Joel Klein was born on October 25, 1946 in New York. He attended Columbia University for his undergraduate studies and later went on to pursue a law degree at Harvard Law School. After completing his education, Klein had the opportunity to clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell, which helped shape his future career in law and politics.
After his clerkship, Joel Klein worked as an Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division in the Clinton Administration. He then transitioned to the role of Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, a position he held from 2002 to 2011. During his time as Chancellor, Klein implemented various reforms aimed at improving the city's public school system.
Klein's dedication to education reform led to his consideration for the role of Secretary of Education. While he was reported to be a candidate for the position, he ultimately was passed up for the role.
Joel Klein married Nicole Seligman, further solidifying his ties to influential circles. In addition to his professional career, Klein has also had the opportunity to work alongside media mogul Rupert Murdoch, showcasing his versatility and ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout his career, Joel Klein has left a lasting impact on education policy and law. His tenure as Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education saw significant changes and improvements in the city's public school system. Despite not landing the role of Secretary of Education, Klein's contributions to the field of education continue to be recognized and appreciated.