Norman L. Eisen is a distinguished American attorney, author, and former diplomat whose career spans significant roles in law, governance, and public service. He began his professional journey as the assistant director of the Los Angeles office of the Anti-Defamation League, where he focused on civil rights violations and Holocaust education. After earning his J.D. from Harvard Law School, he practiced law for over 18 years at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP, specializing in complex financial fraud investigations, including high-profile cases like Enron and the subprime financial collapse, earning recognition as one of Washington’s top attorneys.
Eisen’s commitment to ethics and governance led him to co-found Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in 2003, a pivotal organization in promoting transparency and accountability in government. His expertise was further recognized when he served as special counsel for ethics and government reform in the Obama administration, where he earned the nickname “Dr. No” for his stringent anti-corruption policies. He played a crucial role in shaping the administration’s ethics framework and was instrumental in the Dodd-Frank financial regulatory reform.
As the U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2014, Eisen deepened bilateral relations through strategic cooperation and economic ties, while advocating for civil rights and anti-corruption measures. His ambassadorship was particularly poignant, reflecting his family’s history as Holocaust survivors, which added a profound layer to his diplomatic mission.
Currently, Eisen serves as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, where he leads initiatives on anti-corruption and democracy. He is a prolific writer and commentator, contributing to major publications and frequently appearing as a legal analyst on CNN. His recent works, including “The Last Palace” and “Overcoming Trumpery,” showcase his dedication to promoting ethics and democracy in contemporary governance.
