Eric Himpton Holder Jr. is a distinguished American lawyer who served as the 82nd United States Attorney General from 2009 to 2015, making history as the first African American to hold this position. A member of the Democratic Party, Holder’s legal career began after graduating from Columbia Law School, where he worked for the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice for twelve years. His early career included significant prosecutions, such as that of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski during the Congressional Post Office scandal, showcasing his commitment to combating government corruption.

Following his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Holder was appointed Deputy Attorney General under President Bill Clinton, where he played a crucial role in high-profile investigations, including the FBI’s inquiry into bribery allegations during the 2002 Winter Olympics. His leadership was characterized by a focus on civil rights, as he advocated for new hate crimes legislation and was a vocal proponent of the Voting Rights Act, challenging voter ID laws perceived as discriminatory.

As Attorney General, Holder prioritized national security and civil rights, overseeing the prosecution of numerous terrorism cases in civilian courts, including those of high-profile terrorists like Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. His tenure also included significant reforms in drug policy and a commitment to addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system, such as over-incarceration and racial profiling.

After leaving office, Holder returned to Covington & Burling, where he continues to influence legal practices and public policy. He has also taken on leadership roles in various organizations, including the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, and remains an active voice in discussions surrounding voting rights and criminal justice reform, further solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in American law and politics.