Alumnus Confirmed as U.S. Attorney General


February 15, 2019

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William P. Barr, JD ’77, was confirmed Thursday, February 14, 2019, as the U.S. Attorney General.

Mr. Barr, a GW Law alumnus, was the president’s “first choice from day one,” Mr. Trump told reporters, adding he believes that Mr. Barr will “serve with great distinction.”

Mr. Barr served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993 during President George H.W. Bush’s administration and was most recently a lawyer at international law firm Kirkland & Ellis.

Mr. Barr will again lead the Justice Department, which acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker has overseen since former Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ departure from the position.

“Throughout his illustrious career, he has remained deeply involved with GW Law, recently teaming up with The Hon. Greg Maggs to co-teach a semester-long seminar on the original meaning of the Constitution,” said Dean Blake D. Morant. “Mr. Barr is a man of great accomplishment and integrity, and our justice system and nation will benefit immeasurably from his service."

Mr. Barr is the father of GW Law graduates Patricia A. Barr, JD '07, and Margaret E. Barr, JD '10.