📖 Overview
Preet Bharara served as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2017, where he earned recognition for prosecuting high-profile cases involving public corruption, financial fraud, and organized crime. His tenure was marked by numerous successful prosecutions of Wall Street executives, terrorists, and prominent political figures.
Following his dismissal by President Trump in 2017, Bharara transitioned into media and academia, becoming a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at NYU School of Law. He authored the bestselling book "Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment and the Rule of Law" (2019), which explores the principles and complexities of the American justice system.
Bharara hosts the podcast "Stay Tuned with Preet" where he discusses legal and political issues with guests from various fields. His work has expanded to include regular commentary on legal affairs in major media outlets and speaking engagements at academic institutions.
His background includes graduating from Harvard College in 1990 and Columbia Law School in 1993, followed by private practice before entering public service. Bharara's career and writings focus on themes of justice, ethics, and the intersection of law and public policy.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Bharara's clear explanations of complex legal concepts and his storytelling ability in "Doing Justice." Many reviews highlight his balance of personal anecdotes with analysis of the justice system. Specific comments note his "conversational tone" and ability to make legal proceedings accessible to non-lawyers.
Likes:
- Inside perspective on high-profile cases
- Practical examples that illustrate legal principles
- Ethical discussions that go beyond simple right/wrong
- Balanced approach to controversial topics
Dislikes:
- Some sections repeat material from his podcast
- Legal explanations occasionally too basic for law professionals
- Limited coverage of his dismissal by Trump
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (13,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (2,000+ reviews)
Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (300+ reviews)
A common theme in reviews is that readers appreciate Bharara's focus on principles over politics, with one Amazon reviewer noting: "He presents complex cases without partisan overtones, letting readers draw their own conclusions."
📚 Books by Preet Bharara
Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law (2019)
An examination of the American legal system through case studies and personal experiences from Bharara's time as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Stay True: Short Rules for Life (2023) A collection of personal guidelines and principles derived from Bharara's career in law enforcement and public service.
Stay True: Short Rules for Life (2023) A collection of personal guidelines and principles derived from Bharara's career in law enforcement and public service.
👥 Similar authors
Jeffrey Toobin writes about law, politics, and high-profile court cases from an insider perspective as a former federal prosecutor. His work focuses on detailed investigations of legal scandals and constitutional issues.
David Lat chronicles the inner workings of law firms and the federal judiciary through non-fiction and fiction works. He founded Above the Law and brings firsthand experience from his time as a federal prosecutor and law firm associate.
James Comey provides perspective on justice, leadership, and ethics from his experience as FBI Director and U.S. Attorney. He examines institutional integrity and decision-making in law enforcement through personal accounts.
Jed Rakoff analyzes the justice system and financial crimes through the lens of his experience as a federal judge. His writing dissects systemic issues in law enforcement and corporate accountability.
Adam Cohen investigates the Supreme Court's impact on American society through historical analysis and legal scholarship. He connects legal decisions to social consequences while examining power structures in the justice system.
David Lat chronicles the inner workings of law firms and the federal judiciary through non-fiction and fiction works. He founded Above the Law and brings firsthand experience from his time as a federal prosecutor and law firm associate.
James Comey provides perspective on justice, leadership, and ethics from his experience as FBI Director and U.S. Attorney. He examines institutional integrity and decision-making in law enforcement through personal accounts.
Jed Rakoff analyzes the justice system and financial crimes through the lens of his experience as a federal judge. His writing dissects systemic issues in law enforcement and corporate accountability.
Adam Cohen investigates the Supreme Court's impact on American society through historical analysis and legal scholarship. He connects legal decisions to social consequences while examining power structures in the justice system.