Andrew Weissmann is an American attorney and professor, renowned for his extensive career in federal prosecution and legal academia. Born on March 17, 1958, in New York City, he pursued higher education at Princeton University and Columbia Law School, later serving as a law clerk for Judge Eugene Nickerson in the Eastern District of New York.
Career Highlights:
- Assistant U.S. Attorney (1991–2002): Weissmann prosecuted significant organized crime cases in the Eastern District of New York, targeting figures from the Genovese, Colombo, and Gambino crime families.
- Enron Task Force (2002–2005): Appointed by President George W. Bush, he led the investigation into the Enron scandal, resulting in the prosecution of over 30 individuals, including top executives.
- General Counsel of the FBI (2011–2013): Serving under Director Robert Mueller, Weissmann provided legal guidance to the FBI during a pivotal period.
- Chief of the Fraud Section, DOJ (2015–2017): He oversaw significant financial fraud cases, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable prosecutor.
- Special Counsel’s Office (2017–2019): As a lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections, Weissmann played a crucial role in the inquiry.
Academic and Media Roles:
Currently, Weissmann is a Professor of Practice at New York University School of Law, teaching courses in national security and criminal procedure. He co-hosts the MSNBC podcast “Prosecuting Donald Trump” and authored the New York Times bestseller “Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation,” offering an insider’s perspective on the special counsel’s work.
Recent Activities:
In March 2025, Weissmann publicly criticized White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s dismissal of a judge’s authority to order the return of deported migrants, underscoring his ongoing engagement in legal discourse.
Weissmann’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to justice, marked by significant legal achievements and a continued influence on legal education and public discourse.