Net Worth Ranker
What Is William Barr’s Net Worth?
William Barr, an American lawyer and government official, has accumulated a substantial net worth estimated at $50 million. This wealth primarily stems from his successful career in both the public and private sectors. While specific details of his investments and assets are not fully public, his financial disclosures provide a glimpse into the sources of his affluence.
Sources of William Barr’s Net Worth
Barr’s financial success can be attributed to several key factors:
Verizon Compensation: A significant portion of Barr’s wealth was amassed during his time in the private sector, particularly at Verizon Communications. He served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, earning a substantial annual salary. Upon his retirement from Verizon in 2008, his annual salary was $10 million. Furthermore, his retirement package included a pension plan funded by Verizon with $17 million.
Federal Asset Disclosures: Barr’s most recent Federal asset disclosure indicated a valuation of his assets between $25 million and $75 million. While the disclosure provides a range, it confirms his considerable wealth holdings. The specific composition of these assets—such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other investments—remains confidential.
Legal Career: Barr’s legal career has spanned various roles, including private practice and government service. After graduating from George Washington University Law School in 1977, he clerked for a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He then joined the law firm of Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge, where he worked from 1978 to 1989, with a brief interlude as Deputy Assistant Director for Legal Policy in the Reagan White House from 1982 to 1983. His expertise in law and policy contributed to his financial success.
Government Service: Barr’s tenure as the 77th and 85th United States Attorney General under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump, respectively, also played a role in enhancing his net worth. While government positions do not directly generate wealth, they provide opportunities for networking and career advancement, which can lead to future financial gains.
Consulting and Advisory Roles: Following his retirement from Verizon, Barr worked as an advisor to corporations on government enforcement matters and regulatory information from 2010 to 2017. He also rejoined the law firm Kirkland & Ellis. These consulting and advisory roles likely contributed to his income and overall net worth.
Early Life and Education
William Pelham Barr was born on May 23, 1950, in New York City, to Donald Barr and Mary Margaret Barr. His father was a professor at Columbia University and later became the headmaster of the Dalton School in Manhattan and the Hackley School in Tarrytown. His mother was also a professor at Columbia. Barr was raised in a Catholic household with his three brothers on the Upper West Side of New York. He attended the Horace Mann School and then enrolled at Columbia University, where he majored in government, earning a B.A. degree in 1971. He continued his education at Columbia, completing an M.A. in government and Chinese studies in 1973. His academic background and early experiences laid the foundation for his future success.
During his time at Columbia, Barr also worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a summer intern. After finishing his master’s degree, he moved to Washington, D.C., and continued working for the CIA as an intelligence agent. He pursued a law degree as an evening student at George Washington University Law School, graduating with a J.D. degree in 1977. He maintained his job with the CIA throughout his law school years. This early career with the CIA provided valuable experience and likely contributed to his future success in government and law.
Career Highlights and Impact
Barr’s career has been marked by several significant milestones:
Assistant Attorney General (1989): President George H.W. Bush appointed Barr to the U.S. Department of Justice as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel. This role provided him with valuable experience in legal policy and government administration.
Deputy Attorney General (1990): Barr was appointed Deputy Attorney General, further solidifying his position within the Department of Justice.
Attorney General (1991-1993): Barr served as Acting Attorney General and was later officially nominated and confirmed as Attorney General on November 26, 1991. His confirmation was unanimous in the Senate, reflecting his reputation among both Democrats and Republicans. During his first tenure as Attorney General, he advocated for an increase in the United States’ incarceration rate and launched a surveillance program to gather records of Americans’ international phone calls.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel of GTE Corporation (1994-2008): After leaving government service, Barr joined GTE Corporation, where he played a key role in the company’s merger with Bell Atlantic to form Verizon Communications. His work at Verizon significantly contributed to his net worth.
Second Tenure as Attorney General (2019-2020): Barr returned to the Department of Justice as Attorney General under President Donald Trump. During this time, he faced criticism for his handling of the Mueller report and his intervention in the convictions of former Trump advisors. He also reinstated the death penalty at the federal level after nearly two decades without an execution.
Private Sector Earnings and Investments
A significant portion of William Barr’s net worth is derived from his earnings and investments in the private sector. His role as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Verizon Communications was particularly lucrative. While specific details of his investment portfolio are not publicly available, it is likely that he has diversified his assets across various sectors.
Barr’s compensation at Verizon included a substantial annual salary and a generous retirement package. As mentioned earlier, his annual salary upon retirement was $10 million, and his pension plan was funded with $17 million. These figures highlight the magnitude of his earnings during his time in the private sector.
In addition to his direct compensation, Barr likely received stock options and other benefits as part of his employment agreement with Verizon. These equity-based incentives can significantly contribute to an individual’s net worth over time.
Following his retirement from Verizon, Barr continued to work in the private sector, providing consulting and advisory services to corporations. These roles likely generated additional income and contributed to his overall wealth.
Personal Life and Family
In 1973, William Barr married Christine Moynihan. They have three daughters: Mary, Patricia, and Margaret, all of whom have worked in government. Barr received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from George Washington University in 1992. He is a member of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast and served on the board of the Catholic Information Center of the Archdiocese of Washington from 2014 to 2017.
Barr is also an avid bagpiper, having begun playing at the age of eight. He performed competitively throughout his youth and was a member of the City of Washington Pipe Band at one time. His personal interests and hobbies reflect his well-rounded background.
Real Estate and Other Assets
While specific details of William Barr’s real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is common for individuals with his level of wealth to own multiple properties. These properties may include residential homes, vacation homes, and investment properties.
In addition to real estate, Barr likely owns a variety of other assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments. The specific composition of his investment portfolio is confidential, but it is likely diversified across different asset classes to mitigate risk.
It is also possible that Barr owns valuable personal property, such as artwork, collectibles, or other luxury items. These assets can contribute to an individual’s overall net worth.
Comparison with Other Public Figures
To provide context for William Barr’s net worth, it is helpful to compare it with that of other public figures. For example, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions has a reported net worth significantly lower than Barr’s. This difference can be attributed to various factors, such as differences in career paths, investment strategies, and private sector earnings.
It is important to note that net worth is a dynamic measure that can fluctuate over time due to changes in asset values, income, and expenses. The figures presented here are estimates based on publicly available information and may not reflect the precise current value of William Barr’s assets.
Conclusion
William Barr’s $50 million net worth is a testament to his successful career in law, government, and the private sector. His earnings at Verizon Communications, combined with his legal expertise and government service, have contributed to his financial success. While specific details of his assets and investments remain confidential, his financial disclosures provide a glimpse into the sources of his wealth.
