Merrick Garland Wiki: Everything About His Net Worth, Age, Height, And More!

How old is Merrick Garland? The famed politician Garland is 70 years old as of 2021. 

Merrick Garland was born on November 13, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnwood, he belonged to a Jewish family. His grandparents were Jewish immigrants who fled the anti-Semitic restrictions of the Russian Empire's Pale of Settlement in the early 1900s. Raised in this environment, Garland's father operated a small basement business, while his mother dedicated her time to community service.

After his confirmation as U.S. Attorney General, Garland eloquently expressed his family's influence: "[...] I accompanied my father on his rounds to customers. Those experiences in our basement-based, small-scale family enterprise left an indelible mark, teaching me the values of diligence and fair conduct. Leading the Department of Justice is the pinnacle of honor and responsibility."

• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Weight: 170 pounds
• Hair color: Grey
• Eye color: Brown

How tall is Merrick Garland? Garland is about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He wears glasses and has a signature mustache.

Garland's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million, according to various sources. He earned most of his wealth from his legal career, both in private practice and in public service. He also owns a house in Bethesda, Maryland, worth about $2 million.

Merrick Garland’s salary is estimated at around $220,000. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the annual salary of the U.S. Attorney General is $221,400 as of 2021. This is the same as the salary of the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and other Cabinet-level officials.

Garland's passion for law and public service emerged in his formative years. A standout student, he earned the title of valedictorian in high school. Continuing his education at Harvard University, he graduated with top honors and a degree in social studies in 1974. His journey led him to Harvard Law School, where he assumed the role of editor for the prestigious Harvard Law Review before obtaining his law degree in 1977.

Early Career, Corporate Litigation, And Prosecutorial Tenure:

Garland boasts an impressive journey through the legal landscape. He began as a clerk for Judge Henry Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and later for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court. Transitioning into a role as a corporate litigator at Arnold & Porter, he eventually rose to partnership.

Notably, he took on the mantle of a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice, overseeing the Oklahoma City bombers' investigation and prosecution. In his own words, "I think there is no greater job anybody can have than having been a prosecutor.

1997: Judicial Ascension and Collegial Approach 

President Bill Clinton appointed Garland to the influential U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1997. He assumed the role of chief judge from 2013 to 2020, earning recognition for his balanced and collaborative approach, bridging divides among judges of differing ideological stances.

2016: Supreme Court Nomination and Unforeseen Obstacles

In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court to succeed Justice Antonin Scalia. Obama's endorsement of Garland: “Merrick Garland is one of America’s sharpest legal minds, and has earned respect from both Democrats and Republicans alike. He has devoted his life to ensuring that the law is applied fairly and impartially, without regard to politics or personal preferences..." Despite this, his nomination faced a Senate blockade by the Republican majority, leading to its expiration in 2017 with the nomination of Neil Gorsuch by President Donald Trump.

2021: Appointment as U.S. Attorney General

In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Garland for U.S. Attorney General, the nation's top law enforcement officer. With a Senate confirmation of 70-30, he assumed office in March of that year. In this capacity, he oversees the Department of Justice and its key divisions, including the FBI, DEA, and Civil Rights Division.

President Joe Biden's words on nominating Garland for U.S. Attorney General: “Merrick Garland is a man of impeccable integrity and character who has devoted his career to upholding the rule of law and protecting our democracy..." With his extensive experience, Garland strives to restore confidence and credibility to the justice system, ensuring it serves all Americans.

Garland married Lynn Rosenman in 1987. She is the granddaughter of Samuel Irving Rosenman, who was a speechwriter and adviser to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Beyond her background, she is a legal professional and former judicial clerk, currently serving as an administrator at The Brearley School, a prominent all-girls private institution in New York City.

The couple met at a mutual friend's wedding and hit it off right away. “We met at a wedding of a mutual friend in 1985. I was sitting next to her at the dinner, and we just hit it off,” he recalled. They have two daughters: Jessica and Rebecca. Jessica is also a lawyer and works for an environmental advocacy group. Rebecca is a clinical psychologist and works at a hospital.

Reflecting on his partner's unwavering support, Garland expressed, “My wife has been my rock and my best friend throughout our marriage. She has always supported me in everything I do, whether it was pursuing my career as a lawyer and a judge, or accepting the nominations to the Supreme Court and the Attorney General. She has also been a wonderful mother to our two daughters, who are both very successful in their own fields. I don’t know what I would do without her.”

Garland's voter registration records reveal his unaffiliated political stance. Many observers consider him moderate due to his measured and practical approach to the law. In his own words about his political independence, he stated, "I have never been a political person. I have never worked on a political campaign. I have never run for office. I have always tried to do my job as a lawyer and a judge without regard to politics or ideology."

Nonetheless, certain political scientists argue that Garland's judicial record and voting patterns suggest a more liberal inclination than he outwardly portrays. They highlight instances where he aligned more frequently with liberal judges on matters like civil rights, environmental protection, and criminal justice. Additionally, these scholars contend that he exhibited deference to the executive branch on topics of national security and foreign policy.

In the realm of law and public service, Merrick Garland stands as an exemplary p. From his esteemed legal career to his current role as U.S. attorney general under President Biden, Garland's commitment to justice and his nation remains unwavering. His role as a devoted husband and father further reflects the values that shaped his remarkable journey, which is recorded in this carefully compiled Merrick Garland wiki.