zoom_in Click to enlarge

Patrick Fitzgerald

▲ ▼

Lawyer Modern Us Prosecutor Special Counsel

description Patrick Fitzgerald Overview

Patrick J. Fitzgerald is an American attorney who served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois from 2001 to 2012. He also acted as special counsel in the investigation into the disclosure of CIA officer Valerie Plame's identity, which led to the prosecution and 2007 conviction of vice-presidential aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

Fitzgerald previously prosecuted terrorism and organized-crime cases in New York.

help Patrick Fitzgerald FAQ

What was Patrick Fitzgerald's role in the Valerie Plame investigation?

Fitzgerald served as special counsel investigating the leak of CIA officer Valerie Plame's identity, which led to the conviction of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice in 2007. Libby's prison sentence was later commuted by President George W. Bush.

How long did Patrick Fitzgerald serve as U.S. Attorney?

He served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois from 2001 to 2012, spanning both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. He was based in Chicago and was one of the longest-serving U.S. Attorneys in that district.

What other major corruption cases did Patrick Fitzgerald prosecute?

Fitzgerald successfully prosecuted two consecutive Illinois governors — Republican George Ryan and Democrat Rod Blagojevich — on corruption charges. These high-profile cases cemented his reputation as one of the most aggressive federal prosecutors in the country.

What did Patrick Fitzgerald do after leaving the U.S. Attorney's office?

After stepping down in 2012, Fitzgerald entered private legal practice in Chicago. He has also served on various civic and governmental advisory bodies, including a role examining criminal justice and public integrity matters.