Ever wondered how much a federal judge like Tanya Chutkan really earns?
While celebrity finances often make headlines, government figures like her are less transparent.
Still, PBC pulls together everything you need to know—from her high-profile legal roles to her powerful position in the judiciary.
Let’s explore Tanya Chutkan’s net worth, salary, and financial story in 2025.
Tanya Chutkan Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Tanya Sue Chutkan |
| Popular Name | Tanya Chutkan |
| Birth Date | July 5, 1962 |
| Age | 62 years old (as of March 27, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dougla (Indo-Jamaican + Afro-Jamaican) |
| Education | Penn Carey Law (1987), The George Washington University (1983) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Peter A. Krauthamer |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Norman (brother), Robynne (sister) |
| Parents | Winston (father), Noelle (mother) |
| Height (meters) | N/A |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Legal profession, judicial salary |
What is the Net Worth Of Tanya Chutkan in 2025?
As of 2025, Tanya Chutkan’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, based on her decades-long career in both the private and public legal sectors, it’s fair to assume her finances are stable and respectable. Her wealth stems largely from her time as a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner and her current role as a federal judge, a position she has held since 2014 after being appointed by Barack Obama.
Compared to high-earning public figures, her financial details remain private. Still, her work puts her among the influential legal names in America today. Here’s a look at others connected to her professionally or by role:
- Donald Trump
- Barack Obama
- Peter A. Krauthamer
- Boies Schiller Flexner
- Federal Judicial Center
- Public Defender Service
- United States District Court for the District of Columbia
- George Washington University
- University of Pennsylvania Law School
- Department of Justice
If you’re curious about the top financial figures in public life, check out our feature on the wealthiest people in the spotlight.
Tanya Chutkan Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How much does she earn as a federal judge?
Tanya Chutkan has served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia since 2014. While her exact salary isn’t individually disclosed, federal judges typically earn a base income aligned with judicial pay scales, which is well into six figures. Given her over a decade of service and her seniority, she likely earns toward the upper end of that range.
She received her judicial commission shortly after a 95–0 vote in the U.S. Senate, showing bipartisan confidence in her qualifications. Judicial salaries are determined by federal law, which ensures consistency across appointments like hers. It’s also important to consider that judges do not typically receive bonuses or external financial compensation for rulings.
What is her financial background?
Chutkan’s financial foundation was built on years of elite education and high-caliber legal work. She earned her BA from George Washington University and a JD from University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she served as associate editor for the law review. This educational path—part of her source of wealth—set her up for both public service and lucrative private practice roles.
From 1991 to 2002, she worked at the Public Defender Service, gaining courtroom experience but likely earning less than her private sector peers. Her later years in corporate litigation at Boies Schiller Flexner as a partner would have increased her earnings significantly, especially as she focused on complex civil litigation and antitrust cases.
What roles contributed to her professional income?
Several positions defined the financial arc of Tanya Chutkan’s career. Her partnership at Boies Schiller Flexner, which she joined in 2002 and became a partner by 2007, marked a key turning point in income. Before that, her service as a public defender was more grounded in public duty than pay.
When President Barack Obama nominated her in 2013, it added not just prestige but a consistent salary backed by federal pay legislation. While there are no reports of her earning from book deals, corporate boards, or media appearances, her financial health is rooted firmly in her legal career.
She’s also connected by marriage—previously—to Peter A. Krauthamer, who served as a judge on the Superior Court of D.C. from 2012 to 2023. That union further reflects a shared household income based on public service in the judiciary.
What is her source of wealth?
Chutkan’s primary source of wealth is her legal profession, spanning public defense, private practice, and federal judiciary. During her time at Boies Schiller Flexner, her focus on antitrust and class action litigation likely brought in substantial earnings before she transitioned to a life of public service.
Although federal judges are restricted from many financial activities, their base compensation and lifetime benefits provide long-term financial security. Her background shows no involvement in corporate investments or commercial enterprises, meaning her wealth is almost entirely linked to her profession.
How has her career influenced her financial position?
Every step of her career has shaped Tanya Chutkan’s financial profile. From representing underserved clients to presiding over monumental cases like those involving Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol attack, her decisions have impacted both her reputation and professional standing.
She has issued rulings on abortion rights, copyright law, and federal execution procedures. Her involvement in high-stakes legal scenarios not only solidified her authority but also placed her in the national spotlight—particularly as she was perceived as the “toughest sentencer” in January 6-related trials.
From the courtroom to Congress, she’s stood at the intersection of law and politics. These moments may not directly influence her paycheck, but they elevate her stature and, indirectly, her financial security.
Does she have any publicly known financial disclosures?
While federal judges like Chutkan are required to file basic financial disclosures, detailed breakdowns are typically not made public. This means that her net worth, investments, or outside financial interests (if any) remain private. According to public records and reliable sources, there are no major known financial controversies or holdings tied to her name.
Her career is marked by transparency in rulings rather than personal finances. That said, any wealth she holds is presumed to come solely from her career milestones and long-standing judicial service.
What are key facts about her personal and professional life that relate to finance?
From a young age, Chutkan was influenced by a high-achieving family. Her father, Winston Chutkan, was a doctor. Her mother, Noelle, a prominent Jamaican dancer, was the granddaughter of political figure Frank Hill. Her academic path and early exposure to law built her financial literacy and ambition.
She was once married to Peter A. Krauthamer, himself a respected judge, and they have two sons. These close relationships reflect a lifestyle grounded in civic duty and professional accomplishment. Even without hard numbers, these facts add to the understanding of how her wealth is both earned and sustained.
Conclusion
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