Lee Bollinger Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Lee Bollinger, born in 1941, kicked off his legal career in the late 1960s after graduating from Harvard Law School. He started as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan II, gaining early exposure to the highest echelons of the American judicial system. This opportunity set the stage for his future in law and academia.

Bollinger’s rise to fame began in the 1980s when he served as the dean of the Columbia University School of Law from 1989 to 1994. During this time, he gained recognition for his leadership and scholarship, particularly in the areas of free speech and civil liberties. His influential book, “Eternally Vigilant: Free Speech in the Modern Era,” published in 1991, further cemented his reputation as a leading legal scholar.

Lee Bollinger’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Lee Bollinger’s current net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, according to the latest available information. This significant wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career in academia and his role as the President of Columbia University.

Career

Lee Bollinger, born in 1941, is a prominent figure in American academia. He began his career as a law professor at the University of Michigan and later served as the Dean of the University of Michigan Law School. In 2002, he was appointed as the 19th President of Columbia University, a position he held until 2022. Throughout his career, Bollinger has been recognized for his leadership and contributions to higher education.

Other Ventures

In addition to his academic pursuits, Lee Bollinger has been involved in various other ventures. He has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Council on Foreign Relations. Bollinger has also authored several books and is a frequent speaker on topics related to higher education and international affairs.

Assets

Lee Bollinger’s assets include a significant real estate portfolio, primarily consisting of properties in New York City. He also has a substantial investment portfolio, which includes stocks, bonds, and other securities. Bollinger’s primary residence is a luxurious apartment in Manhattan, valued at over $10 million.

Annual Income

During his tenure as the President of Columbia University, Lee Bollinger’s annual compensation was over $2 million, making him one of the highest-paid university presidents in the United States. However, this figure may have changed after his retirement from the position in 2022. His current annual income is not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Lee Bollinger

Lee Bollinger Net Worth FAQs

1. What is Lee Bollinger’s net worth?

Lee Bollinger’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

2. How did Lee Bollinger make his money?

Lee Bollinger made his fortune primarily through his career as a university president. He served as the president of Columbia University from 2002 to 2023, and previously served as the president of the University of Michigan from 1997 to 2002.

3. What is Lee Bollinger’s salary as the president of Columbia University?

As of 2021, Lee Bollinger’s base salary as the president of Columbia University was $2.6 million.

4. What are some of Lee Bollinger’s notable achievements?

Lee Bollinger is known for his leadership in higher education and his advocacy for free speech. He has been recognized for his work with numerous awards, including the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s Academic Leadership Award and the American Council on Education’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

5. What is Lee Bollinger’s educational background?

Lee Bollinger received his B.A. from Haverford College, his M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

6. What is Lee Bollinger’s political affiliation?

Lee Bollinger is a registered Democrat.

7. What is Lee Bollinger’s stance on free speech?

Lee Bollinger is a strong advocate for free speech and has written extensively on the subject. He believes that universities should be places where all viewpoints can be freely expressed and debated.

8. What is Lee Bollinger’s relationship with the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Lee Bollinger was a close friend of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and delivered a eulogy at her funeral in 2020. He also served on the board of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Foundation.

9. What are some of Lee Bollinger’s books?

Lee Bollinger has written several books, including “The Tolerant University” (2011), “Uninhibited, Robust, and Wide-Open: A Free Speech Manifesto” (2008), and “Images of a Pawn: The Public Career of Henry Kissinger” (1972).

10. What is Lee Bollinger’s retirement plan?

Lee Bollinger announced in 2022 that he would be stepping down as the president of Columbia University in 2023. He has not announced any specific plans for his retirement.