Last Updated: 09 May, 2025 | Views: 5372
Age: 74
Profession: Politician
Other Profession(s): Talk Show Host, Television Personality, Prosecutor, Judge
Famous For: He work as host on shows like “Justice with Judge Jeanine” and others.
Higher Education: University at Buffalo (BA), Albany Law School (JD)
About (Profile/Biography):
Jeanine Ferris Pirro is an American conservative television host, author, and former New York State judge, district attorney, and politician. Born in 1951 to Lebanese-American parents, she rose to prominence through her legal career before transitioning to television. Known for her outspoken commentary on Fox News, Pirro has cultivated a reputation as a vocal conservative voice while navigating both professional triumphs and personal controversies throughout her career.
Early Life & Education of Jeanine Pirro
• Born in Elmira, New York, to Lebanese-American parents, young Jeanine developed an interest in law at just six years old when she announced to her family that she would become an attorney, demonstrating the determination that would define her career trajectory.
• The ambitious student graduated from Notre Dame High School as class salutatorian before earning her B.A. in English from the University at Buffalo and later her J.D. from Albany Law School, where she was an editor of the law review.
• Pirro's heritage as a Lebanese-American shaped her early experiences in upstate New York, where she maintained strong connections to her cultural roots while pursuing her American dream in the legal profession.
Legal Career of Jeanine Pirro
• The trailblazing attorney became the first female judge elected to the Westchester County Court in 1990, shattering glass ceilings in a male-dominated field while establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in New York's legal community.
• Before her judgeship, Pirro served as an assistant district attorney where she created one of the nation's first domestic violence units, demonstrating her commitment to protecting victims and earning recognition for her aggressive prosecution of violent crimes.
• The legal powerhouse eventually won election as Westchester County District Attorney, a position she held for three terms (1994-2005), gaining national attention for her tough stance on crimes against the elderly and children.
Political Endeavors of Jeanine Pirro
• Pirro launched an ambitious campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Hillary Clinton in 2005, though she later withdrew to pursue the New York Attorney General position instead, showcasing her political aspirations beyond the district attorney's office.
• The Republican candidate faced a significant defeat in her 2006 Attorney General race against Democrat Andrew Cuomo, losing by nearly 20 percentage points in what would mark her final attempt at elected office.
• Her political career was occasionally overshadowed by her husband Albert's legal troubles, including his conviction for tax evasion, which complicated her campaigns and public image despite her own professional accomplishments.
Television Career of Jeanine Pirro
• The former prosecutor transitioned to television by hosting "Judge Jeanine Pirro," a syndicated court show that ran from 2008 to 2011, allowing her to leverage her legal expertise while developing her on-screen presence and communication style.
• Since 2011, Pirro has been a fixture at Fox News, hosting the highly-rated weekend program "Justice with Judge Jeanine," where her fiery monologues and unwavering support for Donald Trump have made her a conservative media star.
• The television personality expanded her media presence with regular appearances on programs like "The Five," eventually becoming a co-host of the popular Fox News roundtable show, further cementing her status as a prominent conservative commentator.
Literary Works of Jeanine Pirro
• Pirro authored "To Punish and Protect" (2003), drawing on her experiences as District Attorney to advocate for victims' rights and criticize what she perceived as flaws in the criminal justice system, establishing herself as a thought leader in legal reform.
• The prolific writer ventured into fiction with her Dani Fox mystery series, including titles like "Sly Fox" and "Clever Fox," which draw on her real-world prosecutorial background to create compelling crime narratives.
• Her 2018 book "Liars, Leakers, and Liberals: The Case Against the Anti-Trump Conspiracy" became a New York Times bestseller, reflecting her strong political viewpoints and demonstrating her appeal to conservative readers across America.
Controversies around Jeanine Pirro
• The television host faced significant criticism in 2019 when she questioned whether Representative Ilhan Omar's hijab indicated loyalty to Sharia law over the Constitution, comments that led to a temporary suspension from Fox News and widespread condemnation.
• Pirro's reputation suffered another blow when she was arrested in 2006 for driving 119 mph in a 65 mph zone, later pleading guilty to speeding and paying a fine, an incident that contradicted her law-and-order image.
• The outspoken commentator has been repeatedly criticized for promoting conspiracy theories, including unfounded claims about the 2020 election, which led to her being named in a $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit filed by voting machine company Smartmatic.
Personal Life of Jeanine Pirro
• Jeanine married Albert Pirro in 1975, and the couple had two children together before divorcing in 2013 following his conviction for tax fraud and a series of personal troubles that played out in the public eye.
• The fitness enthusiast maintains a rigorous exercise regimen even in her seventies, often discussing her dedication to health and attributing her energy levels to her disciplined lifestyle choices.
• Despite her tough public persona, close associates describe Pirro as deeply loyal to friends and family, frequently mentioning her Lebanese heritage and the values of perseverance and hard work instilled by her immigrant parents.
Awards & Recognition received by Jeanine Pirro
• The Legal pioneer received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, recognizing her contributions as a descendant of immigrants who has made significant contributions to American society through her legal career.
• Her work in domestic violence prevention earned her the Louis E. Yavner Award from the New York State Bar Association, acknowledging her groundbreaking efforts to protect victims and reform legal approaches to these cases.
• Pirro was honored with the Barbara Seignious Award from the National Organization for Women (NOW) in recognition of her advocacy for women's rights, particularly in her prosecution of domestic violence cases, an acknowledgment from an organization not typically aligned with her later political positions.
Lesser Known Facts about Jeanine Pirro
• Before her television fame, Pirro worked as a debt collector during law school to pay her tuition, an experience she rarely discusses but credits with teaching her negotiation skills and perseverance in difficult situations.
• The animal lover once maintained a collection of over 20 pets, including dogs, birds, and pot-bellied pigs, and has been an outspoken advocate for animal welfare throughout her career.
• Despite her conservative image, Pirro worked closely with Democrats on criminal justice reform during her time as District Attorney, forming unexpected alliances that led to innovative programs for first-time offenders.
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