Brett Michael Kavanaugh is an American lawyer and jurist currently serving as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He has built a remarkable career marked by notable legal achievements, teaching appointments, and a controversial confirmation process. His career is deeply focused on public service rather than wealth accumulation, and his financial standing is a testament to that.
As of 2024, Brett Kavanaugh’s net worth is estimated at $2 million. This makes him the least wealthy Supreme Court judge, a position he holds together with Ketanji Brown Jackson, whose net worth is also $2 million.
In this article, we explore Kavanaugh’s wealth and his personal and professional life to provide a comprehensive overview of his growth.
Brett Kavanaugh bio
Full name | Brett Michael Kavanaugh |
Date of birth | February 12, 1965 |
Birthplace | Washington, D.C., USA |
Education | Yale University (BA, JD) |
Current role | Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court |
Net worth | Approximately $2 million as of 2024 |
Annual salary | $298,500 (2024) |
Key asset | Mortgage-free home in Maryland |
Spouse | Ashley Estes Kavanaugh |
Children | Two daughters |
Early life and education
Brett Kavanaugh was born on February 12, 1965, in Washington D.C., to a family of Irish descent. Brett was raised in Bethsaida, Maryland, in a family deeply rooted in the legal profession. His father, Everett Edward Kavanaugh, Jr., was a lawyer, while his mother, Martha Kavanaugh, served as a judge. This foundation played a pivotal role in preparing Brett for his future success in the legal arena.
Kavanaugh went to Georgetown Preparatory School, a prestigious Jesuit school, where he excelled both in academics and athletics. He captained the school’s basketball team and was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Brett Kavanaugh graduated from prep. school and enrolled at Yale University, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1987. He then joined Yale Law School, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1990.
Career beginnings
Brett Kavanaugh’s legal career started with clerkship roles, combining public service with private practice. He clerked for Judge Walter King Stapleton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from 1990 to 1991. He then worked for Judge Alex Kozinski of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. During this time, he worked for the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson as a summer associate. He worked with the law firm Kirkland & Ellis between 1997 and 1998.
His career took a massive turn when he joined the United States Supreme Court, clerking for Justice Anthony Kennedy. This was so pivotal in his career as it solidified his position as one of the fastest-rising stars in the legal field. He then worked under U.S. Solicitor General Ken Starr of the Office of the Independent Counsel, where he played pivotal roles, including investigating high-profile political figures.
Kavanaugh added another significant mark in his career when he joined George W. Bush’s legal team in the contentious Florida recount in the 2000 presidential elections. His contributions to the case earned him a position as an associate to White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales. These roles highlighted his legal expertise and bolstered his connections both in the legal and political circles.
Judicial career
Brett Kavanaugh’s judicial career began in 2003 when President George W. Bush appointed him to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 2003. However, his confirmation faced political opposition that delayed it for three years.
As a Circuit judge, Kavanaugh established a reputation for his conservative interpretation of the law. He penned outstanding decisions that oppose abortion rights, environmental regulations, and some parts of the Affordable Care Act. His rulings always emphasized limiting the power of regulatory agencies and strictly adhering to constitutional principles.
He served as a D.C. Circuit Court judge until 2018, greatly contributing to legal discourse on matters ranging from administrative law to constitutional interpretation.
Supreme Court appointment
In 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court to succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy. However, his confirmation process was one of the most contagious in modern United States history. During his confirmation hearings with the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kavanaugh was accused of sexual misconduct, mostly by Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of assault. She testified of an incident she claimed happened during their time in high school.
The incident sparked a nationwide uproar that led to the #MeToo movement. Although the FBI cleared Kavanaugh of the allegations, critics argued that the investigation was limited in scope. Despite the controversy, Kavanaugh was confirmed by a narrow Senate vote of 48-50, the second-narrowest margin for a Supreme Court judge in U.S. history, after Stanley Matthews in 1881.
Teaching appointments
In addition to his judicial duties, Kavanaugh has contributed to shaping future legal professionals by taking up teaching appointments. He has taught law in some of the most prestigious law schools in the United States, including Yale Law School, Harvard Law School, and Georgetown University Law Center.
However, after his confirmation process was rocked with allegations of sexual assault, he withdrew from teaching law at Harvard. Kavanaugh later accepted a visiting professor position at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
Net worth and salary
As of 2024, Brett Kavanaugh’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, placing him at the bottom end of financial standings compared to other Supreme Court justices. His primary stream of income remains his judicial salary, which stands at $298,500 annually.
His biggest asset is his mortgage-free home in Chevy Chase Section Five, Maryland, which is valued at $1.3 million. His financial portfolio also includes savings and generous pensions accrued from his years of public service. Brett Kavanaugh’s modest financial portfolio underscores his dedication to public service rather than wealth accumulation.
Personal life and lifestyle
Brett Kavanaugh and his family reside at their home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He is married to Ashley Estes Kavanaugh, and the two are blessed with two daughters. The family is active in the community. While still serving as a Supreme Court justice, Kavanaugh also contributes as a tutor at the Washington Jesuit Academy.
He is a sports enthusiast who maintained a lifelong commitment to football and basketball. While at law school, he contributed to the Yale Daily News, writing sports articles. He extends this enthusiasm to coaching his daughter’s sports teams.
His personal life and lifestyle are a testament to his lifelong commitment to community and public service.