What is William Barr Net Worth?

William Barr is an American lawyer and government official with an estimated net worth of about $70 million. He is best known for serving twice as the U.S. Attorney General — first under George H. W. Bush and later under Donald Trump. Over a career spanning government service, private law practice, and corporate leadership, Barr accumulated significant wealth and influence.

William Barr Net Worth and Wealth Sources

Barr’s fortune stems largely from his time in the private sector and corporate leadership roles.

Financial highlights:

• Estimated net worth: $70 million
• Assets previously disclosed: $25 million – $75 million
• Corporate salary (Verizon era): about $10 million annually
• Pension package funded by Verizon: approximately $17 million
• Earnings from corporate board memberships and legal advisory roles

Early Life

William Pelham Barr was born on May 23, 1950, in New York City. His parents were educators affiliated with Columbia University, and he grew up on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Barr attended the Horace Mann School before enrolling at Columbia University, where he earned a B.A. in government (1971) and an M.A. in government and Chinese studies (1973). While studying, he began working for the Central Intelligence Agency.

He later moved to Washington, D.C., continuing CIA work while attending George Washington University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1977.

Early Legal

After law school, Barr clerked for a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and joined the law firm Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge. He briefly served in the Reagan White House before entering senior roles at the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 1989, he was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel and later became Deputy Attorney General. He briefly served as Acting Attorney General before being nominated as Attorney General in 1991.

First Term as U.S. Attorney General (1991–1993)

Barr was sworn in as Attorney General in 1991. During this tenure, he emphasized crime policy, national security, and executive authority. He also advised President Bush on controversial pardons related to the Iran-Contra investigation.

Corporate Career

After leaving government in 1993, Barr entered the corporate sector. He served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of GTE Corporation, guiding the company through its merger with Bell Atlantic to form Verizon Communications.

He remained with Verizon for more than a decade, advocating regulatory reform and corporate strategy. His compensation and pension benefits during this period contributed significantly to his wealth.

Barr later worked with the law firm Kirkland & Ellis and advised corporations on regulatory and enforcement matters.

Second Term as Attorney General (2019–2020)

Barr returned to government service in 2019 after being nominated to replace Jeff Sessions.

His second tenure drew intense scrutiny, particularly regarding:

• His handling of the Mueller Report
• Justice Department interventions in cases involving presidential associates
• Federal law enforcement responses to nationwide protests
• Reinstatement of the federal death penalty after nearly two decades

Barr resigned in December 2020 following the contentious final months of the Trump administration.

Influence

Barr is regarded as one of the most consequential Attorneys General in modern U.S. history. Supporters praise his legal expertise and strong view of executive authority, while critics argue he politicized the Justice Department and expanded presidential power.

Personal Life

Barr married Christine Moynihan in 1973, and they have three daughters, all of whom have worked in government-related roles. He is a lifelong Catholic and has participated in faith-based civic organizations. Outside his professional life, Barr is an accomplished bagpiper and has performed competitively.

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