James Comey
Name: James Brien Comey Jr.
Current Role: Author and legal commentator, former public official
Major Public Position: Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 4, 2013 to May 9, 2017
Party Affiliation: Independent since 2016, previously Republican
Birth: December 14, 1960, Yonkers, New York
Career Overview
James Comey is an American attorney who served in senior roles at the Department of Justice and later led the FBI. He began as a federal prosecutor, handling organized crime and complex fraud. He served as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, then as Deputy Attorney General. After several years in the private sector, he was confirmed as FBI Director in 2013. He was dismissed in May 2017.
Public Service or Law Firm Experience
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United States Attorney, Southern District of New York, 2002 to 2003.
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Deputy Attorney General of the United States, 2003 to 2005.
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General Counsel, Lockheed Martin, mid 2000s.
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General Counsel, Bridgewater Associates, late 2000s to early 2010s.
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Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013 to 2017.
Education and Early Life
Comey earned a B.S. from the College of William and Mary in 1982, with studies in chemistry and religion. He received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School in 1985. He grew up in the New York and New Jersey area.
Major Cases and Actions
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Oversaw the insider trading and obstruction case involving Martha Stewart while serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
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Supervised major organized crime prosecutions in New York, including cases against members of the Gambino family.
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As Deputy Attorney General, appointed a special counsel in the CIA leak investigation related to the outing of Valerie Plame.
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Took part in the 2004 confrontation over warrantless surveillance reauthorization while then Attorney General John Ashcroft was hospitalized, a high profile dispute about surveillance authorities.
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As FBI Director, supervised the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. Announced in July 2016 that the FBI recommended no charges, described conduct as extremely careless.
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In October 2016, informed Congress that the FBI was reviewing additional emails, then stated two days before the election that the prior conclusion was unchanged.
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His dismissal in May 2017 led to the appointment of a special counsel to oversee the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Publications
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A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership (2018), a memoir and leadership reflection.
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Saving Justice: Truth, Transparency, and Trust (2021), a non-fiction work on the rule of law.
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Central Park West (2023), a legal thriller and his debut novel.
Public Image and Focus
Comey is widely associated with themes of ethical leadership, institutional independence, and the rule of law. Supporters view his actions as grounded in process and principle. Critics argue that his public communications in 2016 affected the political process. Since leaving government, he has focused on writing, public speaking, and commentary on justice and leadership.
Personal Life
Married to Patrice Failor since 1987. They have children. Other private details are not included.
Fast Facts
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Former FBI Director, served from 2013 to 2017.
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Previously Deputy Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for SDNY.
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Education, William and Mary, University of Chicago Law School.
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Led the Clinton email inquiry, recommended no charges in July 2016.
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Notified Congress of additional email review in October 2016; conclusion unchanged.
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Dismissed by the President on May 9, 2017.
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Author of best-selling memoir A Higher Loyalty.
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Debut novelist with Central Park West in 2023.
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Known focus areas, leadership, ethics, rule of law.
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Party identification, Independent since 2016.
