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Andrew Weissmann’s Wife: Meet Debra Weissmann The Woman At The Side Of The Respected Legal Figure

Discover the intriguing relationship between Andrew Weissmann and his wife, and how their partnership has shaped Weissmann's career in the legal world.
by Robyn Kerkhof | Sep 13 2023
Credits: Law&Crime

Andrew Weissmanna prominent American attorney and legal expert, has gained significant public attention for his notable career in law enforcement. However, the personal aspects of his life, including his relationship status and family, often pique the audience’s curiosity. This article will shed light on some key details about Andrew Weissmann’s personal life, including his relationship, family, teaching endeavors, and notable achievements.

Meet Debra Weissmann: Andrew Weissmann’s Wife 

Andrew Weissmann was born in New York on January 17, 1958, making him 65 years old. He is married to his wife, Deborah M. Weissmann, and they are a happy couple who value their privacy, leaving us with little information about their marriage and personal lives. 

Deborah M. Weissmann graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Syracuse University and also obtained her law degree cum laude from Syracuse University Law School. Following her law studies, she acquired extensive experience in representing individuals who needed access to legal counsel in the private sector. This involved handling cases in labor law, civil rights, family and education, and immigration law in different locations such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tampa, Florida. Additionally, she practiced civil rights law as a partner at a firm in Syracuse, New York. From 1994 to 1998, Weissman held the positions of Deputy Director and Executive Director at Legal Services of North Carolina.

Andrew-Weissmann-Deborah-Weissmann
Credits: University of North Carolina

Since 1998, she has been a member of the Carolina Law Faculty, holding the esteemed position of the Reef C. Ivey II Distinguished Professor of Law, and she served as the Director of Clinical Programs for 10 years. Her academic interests and research areas span law and political economy, migration and immigration, human rights, critical legal theories, and gender violence. Debrah has written numerous articles, essays, and book chapters on topics such as the political economy of gender violence, language rights, immigration-related issues, and human rights. Her work has been published in esteemed journals, including the Boston College Law Review, the William & Mary Law Review, and the Columbia Human Rights Journal. Additionally, she was honored with the ACLU’s Frank Porter Graham Award for her outstanding contributions to civil rights efforts.

Andrew Weissmann: Legal Professional and Prosecutor 

Andrew Weissmann’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1980, followed by a Fulbright scholarship to the University of Geneva. He then pursued his Juris Doctor degree at Columbia Law School in 1984, gaining valuable experience as a clerk for Judge Eugene Nickerson in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Weissmann comes from a Jewish heritage, which shaped his perspective and values.

From 1991 to 2002, Weissmann served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. He fearlessly took on over 25 cases during his tenure, including high-profile ones involving notorious crime families. Notably, he played a crucial role in prosecuting Vincent Gigante, ultimately leading to Gigante’s conviction.

In 2002, Weissmann was honored to be appointed deputy director by President George W. Bush. Subsequently, he took on the critical role of directing the task force investigating the Enron scandal. His meticulous work resulted in the prosecution of more than 30 individuals, including top-level executives from Enron. Weissmann also successfully argued that auditing firm Arthur Andersen LLP had covered up for Enron, contributing to the firm’s demise. However, this ruling was later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Following his collaboration with Mueller in 2005, Weissmann shifted to private practice at Jenner & Block in New York. However, his commitment to public service led him back to the FBI in 2011, where he served as General Counsel under Mueller. From 2015 to 2017, he took the helm of the criminal fraud section at the Department of Justice. Moreover, Weissmann shared his expertise by teaching at various law schools.

“Wherever law ends, tyranny begins,” John Locke wrote, a sentiment that is carved indelibly into the limestone walls of the Department of Justice in Washington.”
Andrew Weissmann, Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation

In 2017, Weissmann joined Special Counsel Mueller’s team to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. He played a significant role in the case against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. In 2019, after announcing his departure from the Justice Department, Weissmann gracefully transitioned to his roles as a faculty member at New York University and a legal analyst at MSNBC. In 2020, he returned to Jenner & Block as co-chair of its investigations, compliance, and defense practice, continuing to make an impact in his field.

Andrew Weissmann: Distinguished Professor 

Andrew Weissmann is a distinguished visiting professor at the New York University School of Law, bringing his extensive professional experience to mentor law students. He offers valuable insights into the field of law, sharing his expertise on white-collar crime, complex litigation, and investigative techniques.

A successful debut as a non-fiction writer

In September 2020, Andrew Weissmann published a captivating book titled “Where Law Ends: Inside the Mueller Investigation.” Through this insightful piece, Weissmann not only delves into the intricacies of the investigation but also sheds light on his personal experiences. One of the striking revelations from the book revolves around Rick Gates’ stunning admission of providing political polling data to an individual associated with the Russian intelligence community. Additionally, the book unveils President Trump’s alleged efforts to obstruct the investigation, painting a vivid picture of the tumultuous events that unfolded during this critical time. “Where Law Ends” intertwines Weissmann’s journey with the profound insights gained from the investigation, making it a must-read for those seeking an inside look into this historic moment in American politics.

This book is available on the Blinkist app, which offers key insights from notable non-fiction books in bite-sized formats. With a free 7-day trial, readers can explore Weissmann’s thought-provoking work and enjoy many books covering diverse topics. Experience the Blinkist app today and broaden your knowledge!

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