Lisa Monaco, born February 25, 1968, is a distinguished American attorney, currently 57 years old, who has served as the 39th United States Deputy Attorney General since April 2021. Her net worth is estimated at $5 million in 2025, reflecting her extensive career in high-level government roles and private sector work. While her salary as Deputy Attorney General is approximately $200,000 annually, her personal life, including married status and dating history, remains private. Monaco’s career is marked by significant contributions to national security, counterterrorism, and legal reform, making her a pivotal figure in American law and politics.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Legal Powerhouse
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Lisa Oudens Monaco grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, in an Italian-American family. Her parents, Dr. Anthony Monaco and Mary Lou Monaco, instilled values of hard work and public service. She graduated from The Winsor School in 1986 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in American History and Literature from Harvard University in 1990. Her legal education culminated at the University of Chicago Law School, where she received her J.D. in 1997. This robust academic foundation laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in law and national security.
Monaco’s early exposure to legal environments came through internships at the D.C. Superior Court and the Department of Justice, experiences that sharpened her analytical skills and commitment to justice. Her time at Harvard, where she engaged in rigorous debates on governance, sparked a lifelong passion for public service, which she later described as “a calling to uphold the rule of law.”
Career Achievements: A Trailblazer in National Security
From Federal Prosecutor to Enron Task Force
Monaco’s career began as a law clerk for Judge Jane R. Roth on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (1997–1998). She then served as Counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno (1998–2001), gaining critical insights into DOJ operations. From 2001 to 2007, she worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia, where she co-led the Enron Task Force, prosecuting high-profile corporate fraud cases. Her work earned her the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service, the DOJ’s highest honor, and Special Achievement Awards in 2002, 2003, and 2005.
Leadership at the FBI and DOJ
Monaco’s tenure at the FBI under Director Robert Mueller was transformative. As Special Counselor and later Chief of Staff (2006–2009), she helped pivot the agency toward a national security focus post-9/11. Her strategic oversight was pivotal during a period of heightened global threats. In 2009, she became Associate Deputy Attorney General, advising on criminal and national security policies. By 2011, she was appointed Assistant Attorney General for National Security, becoming the first woman in that role, where she shaped policies on cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy Attorney General
From 2013 to 2017, Monaco served as President Obama’s Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor, managing responses to crises like the Boston Marathon bombing and the Ebola outbreak. Her leadership in establishing the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center in 2015 was a landmark achievement in combating cyber threats. Since April 2021, as Deputy Attorney General under President Joe Biden, Monaco oversees DOJ operations, including high-stakes litigation and policy reforms. Her recent initiatives, like the Crime Gun Intelligence Center in Chicago, underscore her focus on public safety.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
Monaco’s net worth of approximately $5 million in 2025 stems from her government roles, private sector work, and speaking engagements. Her salary as Deputy Attorney General is around $200,000 per year, consistent with senior government positions. Before rejoining the DOJ, she earned nearly $700,000 at O’Melveny & Myers, advising clients like Harvard University and Apple Inc., and received director fees from firms like Accenture Federal Services ($175,000) and Cognosante LLC ($115,000). These earnings reflect her high demand as a legal and security expert.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Family
Lisa Monaco’s married status remains undisclosed, as she keeps her personal life private. There is no public record of a husband, partner, or children, aligning with her focus on professional commitments. In a 2021 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Monaco acknowledged her family’s support, mentioning her brother Mark, his wife Jennifer, and their children, Nicholas and Sophia, as well as her twin brother Chris, his wife Lisa, and her brother Peter. She credited her late mother and father for her public service ethos, stating, “Their values of integrity and hard work guide me daily.”
Monaco’s privacy contrasts with the public’s curiosity about her dating life. A 2013 Washington Post article noted she was unmarried at the time, and no updates suggest otherwise. Her tight-knit circle of friends provides personal support, allowing her to balance a demanding career with meaningful relationships.
Unique Insights: Monaco’s Impact on Cybersecurity and Justice Reform
Monaco’s influence extends beyond her titles. Her work on the Cybersecurity National Action Plan (2016) set a long-term strategy for U.S. cyber defenses, a framework still relevant in 2025 amid rising cyber threats. Her response to the January 6 Capitol attack as Deputy Attorney General emphasized the DOJ’s role in defending democracy, showcasing her commitment to impartial justice. A 2023 DOJ report highlighted her oversight of over 1,000 cases related to domestic extremism, a testament to her strategic leadership.
Her approach blends legal precision with empathy. In a 2021 speech, she said, “Justice isn’t about winning cases; it’s about ensuring fairness and protecting rights.” This philosophy resonates in her efforts to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, particularly for communities of color, as noted in her Senate testimony.
Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisa Oudens Monaco |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1968 |
| Age | 57 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American (Italian-American heritage) |
| Education | Harvard University (B.A., 1990), University of Chicago Law School (J.D., 1997) |
| Parents | Dr. Anthony Monaco, Mary Lou Monaco |
| Siblings | Mark Monaco, Chris Monaco (twin), Peter Monaco |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Current Position | Deputy Attorney General (since April 2021) |
| Previous Roles | Homeland Security Advisor (2013–2017), Assistant Attorney General (2011–2013) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | ~$200,000 annually (Deputy Attorney General) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (no public information on dating or partner) |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Awards | Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service, Edmund J. Randolph Award |
| Key Achievements | Enron Task Force, Cyber Threat Intelligence Center, DOJ leadership |
| Social Media | Twitter: @LisaMonaco6 |
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership
Lisa Monaco’s career exemplifies dedication to national security, legal integrity, and public service. At 57, her net worth of $5 million and salary of $200,000 reflect her professional success, while her private married and dating life underscores her focus on work. Her contributions to counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and justice reform continue to shape American policy. For more details, visit her Wikipedia page or follow her on Twitter. Her story inspires future leaders to blend intellect with integrity in service to the nation.
