Preetinder Singh Bharara, a name synonymous with justice and integrity, has left an indelible mark on the American legal landscape. Born on October 13, 1968, in Firozpur, Punjab, India, Bharara’s journey from an immigrant child to one of the most formidable federal prosecutors in the United States is nothing short of inspirational.
Serving as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) from 2009 to 2017, Bharara’s relentless pursuit of justice, irrespective of the political or financial might of his adversaries, has earned him a revered place in legal history.
Early Life and Education of Preetinder Singh Bharara
Preet Bharara’s story begins in the small town of Firozpur, Punjab, where he was born to a Sikh father and a Hindu mother. In 1970, his parents immigrated to the United States, seeking better opportunities and a brighter future for their family.
Bharara became a U.S. citizen at the age of 12, embodying the quintessential American dream. Growing up in Eatontown, New Jersey, he attended Ranney School in Tinton Falls, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1986.
Preetinder Singh Bharara’s academic prowess continued at Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in 1990. He further honed his legal acumen at Columbia Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 1993. At Columbia, he was a member of the prestigious Columbia Law Review, laying the groundwork for his illustrious legal career.
Career Beginnings
Preetinder Singh Bharara’s legal journey began at the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, where he worked as a litigation associate. His early career saw him moving to Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman in 1996, focusing on white-collar defense work.
However, it was his tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney in Manhattan from 2000 to 2005 that marked the beginning of his distinguished career as a federal prosecutor. During this period, Bharara played a crucial role in bringing criminal cases against the bosses of the Gambino and Colombo crime families, as well as Asian gangs in New York City.
Rising to Prominence
Preetinder Singh Bharara’s reputation as a fierce and uncompromising prosecutor grew when he served as chief counsel to Senator Chuck Schumer. He played a pivotal role in the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s investigation into the 2006 presidential dismissal of U.S. attorneys.
His work during this period showcased his ability to navigate complex legal and political landscapes, further cementing his status as a formidable legal mind.
In 2009, Preetinder Singh Bharara was appointed as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York by President Barack Obama. This appointment marked the pinnacle of his career, providing him with a platform to spearhead some of the most significant prosecutions in recent history.
Unyielding Pursuit of Justice
As the U.S. Attorney for the SDNY, Bharara’s office became known for its aggressive and innovative prosecution strategies. He took on the Italian mafia with unprecedented success, convicting members of four out of the Five Families. His office also led numerous high-profile counter-terrorism investigations, particularly targeting Al-Qaeda operatives, thereby contributing to national security.
Bharara’s legacy is perhaps most profoundly felt on Wall Street. He prosecuted nearly 100 executives for insider trading and securities fraud, using unconventional methods such as wiretapping and asset seizure. His efforts culminated in significant settlements with the four largest banks in the country and the shutdown of multiple hedge funds involved in illegal activities.
Tackling Public Corruption
One of Bharara’s most commendable achievements was his relentless fight against public corruption. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to holding public officials accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations. His office successfully prosecuted both Democratic and Republican politicians for corruption, reinforcing the principle that no one is above the law.
International Impact and Controversies
Bharara’s influence extended beyond American borders. He occasionally pursued criminals extraterritorially, underscoring his commitment to global justice. His 2013 investigation into Russian money laundering resulted in a permanent ban from entering Russia, a testament to his fearless approach to prosecution. However, not all of Bharara’s actions were without controversy.
The prosecution of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 strained U.S.-India relations, highlighting the complex interplay between law enforcement and international diplomacy.
Departure and Legacy
In 2017, following the election of President Donald Trump, Preetinder Singh Bharara was dismissed after refusing to submit his resignation as part of the broader dismissal of U.S. attorneys.
This abrupt end to his tenure did little to diminish his legacy. Today, Preetinder Singh Bharara continues to contribute to the legal field as a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, bringing his vast experience and unyielding commitment to justice to new challenges.