Judge Beryl Howell Wiki, Age, Husband, Kids, Career & More

All About Judge Beryl Howell

Beryl Howell (age 67, born December 3, 1956) an American lawyer and jurist, has been serving as a U.S. district judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia since 2010. Notably, she held the esteemed position of the district’s chief judge for an impressive 7-year span until 2023.

Aside from her judicial role, Howell shares her legal expertise as an adjunct professor, teaching legal ethics at the Washington College of Law (American University). Known for her historic decisions in various cases, Howell frequently makes headlines for her impactful contributions to the legal field.

Currently, she is presiding over the Rudy Giuliani defamation case, where Giuliani faced accusations of spreading false rumors against Shaye Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman. According to court documents, Beryl Howell declared Giuliani guilty, resulting in a significant verdict on December 15, 2023.

A jury mandated Donald Trump’s personal lawyer to pay a substantial $148 million in damages to the mother-daughter duo. This article provides a deep dive into the life and career of Beryl Howell, shedding light on how she became an exemplary figure in her field.

Beryl Howell Parents and Education

Beryl Howell was born on December 3, 1956, in Fort Benning, Georgia, USA, spent her childhood moving around due to her family’s military background, attending schools in multiple states and even Germany.

Her academic journey led her to Bryn Mawr College, where she excelled and graduated with honors in philosophy in 1978.

Entering the legal field, she began as a legal assistant at Shanley & Fisher from 1978 to 1980. Her determination led her to pursue further education at Columbia Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 1983, distinguishing herself as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

Beryl Howell’s Path Before Becoming a Judge

After graduating from law school, Beryl Howell embarked on a dynamic journey within the legal field. She began as a law clerk for Judge Dickinson Richards Debevoise at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, a role she held from 1983 to 1984.

Transitioning into private practice, Howell worked as an associate at the prestigious New York City law firm, Schulte Roth & Zabel, from 1985 to 1987.

From 1987 to 1993, Howell served as an assistant United States attorney for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Her dedication led her to become the deputy chief of the Narcotics section.

Committing to public service, Howell joined the staff of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary from 1993 to 2003. During this time, she played a crucial role as a senior advisor to Chairman Patrick Leahy and later became the committee’s general counsel in 1997.

While with Senator Leahy, Howell played a significant role in shaping the E-FOIA amendments, expanding electronic access to government records. Her defense against proposals to limit the FOIA earned recognition from the Coalition to Support and Expand the Freedom of Information Act in 2001 and the Society of Professional Journalists in 2004.

Beyond legislative contributions, Howell made substantial impacts in combating computer crime and copyright infringement. Her involvement in crafting key legislation, such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, showcased her commitment to addressing digital challenges.

From 2004 to 2009, Howell held diverse roles at Stroz Friedberg, a global digital risk management and investigations firm, including executive vice president, executive managing director, and general counsel.

During this period, she engaged in lobbying efforts on behalf of the Recording Industry Association of America, solidifying her influence in both the legal and digital realms.

In 2008, Howell’s expertise led her to serve as a member of the Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency, sponsored by the bipartisan think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Nominated By Barack Obama

President Barack Obama nominated Beryl Howell on July 14, 2010, to fill the vacancy left by Judge Paul L. Friedman, who assumed senior status on December 31, 2009. After undergoing the confirmation process, Howell received approval from the U.S. Senate on December 22, 2010.

Her official commissioning as a federal judge occurred on December 27, 2010. Howell’s judicial career reached a significant milestone when she became the chief judge, serving from March 17, 2016, to March 17, 2023. This period showcased her leadership and influence within the judiciary.

In a noteworthy analysis by Ravel Law in 2015, Howell was recognized as the second most-cited district court judge appointed in the previous five years. This acknowledgment highlights her impactful contributions in the legal realm.

Beryl Howell’s Married Life

While Judge Beryl Howell often makes headlines for her rulings, she’s notably private about her personal life. One lesser-known aspect is her long-standing marriage to Michael Rosenfeld.

Their early story remains a mystery, but our sources confirm they’ve enjoyed a happy marriage spanning decades. What’s fascinating is the contrast in their careers. While Howell serves as a District Court Judge, Rosenfeld thrives in an entirely different world.

Rosenfeld’s resume paints a picture of an Executive Producer at National Geographic, contributing to popular shows like “Megafactories” and “Naked Science.” Despite their diverse professional paths, their shared joy comes from being devoted parents to three children.

Beryl Howell FAQs

Ques: How old is Beryl Howell?

Ans: Beryl is 67.

Ques: From where is Beryl Howell?

Ans: Fort Benning, Georgia, United States.

Ques: Who is Beryl Howell’s husband?

Ans: Michael Rosenfeld.