Births on January 21

Eric Holder, American lawyer, judge, and politician, 82nd United States Attorney General

Eric Holder Jr.: A Distinguished Career in American Law and Public Service

Eric Himpton Holder Jr., born on January 21, 1951, stands as a prominent American lawyer and public servant, most notably recognized for his tenure as the 82nd Attorney General of the United States. Serving from February 2009 to April 2015 within the administration of President Barack Obama, Holder's appointment was historic, as he became the first African American to hold the nation's highest law enforcement position. As Attorney General, he was the chief legal officer of the federal government and head of the U.S. Department of Justice, responsible for enforcing federal laws and advising the President on legal matters.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Holder's journey began in New York City, where he was born into a middle-class family of Barbadian heritage. His early academic promise was evident, leading him to graduate from Stuyvesant High School, one of New York City's highly competitive public high schools renowned for its rigorous curriculum. He then pursued higher education at Columbia College, where he earned his undergraduate degree, followed by Columbia Law School, from which he received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. This strong academic background laid the groundwork for his distinguished legal career.

A Career Trajectory in Public Service and Justice

Upon completing law school, Holder embarked on a career dedicated to public service, relocating from New York to Washington, D.C. for a significant 12-year period. During this time, he served in the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, a critical division responsible for investigating and prosecuting corrupt public officials, from federal employees to members of Congress. This foundational experience honed his skills in combating corruption and upholding ethical governance.

His career progression continued with an appointment as a judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Following his judicial service, President Bill Clinton recognized Holder's expertise and appointed him as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. In this role, he served as the chief federal prosecutor for the nation's capital, overseeing a wide range of significant cases. A notable prosecution during his tenure as U.S. Attorney was that of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski on corruption charges stemming from the Congressional Post Office scandal, a high-profile case that underscored the Department of Justice's commitment to accountability for public officials. Subsequently, Holder was elevated to Deputy Attorney General, the second-highest position within the Department of Justice, where he was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the entire department.

Transition to Private Practice and Political Engagement

After the conclusion of the Clinton administration, Holder transitioned to the private sector, joining Covington & Burling LLP, a prestigious international law firm based in Washington, D.C. Here, he specialized in corporate litigation, representing multinational corporate clients in complex legal disputes. His return to private practice was a brief interlude before he re-engaged with public service on a national scale. He became a senior legal advisor to Senator Barack Obama during his groundbreaking 2008 presidential campaign. His integral role in the campaign was further highlighted by his inclusion as one of three members of Obama's vice-presidential selection committee, demonstrating the deep trust and confidence Obama placed in his judgment.

Attorney General: Historic Tenure and Key Controversies

Reflecting their close alliance and Holder's trusted status, President Obama selected Eric Holder to be his first Attorney General. His six-year tenure, the fourth longest in U.S. history, was marked by significant achievements, including the prosecution of terrorists, efforts to reform the criminal justice system, and defending civil rights. However, it also drew considerable scrutiny and controversy.

• Investigations into Reporters and Journalists: Holder's Department of Justice faced criticism for its aggressive investigations into leaks, which included subpoenaing phone records of Associated Press reporters and identifying a Fox News journalist as a co-conspirator in a leaks case. Critics argued these actions encroached upon press freedom and chilled journalistic activity.
• Financial Institutions and the "Too Big to Jail" Debate: Following the 2008 financial crisis, Holder's department was criticized for its perceived reluctance to pursue criminal charges against major financial institutions and their executives. While the DOJ secured record financial settlements with these entities, many argued that the lack of individual criminal prosecutions perpetuated a "too big to jail" perception, suggesting that some institutions were too interconnected with the economy to face severe criminal penalties without risking broader systemic collapse.
• Operation Fast and Furious and Contempt of Congress: Holder became the first sitting Attorney General in U.S. history to be held in contempt of Congress. This occurred during an investigation into "Operation Fast and Furious," an ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) gun-walking scandal. The operation, intended to trace illegally purchased firearms to Mexican drug cartels, resulted in hundreds of weapons being lost, some of which were later linked to crimes, including the death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. Congress sought specific documents related to the operation, and the House of Representatives voted to hold Holder in contempt for failing to produce them, citing executive privilege. Although the Justice Department's Inspector General later cleared Holder of any personal wrongdoing related to the operation itself, the controversy underscored the complex interplay between executive privilege and congressional oversight.

Post-Attorney General Career and Advocacy

In April 2015, Eric Holder was succeeded as Attorney General by Loretta Lynch, who also made history as the first African American woman to hold the position. Following his departure from the Department of Justice, Holder returned to Covington & Burling, where he continues to practice corporate litigation, leveraging his extensive experience in both government and private sectors. Beyond his legal practice, Holder has remained deeply engaged in public discourse and democratic reform efforts. He is notably involved with the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), an organization he chairs. The NDRC's mission is to combat partisan gerrymandering – the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party – and promote fair maps and electoral integrity across the United States. A lifelong member of the Democratic Party, Holder's post-AG work continues to reflect his commitment to legal principles and the strengthening of democratic processes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Holder Jr.

What is Eric Holder Jr. best known for?

Eric Holder Jr. is primarily known for serving as the 82nd Attorney General of the United States under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2015, making him the first African American to hold this significant position in U.S. history.

What was Eric Holder's role before becoming Attorney General?

Before his historic appointment as Attorney General, Eric Holder had a distinguished career that included serving as a judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, and ultimately the Deputy Attorney General under President Bill Clinton. He also worked in the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice.

What were some of the key controversies during Eric Holder's time as Attorney General?

His tenure was marked by controversies including investigations into journalists and media organizations, criticisms regarding the handling of criminal charges against major financial institutions after the 2008 crisis (dubbed the "too big to jail" debate), and the "Operation Fast and Furious" gun-walking scandal, which led to him being held in contempt of Congress.

What is Eric Holder doing currently after serving as Attorney General?

After leaving the Department of Justice, Eric Holder returned to private practice at Covington & Burling, focusing on corporate litigation. He also actively leads the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), dedicating efforts to combat partisan gerrymandering and advocate for fair electoral district mapping.