Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jeffrey Toobin’s Net Worth?
Jeffrey Toobin, a prominent figure in law, writing, and legal analysis, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $10 million. This financial standing reflects his multifaceted career, encompassing roles as an attorney, author, and legal commentator for CNN. Toobin’s professional journey includes significant contributions to legal discourse and media analysis, punctuated by both acclaim and controversy.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born on May 21, 1960, in New York City, Jeffrey Toobin’s upbringing was steeped in media influence. His mother, Marlene, was a news correspondent for CBS and ABC, while his father, Jerome, worked as a news broadcasting producer. This familial environment likely fostered Toobin’s early interest in journalism and law. He attended Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan, setting the stage for his subsequent academic pursuits. Toobin’s intellectual rigor became evident during his time at Harvard University, where he not only excelled academically but also contributed to the Harvard Crimson, covering sports events and honing his writing skills. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in American history and literature, demonstrating a strong foundation in the humanities. Continuing his education at Harvard Law School, Toobin further distinguished himself, graduating magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 1986. His academic achievements laid the groundwork for his future legal career.
Career Beginnings and Legal Expertise
Even before officially entering the legal profession, Jeffrey Toobin began building his portfolio by freelancing for the New Republic while still a law student. This early experience provided him with valuable exposure to the world of journalism and legal commentary. After passing the bar exam, Toobin served as a law clerk to a federal judge, gaining practical experience in the judicial system. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he became an associate counsel to Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh during the Iran-Contra affair and Oliver North’s criminal trial in the late 1980s. This role immersed him in high-profile legal proceedings and solidified his expertise in complex legal matters. Following his tenure with the Independent Counsel, Toobin served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn. This position allowed him to further develop his legal skills and gain experience in prosecuting cases at the federal level. In 1993, Toobin transitioned to legal analysis, becoming a writer for the New Yorker, a pivotal moment that would shape his career. Three years later, he expanded his media presence by joining ABC News as a television legal analyst, marking his entry into the world of broadcast journalism.
Rise to Prominence: O.J. Simpson and Beyond
Jeffrey Toobin’s career reached new heights with his coverage of the O.J. Simpson case. His ability to break significant news and provide insightful legal analysis garnered him widespread recognition. Toobin was the first to report that O.J. Simpson’s defense team planned to accuse Mark Fuhrman of planting evidence, a pivotal moment in the trial. He also offered detailed analysis of O.J. Simpson’s civil case and prosecutor Kenneth Starr’s investigation of Bill Clinton, further solidifying his reputation as a leading legal commentator. In 1996, Toobin transformed his coverage of the Simpson case into a book titled “The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson.” This book became a bestseller and served as the inspiration for the FX series “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” which won nine Emmy Awards and brought Toobin’s work to a broader audience. His career continued to flourish, and in 2000, he received an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Elián González custody saga, underscoring his excellence in legal journalism. In 2002, Toobin joined CNN, eventually becoming the channel’s chief legal analyst, a role that further elevated his profile and influence in the media landscape. Notably, he secured the first interview with Martha Stewart concerning her insider trading charges, highlighting his journalistic prowess. Additionally, Toobin provided analysis of the Michael Jackson child molestation trial in 2005, further showcasing his versatility as a legal commentator.
Authorial Achievements and Literary Works
Jeffrey Toobin has not only excelled in broadcast and newspaper legal analysis but has also made significant contributions as an author of non-fiction books. His literary works cover a range of legal and political topics, showcasing his deep understanding of the American legal system. In 1991, Toobin released his first book, “Opening Arguments: A Young Lawyer’s First Case: United States v. Oliver North,” which provided insights into his early legal experiences and the complexities of the Iran-Contra affair. Building on his coverage of the O.J. Simpson case, Toobin published “The Run of His Life: The People v. O. J. Simpson” in 1996, which became a bestseller and served as the basis for the 2016 FX miniseries “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” His third book, “A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President,” delved into the Bill Clinton scandal and its impact on American politics. In 2001, Toobin released “Too Close to Call: The Thirty-Six-Day Battle to Decide the 2000 Election,” which provided a detailed account of the contentious 2000 presidential election. His 2007 book, “The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court,” spent four months on the New York Times bestseller chart, showcasing his ability to engage readers with in-depth legal analysis. Five years later, Toobin published “The Oath: The Obama White House and the Supreme Court,” which examined the relationship between the Obama administration and the Supreme Court. In 2016, he released “American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst,” exploring the infamous case of Patty Hearst. Toobin’s most recent book, “True Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Investigation of Donald Trump,” published in 2020, delves into the legal challenges faced by Donald Trump. These literary works have contributed to Toobin’s reputation as a leading legal scholar and have added to his overall financial success, contributing to his $10 million net worth.
The Zoom Incident and Career Setbacks
In October 2020, Jeffrey Toobin faced a significant career setback when he was fired from his position at the New Yorker for masturbating on camera during a Zoom video-conference call with his publication and employees of WNYC radio. He was also banned indefinitely from New York Public Radio broadcasts as a result of the incident. Toobin claimed that the incident was unintentional, stating that he believed he was off camera at the time. He promptly apologized for his actions. The incident led to widespread ridicule in the media, including on many late-night talk shows. Despite the criticism, some defended Toobin, arguing that the incident should not overshadow his decades of excellent reporting. Following the incident, Toobin took some time off before returning to CNN in 2021 as the chief legal analyst. He reiterated that he did not believe anyone could see him during the incident and stated that he had spent his time off in therapy, working at a food bank, and writing his next book. This incident undoubtedly impacted Toobin’s career and public image. However, his ability to return to CNN and continue his work as a legal analyst speaks to his resilience and the value placed on his legal expertise.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jeffrey Toobin’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. In 1986, he married Amy Bennett McIntosh, whom he met at Harvard while they were working at the Harvard Crimson. McIntosh, an alumna of Harvard Business School, has held executive positions at Zagat Survey and Verizon Communications. Toobin and McIntosh have two children, a son and a daughter. However, Toobin’s personal life has also faced scrutiny due to an extramarital affair with lawyer Casey Greenfield, which resulted in the birth of a child in 2009. Initially, Toobin reportedly offered Greenfield money to get an abortion and later threatened her. Despite his initial refusal to acknowledge paternity, a family court judge ordered him to pay child support after a DNA test confirmed him as the father. This episode brought negative attention to Toobin and further complicated his public image. While his personal life has faced challenges, Toobin’s professional accomplishments and legal expertise have remained central to his career, contributing to his $10 million net worth.
