Get to know our US Supreme Court Justices-Chief Justice John Roberts

My next few blog posts will be an effort to help you get to know our current US Supreme Court Justices.

​​John Glover Roberts, Jr., the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, has had a distinguished and influential legal career spanning several decades. Known for his intellect, legal craftsmanship, and institutionalist philosophy, Roberts has shaped American law as both a prominent appellate advocate and as the head of the U.S. Supreme Court since 2005.
Early Life and EducationBorn on January 27, 1955, in Buffalo, New York, Roberts grew up in Indiana. He excelled academically and later attended Harvard University, earning an undergraduate degree in history in 1976, followed by a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1979, where he was managing editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Clerkship and Early Government WorkRoberts began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Henry Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He then clerked for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist during the 1980–1981 Supreme Court term—an experience that deeply influenced his judicial philosophy.
After clerking, Roberts entered government service under President Ronald Reagan, working as a Special Assistant to the U.S. Attorney General and later as Associate Counsel to the President from 1982 to 1986. During this period, he became known for his work on conservative legal issues, including federalism and judicial restraint.
Private Practice and Supreme Court AdvocacyRoberts transitioned to private practice in 1986, joining the prestigious law firm Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells), where he became a top appellate litigator. Over the next decade, he argued 39 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning a majority of them. His advocacy was characterized by clear, precise arguments and deep knowledge of constitutional law.
Notably, Roberts became a go-to lawyer for major corporations and the government in appellate matters. His ability to distill complex legal arguments and his calm demeanor made him one of the most respected advocates of his generation.
Return to Government and Judicial AppointmentIn 1989, under President George H. W. Bush, Roberts returned to government as Principal Deputy Solicitor General, where he represented the federal government before the Supreme Court. He continued to argue high-profile cases and built a reputation as a skilled and disciplined advocate.
Despite being nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in 1992, the Senate did not act on the nomination before Bush left office. It wasn’t until 2003 that President George W. Bush successfully nominated him to the D.C. Circuit, widely considered the second-most powerful court in the nation. Roberts served there briefly but earned praise for his clear writing, moderate tone, and narrow, principled decisions.
Nomination as Chief JusticeIn 2005, President George W. Bush initially nominated Roberts to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. However, following the sudden death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Bush instead nominated Roberts to become Chief Justice of the United States. He was confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2005, by a vote of 78–22.
Tenure as Chief JusticeAs Chief Justice, Roberts has steered the Court through a politically polarized era, often emphasizing the importance of judicial restraint and institutional legitimacy. He has frequently aimed to build consensus and has written many of the Court’s most consequential opinions.
Roberts has generally aligned with the conservative wing, but he has at times broken with ideological expectations. Notably, in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012), he provided the pivotal vote to uphold the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate as a valid exercise of Congress's taxing power—a decision that drew both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum.
He has also sided with the liberal justices in high-profile cases involving abortion rights, DACA, and election law, demonstrating a tendency to prioritize institutional stability and narrow rulings over sweeping ideological change. His leadership style emphasizes incrementalism and maintaining the perception of the Court as an apolitical body.
In the wake of growing public scrutiny of the Supreme Court, Roberts has repeatedly defended the Court’s independence and integrity, warning against the perception of justices as political actors.
Legacy and InfluenceRoberts’s legal career reflects a deep commitment to the rule of law, careful legal reasoning, and respect for precedent. While he remains a conservative jurist, he is not an ideologue and often seeks to preserve the institutional credibility of the Court. His decisions and leadership style have made him a central figure in shaping modern constitutional law.
As of 2025, Roberts continues to lead the Court through complex legal and political terrain, often serving as a moderating force and a guardian of judicial norms.