On September 29, 2005, John G. Roberts Jr. was confirmed as the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, taking the helm of the highest court in the nation. His journey to this prestigious position is marked by a distinguished legal career, exceptional academic achievements, and extensive experience in both public service and private practice.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 27, 1955, in Buffalo, New York, John G. Roberts Jr.’s formative years were spent in Indiana. Demonstrating early leadership, he captained his high school football team. To finance his higher education, Roberts worked during summers in a steel mill, showcasing his strong work ethic from a young age. His academic prowess became evident at Harvard University, where 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. There, he served as managing editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review and graduated magna cum laude in 1979, marking him as one of the top legal minds of his generation.
Clerkships and Early Career
Following law school, John G. Roberts embarked on a series of clerkships that placed him in close proximity to some of the most respected figures in the American legal system. 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 within the legal community; Chief Justice Warren Burger himself considered Friendly exceptionally qualified for a Supreme Court appointment. This experience provided Roberts with invaluable insights into appellate court proceedings. The following year, 1980-1981, Roberts clerked for then-Associate Justice William H. Rehnquist at the United States Supreme Court. This clerkship exposed him to the inner workings of the nation’s highest court and provided mentorship from a future Chief Justice.
Transitioning from the judiciary to the executive branch, John G. Roberts served as Special Assistant to Attorney General William French Smith from 1981 to 1982. In this role, he advised the Attorney General on legal matters, drafted speeches, and acted as a liaison between the Attorney General’s office and other governmental bodies. From 1982 to 1986, he served as Associate Counsel to President Ronald Reagan in the White House. His responsibilities broadened to include reviewing legislation, drafting executive orders, and advising on the legal implications of presidential actions, further deepening his understanding of the executive branch and the complexities of governance.
Private Practice and Return to Public Service
In 1986, John G. 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 earned a reputation as a highly skilled and successful advocate. His expertise in appellate law led to his appointment as court-appointed counsel in United States v. Halper (1989), his first case before the Supreme Court, which he won.
Returning to public service in 1989, John G. Roberts served as Principal Deputy Solicitor General, the second-highest position in the Solicitor General’s office, until 1993. In this capacity, he represented the U.S. government in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of the United States on a wide array of legal issues. By 1992, at the age of 37, President George H.W. Bush nominated him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. However, this nomination did not proceed to a Senate vote.
Judicial Appointment and Chief Justice Confirmation
After returning to Hogan & Hartson in 1993 and continuing his appellate practice, John G. Roberts had accumulated an impressive record of 39 arguments before the United States Supreme Court. This extensive experience placed him among the nation’s most seasoned Supreme Court litigators. His Supreme Court arguments covered a remarkably broad spectrum of legal fields, including antitrust, environmental law, free speech, healthcare law, and civil rights, among many others. He also represented diverse clients, from businesses to states defending their policies.
In May 2001, President George W. Bush again nominated Roberts, this time for a seat on the D.C. Circuit. This nomination was confirmed by the Senate in 2003. Just two years later, in 2005, President Bush nominated Judge John G. Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United States, following the passing of Chief Justice William Rehnquist. On September 29, 2005, John G. Roberts was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in as Chief Justice by Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.
Chief Justice Tenure
Chief Justice John G. Roberts resides in Bethesda, Maryland, with his wife, Jane Sullivan Roberts, a lawyer specializing in technology law, and their two children. As Chief Justice, John G. Roberts leads the judicial branch of the U.S. government and presides over the Supreme Court, continuing to shape American jurisprudence in the 21st century. His extensive background, from his early education to his clerkships, government service, and private practice, has prepared him for this pivotal role in American legal history.
Related Resources
