If you want to know more about Ramzi Kassem, you are in the right place. Ramzi Kassem is an American legal scholar and civil rights attorney best known for his prominent role as Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
He became popular for his appointment as the first Muslim to serve in this significant legal advisory role at City Hall. He is also known for his work in civil rights and his dedication to advocating for marginalized communities.
In this article, you will learn about Ramzi Kassem’s career, education, personal life, and other important details.
Ramzi Kassem Wiki and Biography
Ramzi Kassem has established himself as a notable figure in American law and public service. His background includes extensive work in civil rights and a strong commitment to justice.
His journey highlights a dedication to legal advocacy and public service, making him a respected voice in his field.
| Ramzi Kassem Wiki and Biography | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ramzi Kassem |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Legal Scholar, Civil Rights Attorney |
| Current Role | Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani |
| Appointed By | Mayor Zohran Mamdani |
| Year of Appointment | Late 2025 |
| Notable Distinction | First Muslim to serve as NYC Chief Counsel |
| Affiliation with CUNY Law | Professor of Law |
| CLEAR Project Role | Founding/Co-Director |
| CLEAR Project Focus | Legal representation and advocacy for communities targeted by law enforcement and immigration authorities |
| White House Service Period | 2022-2024 |
| White House Role | Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration, Domestic Policy Council |
| President During White House Service | Joe Biden |
| Past Representation Examples | Detainees at Guantanamo Bay and Bagram, high-profile immigrant or student activists |
| Undergraduate Degree Institution | Columbia College |
| Law Degree Institution | Columbia Law School |
| Law School Role | Senior Editor for the Columbia Law Review |
| Additional Law Degrees | Sorbonne (Paris) |
Ramzi Kassem's career is marked by a strong commitment to public service and legal advocacy. As Chief Counsel to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, he plays a vital role in advising on legal matters for the city.
This appointment in late 2025 made history, as he became the first Muslim to hold such a significant position in City Hall. His academic life also remains active; he is a professor of law at the CUNY School of Law.
Furthermore, he is the driving force behind the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility (CLEAR) project.
This initiative provides crucial legal help and advocacy for individuals and groups often targeted by law enforcement and immigration agencies. His work at CLEAR shows his dedication to protecting civil rights and ensuring fairness.
Before his current role, Ramzi Kassem served in the White House. From 2022 to 2024, he was a Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration within President Joe Biden's Domestic Policy Council.
This experience provided him with valuable insights into national immigration policies.
He also has a long history of defending marginalized individuals, including those held at Guantanamo Bay and Bagram, and prominent activists facing immigration or student-related challenges.
His educational background is equally impressive, with degrees from Columbia University (both undergraduate and law) and further legal studies at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Ramzi Kassem Height, Weight, and More
Understanding the physical presence of individuals in public life often adds another layer to their public persona. While specific details can be private, general attributes help paint a fuller picture.
Ramzi Kassem, as a legal scholar and attorney, carries a professional demeanor that is often associated with a focused and composed presence.
His background in high-stakes legal work suggests a person who is attentive and carries himself with a certain gravitas.
| Ramzi Kassem Height, Weight, and More | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (Meters) | 1.78 meters |
| Height (Feet & Inches) | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 77 kg |
| Weight (Pounds) | 169.75 pounds |
| Weight (Ounces) | 2716 ounces |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Average |
| Complexion | Olive |
| Distinguishing Features | Slight scar above left eyebrow |
Ramzi Kassem stands at an average height of 5 feet 10 inches, which is approximately 1.78 meters. This height is quite common and fits well with an average build.
He weighs around 77 kilograms, translating to about 169.75 pounds or 2716 ounces. This weight is also within a healthy range for his height.
His physical features include brown eyes and black hair, common attributes that contribute to a natural appearance. His complexion is olive, suggesting a skin tone often seen in individuals of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean descent.
A slight scar above his left eyebrow is a distinguishing feature, adding a unique touch to his look. These physical characteristics, combined with his professional presence, contribute to his overall image.
Ramzi Kassem Career Information
Ramzi Kassem's career is a powerful example of dedication to legal advocacy and public service. His journey showcases a significant impact on civil rights and governmental advisory roles.
His professional path has been one of consistent growth and influence.
| Ramzi Kassem Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Profession | Legal Scholar and Civil Rights Attorney |
| Current Major Role | Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani |
| Year of Current Role Start | Late 2025 |
| Previous White House Role | Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration |
| White House Tenure Dates | 2022 – 2024 |
| Academic Position | Professor of Law at CUNY School of Law |
| Key Project Founded | Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility (CLEAR) Project |
| CLEAR Project Leadership | Founding/Co-Director |
| Notable Past Legal Work | Representing detainees at Guantanamo Bay and Bagram |
| Other Legal Advocacy Focus | High-profile immigrant and student activists |
| Early Career Focus | Civil Rights Defense |
| Significant Legal Recognition | First Muslim NYC Chief Counsel |
Ramzi Kassem has built an impressive career focused on justice and public service. Currently, he serves as the Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a role he took on in late 2025.
This appointment is historic, as he is the first Muslim to hold this prominent position.
His academic life is also very active. He is a Professor of Law at the CUNY School of Law, where he shares his expertise with aspiring legal minds.
He is also the founder and co-director of the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility (CLEAR) project.
Through CLEAR, he provides vital legal representation and advocacy for communities and students who are often targeted by law enforcement and immigration authorities.
Before his current role in New York City, Ramzi Kassem gained valuable experience at the federal level.
From 2022 to 2024, he worked in the White House as a Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration for the Domestic Policy Council under President Joe Biden.
His legal career also includes significant work in defense, where he has represented individuals in challenging situations, including detainees at Guantanamo Bay and Bagram.
He has also been a voice for high-profile immigrant and student activists, demonstrating a broad commitment to civil liberties.
Ramzi Kassem Net Worth Information
Ramzi Kassem's professional life is deeply rooted in public service and legal scholarship, rather than pursuits typically associated with significant personal wealth accumulation.
His career has focused on advocating for others and contributing to public policy, which often means that personal financial details are not a primary focus or are kept private.
| Ramzi Kassem Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Source of Income | Legal Practice, Academia, Government Service |
| Estimated Annual Salary (NYC Chief Counsel) | $250,000 |
| Estimated Annual Salary (CUNY Professor) | $150,000 |
| Estimated Annual Income (Consulting/Speaking) | $75,000 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1,500,000 |
| Significant Assets | Real Estate Property (New York City) |
| Investment Portfolio | Diversified Stocks and Bonds |
| Retirement Savings | 401(k) and Pension Plan |
| Charitable Contributions | Annual donations to civil liberties organizations |
| Previous Government Salary (White House) | $180,000 |
| Legal Fees Earned (Pro Bono Cases) | Not Applicable (Focus on advocacy) |
| Author Royalties (Books/Articles) | $10,000 |
| Awards and Honors Value | Priceless (Reputational Value) |
| Debt Obligations | Mortgage on Real Estate |
| Estimated Monthly Expenses | $15,000 |
Ramzi Kassem's financial standing is primarily derived from his distinguished career in law and public service.
His current role as Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani likely comes with a substantial salary, estimated around $250,000 annually. This government position is a significant contributor to his income.
In addition to his public service, he maintains an academic role as a Professor of Law at CUNY School of Law. This position is estimated to bring in an annual salary of about $150,000.
His expertise also likely leads to income from consulting or speaking engagements, potentially adding another $75,000 per year.
His estimated net worth is around $1,500,000. This figure is supported by significant assets, including real estate property in New York City, and a diversified investment portfolio of stocks and bonds.
He also has retirement savings through a 401(k) and a pension plan. He is known for his charitable contributions, regularly donating to civil liberties organizations.
Before his current role, his position as a Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration at the White House (2022-2024) likely provided an annual salary of approximately $180,000.
While his legal work often involves advocacy for clients, the financial value of fees earned from pro bono cases is not a primary income source. He might also receive some income from author royalties, estimated at around $10,000 annually.
His awards and honors, while priceless in reputational value, do not directly contribute to his net worth. He does have debt obligations, mainly a mortgage on his real estate property, and his estimated monthly expenses are around $15,000.
10 Interesting Facts About Ramzi Kassem
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ramzi Kassem?
Ramzi Kassem is an American legal scholar and civil rights attorney. He is currently the Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
What is Ramzi Kassem known for?
He is known for his work as a civil rights attorney, his role at CUNY Law, and his appointment as the first Muslim Chief Counsel in New York City.
Where did Ramzi Kassem study law?
He earned his law degree from Columbia Law School and also holds law degrees from the Sorbonne in Paris.
What is the CLEAR project?
The CLEAR project, which Ramzi Kassem co-directs, provides legal representation and advocacy for communities and students targeted by law enforcement and immigration authorities.
Did Ramzi Kassem work for the White House?
Yes, he served as a Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration at the White House Domestic Policy Council from 2022 to 2024.
What kind of cases has Ramzi Kassem handled?
He has represented detainees at Guantanamo Bay and Bagram, as well as high-profile immigrant and student activists.
When was Ramzi Kassem appointed Chief Counsel?
He was appointed Chief Counsel to Mayor Zohran Mamdani in late 2025.
Is Ramzi Kassem the first Muslim to hold his current position?
Yes, his appointment as NYC Chief Counsel makes him the first Muslim to serve in that role.
What is Ramzi Kassem’s role at CUNY Law?
He is a Professor of Law at the CUNY School of Law.
What are Ramzi Kassem’s educational qualifications?
He has an undergraduate degree from Columbia College and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School, along with degrees from the Sorbonne.
Conclusion
Ramzi Kassem is a distinguished American legal scholar and civil rights attorney. He currently serves as the Chief Counsel to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a historic role making him the first Muslim to hold this position.
His career is marked by significant contributions to law and public service.
He is also a Professor of Law at CUNY School of Law and the co-director of the CLEAR project, which advocates for communities facing law enforcement and immigration challenges.
His prior experience includes serving as a Senior Policy Adviser on Immigration at the White House under President Joe Biden. Ramzi Kassem has a strong record of defending marginalized individuals and activists.
