Preet Bharara

Preet Bharara, a former United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), is a prominent figure in American law. Appointed by President Barack Obama in May 2009, Bharara served as the US Attorney for the SDNY until 2017, overseeing a wide array of criminal and civil cases. During his tenure, Bharara led some of the most significant prosecutions in the district's history, earning him widespread recognition as one of the most consequential prosecutors in American history.

As US Attorney, Bharara supervised over 200 Assistant US Attorneys, handling cases ranging from civil rights violations to cybercrime, terrorism, financial fraud, and public corruption. Under his leadership, the SDNY experienced one of its most productive periods, prosecuting major terrorists, international criminals, and corrupt public officials. Bharara's efforts resulted in groundbreaking convictions and systemic reforms, solidifying his reputation as an effective and transformative leader in law enforcement.

Prior to his US Attorney role, Bharara served as Chief Counsel to Senator Charles Schumer and Staff Director of the US Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. He played a pivotal role in leading the Senate Judiciary Committee's investigation into the controversial firing of US Attorneys, showcasing his commitment to upholding the rule of law and accountability.

Bharara is also an accomplished author, having penned the New York Times bestseller "Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law." His book offers valuable insights into the US justice system and the importance of upholding the rule of law in society. In addition to his writing, Bharara is a distinguished scholar-in-residence at New York University School of Law and a Senior Legal Analyst at CNN.

Recognized for his contributions to law and public service, Bharara has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine and named one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World." He continues to be a respected voice in national dialogue, sharing his perspectives through his podcasts, public speaking engagements, and media appearances. As the co-founder of CAFE Studios, host of the award-winning podcast "Stay Tuned with Preet," and co-host of the "CAFE Insider" podcast, Bharara remains committed to fostering informed discussions on justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

A partner at the WilmerHale law firm, Bharara is a graduate of Harvard and received his J.D. from Columbia Law School, where he was a member of the Columbia Law Review.