivotal turn following the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Although Trump initially asked him to remain as U.S. Attorney during a transition meeting at Trump Tower, he was later dismissed along with other holdover U.S. Attorneys on March 10, 2017, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered their resignations. Bharara’s refusal to resign led to his immediate termination the following day.
The dismissal elicited reactions across political lines, showcasing Bharara’s reputation as an independent prosecutor committed to upholding justice without political bias.
Later Career and Influence
Post-dismissal, Bharara continued to influence legal discourse through various platforms including academia and media. He joined New York University School of Law as a distinguished scholar in residence and launched a podcast series titled “Stay Tuned with Preet,” where he engages with legal issues and prominent figures from various fields.
His memoir “Doing Justice: A Prosecutor’s Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law,” released in March 2019, reflects on his experiences within the justice system while offering insights into broader societal issues related to law enforcement.
Conclusion
Preet Bharara’s career exemplifies a dedication to justice through rigorous prosecution across numerous domains including financial crimes, terrorism, public corruption, and organized crime. His approach has not only reshaped how certain crimes are prosecuted but has also fostered discussions around ethics in legal practice amid evolving political landscapes.
As a partner at WilmerHale and an influential voice through media engagements and academic roles, Bharara continues to engage with critical legal issues while reflecting on his past experiences as one of America’s most prominent federal prosecutors.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).