Eric Holder is an American lawyer and former government official with an estimated net worth of about $8 million. He is best known for serving as U.S. Attorney General from 2009 to 2015 under Barack Obama, becoming the first African American to hold the position.
Before leading the Justice Department, Holder served in senior roles during the administration of Bill Clinton, including U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and Deputy Attorney General. After leaving government service, he returned to private legal practice.
| Eric Holder Net Worth | $8 Million |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1951 |
| Place of Birth | New York City |
Eric Holder Net Worth and Salary
Eric Holder net worth is approximately $8 million.
Government salary:
- As U.S. Attorney General: approximately $220,000 per year
Real Estate
In April 2014, Holder and his wife purchased a condominium in Washington, D.C.’s CityCenterDC development for approximately $1.47 million, reflecting his long-term residence and professional base in the capital.
Early Life
Eric Himpton Holder Jr. was born January 21, 1951, in New York City. His mother was American-born of Barbadian descent, and his father emigrated from Barbados. He grew up in Queens and attended public schools before enrolling at Stuyvesant High School, graduating in 1969.
Holder later attended Columbia University, earning a bachelor’s degree in American history in 1973. He continued at Columbia Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 1976.
Early Government Career (1976–2000)
Holder began his legal career in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, where he worked for 12 years prosecuting corruption cases.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan appointed him as a judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He served until 1993, when President Clinton appointed him U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
In 1997, Holder became Deputy Attorney General, the second-highest position in the Justice Department, overseeing budget and personnel operations.
Private Practice (2001–2009)
After leaving the Clinton administration, Holder joined the Washington, D.C.–based law firm Covington & Burling, representing major corporate clients including multinational companies and financial institutions.
U.S. Attorney General (2009–2015)
Holder joined Barack Obama’s presidential campaign as a senior legal advisor in 2007 and was nominated Attorney General after Obama’s election.
During his tenure, he:
- Prosecuted terrorism cases in civilian courts
- Pursued public corruption prosecutions
- Defensed U.S. counterterrorism tactics, including drone strikes
- Oversaw major civil rights enforcement initiatives
He also faced criticism for not prosecuting large banks involved in the 2007–2008 financial crisis.
Contempt of Congress Controversy
In 2012, Holder became the first sitting Attorney General held in contempt of Congress over the Justice Department’s refusal to release documents tied to Operation Fast and Furious, a failed firearms trafficking investigation. President Obama invoked executive privilege, and the Justice Department’s inspector general declined prosecution.
Return to Private Practice
After resigning in 2015, Holder returned to Covington & Burling. His post-government work includes:
- Advising MTN Group during a multibillion-dollar regulatory dispute
- Leading an internal investigation for Uber Technologies, which resulted in executive changes and workplace reforms
- Representing lawmakers expelled from the Tennessee House of Representatives in a protest-related case
Honors
Holder has received numerous honors, including:
- Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees
- The American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award
- The National Urban League’s Living Legend Award
Personal Life
Holder married obstetrician and author Sharon Malone in 1990. The couple has three children. Throughout his career, he has remained active in civic and legal reform initiatives.
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