John G. Roberts Jr. has served as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States since his confirmation on September 29, 2005. His tenure has been marked by significant decisions and a prominent role in shaping the Supreme Court’s direction. This biography explores his life, career, and journey to becoming Chief Justice.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 27, 1955, in Buffalo, New York, John G. Roberts Jr. spent his formative years growing up in Indiana. He demonstrated early leadership qualities, captaining his high school football team. To finance his higher education, Roberts worked during the summers in a steel mill, showcasing his strong work ethic from a young age.
Roberts’ academic excellence became evident during his time at Harvard University. He completed his bachelor’s degree in just three years, graduating summa cum laude in 1976. He continued his education at Harvard Law School, further solidifying his legal foundation. At Harvard Law, he served as managing editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, and graduated magna cum laude in 1979, marking him as a standout legal scholar early in his career.
Early Career and Clerkships
Following law school, John Roberts began his legal career with a series of prestigious clerkships. In 1979-1980, he clerked for Judge Henry J. Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Judge Friendly was highly regarded in the legal community, with Chief Justice Warren Burger considering him exceptionally qualified for the Supreme Court. This clerkship provided Roberts with invaluable experience at the appellate level.
The following year, 1980-1981, Roberts clerked for then-Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist at the United States Supreme Court. This experience exposed him to the highest level of the American judicial system and provided mentorship from a future Chief Justice.
Government Service
John Roberts’ career path included significant public service roles. From 1981 to 1982, he served as Special Assistant to Attorney General William French Smith. In this capacity, he advised the Attorney General on legal matters, drafted speeches, and represented the Attorney General’s office in interactions with other branches of government.
From 1982 to 1986, Roberts served as Associate Counsel to President Ronald Reagan in the White House. His responsibilities were broad, including reviewing legislation passed by Congress, drafting and reviewing Executive Orders, and identifying potential legal issues across presidential activities. This White House experience gave him a deep understanding of the executive branch and the workings of the federal government.
Private Practice and Return to Government
In 1986, John Roberts transitioned to private practice, joining the law firm of Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells). He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a partner just a year later. His practice focused on appellate litigation, and he established a reputation as a highly skilled and successful appellate lawyer.
A significant moment in his private practice was arguing his first case before the Supreme Court in 1989, United States v. Halper. Appointed by the court, Roberts successfully represented his client in this double-jeopardy case, demonstrating his courtroom abilities at the highest level.
From 1989 to 1993, Roberts returned to public service as Principal Deputy Solicitor General, the second-highest position in the Solicitor General’s office. In this role, he argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court on behalf of the U.S. government, gaining extensive experience in Supreme Court litigation.
Judicial Nomination and Confirmation
In 1992, President George H.W. Bush nominated John Roberts to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. However, the nomination did not proceed in the Senate. Roberts returned to Hogan & Hartson in 1993, continuing his appellate practice. By this point, he had argued 39 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most experienced Supreme Court litigators. His Supreme Court arguments covered a wide range of legal areas, showcasing his versatility and depth of legal knowledge.
President George W. Bush nominated Roberts again for a seat on the D.C. Circuit in May 2001. This time, his nomination was successful, receiving bipartisan support in the Senate. He was confirmed by unanimous consent on May 8, 2003.
Nomination as Chief Justice
In 2005, a pivotal moment arrived in John Roberts’ career. After the passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, President George W. Bush nominated then-Judge Roberts to be the Chief Justice of the United States. On September 29, 2005, the Senate confirmed his nomination, and John G. Roberts Jr. was sworn in as the 17th Chief Justice by Associate Justice John Paul Stevens at the White House.
Chief Justice Roberts’ Tenure and Legacy
Since becoming Chief Justice, John Roberts has presided over a Supreme Court that has addressed critical issues in American law and society. His leadership has been characterized by a focus on consensus-building and incrementalism, though the Court has also issued landmark decisions on divisive topics. His jurisprudence is often described as conservative, emphasizing judicial restraint and a textualist approach to interpreting the Constitution. Chief Justice John Roberts’ impact on American legal landscape continues to unfold, shaping the interpretation of law for future generations.
Personal Life
Chief Justice Roberts resides in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, Jane Sullivan Roberts, and their two children, Josie and Jack. Jane Roberts is a lawyer specializing in technology law and professional development, adding to the family’s strong legal background.
Related Links
September 29, 2005 President’s Remarks at Swearing-In Ceremony of Chief Justice Roberts
September 6, 2005 Supreme Court Nomination and Withdrawal Sent to the Senate
September 5, 2005 President Nominates Judge Roberts to be Supreme Court Chief Justice
July 27, 2005 Supreme Court Nomination Sent to the Senate
July 20, 2005 President’s Remarks to the Press After Meeting with Judge Roberts
July 19, 2005 Press Briefing with Scott McClellan and Dan Bartlett on the President’s Supreme Court Justice Nominee
July 19, 2005 President Announces Judge John Roberts as Supreme Court Nominee
July 16, 2005 President’s Radio Address
July 1, 2005 President Delivers Remarks on Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Resignation
