Christopher Asher Wray, born on December 17, 1966 in New York City, is an American attorney who has made a name for himself as the eighth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He comes from a family with a strong legal background, with his father Cecil A. Wray Jr. being a graduate of Vanderbilt University and Yale Law School who worked as a lawyer at Debevoise & Plimpton in New York. His mother, Gilda Wray, was a homemaker. Wray's paternal great-grandfather, Taylor Malone, was a prominent figure in the legal field as the co-founder and president of Malone & Hyde.
Wray began his educational journey at the prestigious Buckley School in New York City before moving on to attend Phillips Academy, a private boarding school in Andover, Massachusetts. In 1989, he graduated from Yale University, where he distinguished himself academically. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Yale University Law School in 1992, solidifying his passion for law and justice.
Wray's career in law began to take shape when he joined the law firm King & Spalding as a litigation partner in 2005. During his time there, he showcased his legal prowess and dedication, earning a substantial amount of $9.2 million from January 2016 to July 2017. His work at the firm was highly regarded, paving the way for his nomination by President George W. Bush to be the 33rd Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division of the Justice Department in June 2003.
In 2017, Wray stepped into the role of Director of the FBI, a position that has brought him both praise and scrutiny. As a Republican and a member of the Federalist Society, he has faced challenges and controversies in his efforts to uphold the integrity and mission of the bureau. Despite the pressure and demands of his job, Wray remains committed to serving his country and defending the principles of justice and law enforcement.
In 1989, Wray married Helen Garrison Howell, with whom he shares a son named Trip and a daughter named Caroline. Family is a cornerstone of Wray's life, and he draws strength and support from his loved ones as he navigates the complexities of his career and public life.
Christopher Asher Wray's journey from a young student at Yale University to the Director of the FBI is a testament to his dedication, intelligence, and moral compass. As he continues to navigate the challenging waters of the legal and political landscape, Wray remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding justice, integrity, and the rule of law.