Meet US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s husband Jesse Barrett: white-collar criminal lawyer, lifelong church-goer, father of 7 children and counsel for Fox Corporation
As a judge on the US Supreme Court, and a mother of 5 biological children and 2 adopted children, Coney Barrett needs a lot of support – husband and fellow lawyer Barrett is the man to provide it
A partner at the law firm where he works, Jesse Barrett is also a dedicated father, with his wife saying he has “picked up the slack” since she became a Supreme Court justice.
From ethical questions concerning business relationships, to links with a religious sect, there’s much to unpack when it comes to Jesse Barrett. Here’s what to know.
His legal career journey
Per Newsweek, Barrett received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government in 1996 from the University of Notre Dame. Three years later he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the same establishment. He then worked as clerk for federal judge Paul Niemeyer in the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Virginia.
Barrett went on to practise complex civil and criminal litigation at law firms in Washington and Indiana. He later focused on cases involving identity theft, wire fraud, data breaches and tax violations.
Entering the private sector
In 2018 Barrett returned to the private sector. He is now a partner at SouthBank Legal in South Bend. The company website says the firm focuses on white-collar criminal cases and complex commercial litigation. According to The New Republic, the firm opened its Washington office after Coney Barrett joined the Supreme Court, and the cases in which her husband is involved are not required to be disclosed by her. The Supreme Court’s ethical disclosure system even means that Coney Barrett can redact the name of SouthBank Legal if she chooses.
The Fox Corporation case
Jesse made headlines in May after it was revealed he would be defending the Fox Corporation in a US$3 million defamation case involving reports made by one of its local stations. According to Rolling Stone, the case raised questions about conflict of interest concerning Supreme Court justices and their partners, as well as “enrichment” by justices and their families.