Current Status and Location
As of the most recent public information, James B. Comey is not serving in government office and is based in the New York City area, where he has been engaged in private law practice, speaking, and writing. He holds a professorial or distinguished fellow role at a New York law school, and he regularly appears in national media to discuss institutional issues, legal developments, and government accountability. This status reflects a deliberate shift from his prior role as Director of the FBI to a phase focused on commentary, teaching, and selective private work.
From Director to Private Life: The Transition
Comey left the directorship of the FBI in 2017 amid significant public and political scrutiny. Since then, he has gradually moved away from daily government operations toward a model that combines limited legal counsel, academic affiliation, and public narrative-building through interviews and books. His current work emphasizes institutional reform, transparency, and the rule of law, while he maintains a lower operational profile than during his tenure at the FBI.
Teaching and Academic Engagement
Comey holds a professorship or senior fellowship at a New York–based law school, where he teaches courses on criminal justice, ethics, and leadership. In this capacity, he interacts with students, contributes to scholarly work, and participates in public lectures. This academic role anchors his current professional identity and keeps him connected to emerging leaders in law and public service.
- Course topics: criminal procedure, ethics in government, leadership under pressure
- Engagement format: seminars, public lectures, and moderated discussions
- Institutional affiliation: a major New York law school with ties to public-policy research
Media, Speaking, and Public Commentary
Comey continues to engage with national audiences through selective media appearances, paid speeches, and op-eds. He discusses topics such as oversight of intelligence agencies, the independence of the FBI, legal ethics, and the broader health of democratic institutions. These activities are carefully managed and infrequent enough to preserve credibility while allowing him to shape the conversation around lessons from his service.
Professional Focus and Areas of Work
Although he is no longer in government, Comey’s professional focus remains on governance institutions, legal integrity, and public trust. He works on matters related to corporate compliance, government ethics, and crisis communication, typically through consultancy or limited legal engagements. His public commentary consistently returns to themes of accountability, institutional resilience, and the rule of law.
Notable Professional Activities
| Area of Work | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Academic role | Professorial or distinguished fellow at a New York law school | Public affiliation listings and institutional announcements |
| Speaking and media | Selective paid speaking and interviews on governance and ethics | Event schedules and verified media appearances |
| Legal and consultancy | Limited private counsel and board-level advisory roles | Public business disclosures and law-firm records |
| Authorship | Books and op-eds analyzing the FBI and institutional accountability | Publisher records and bylines in major outlets |
Privacy, Security, and Public Presence
Given his high-profile roles, Comey’s current arrangements include measured security protocols when he appears in public or travels for professional duties. He generally avoids routine partisan commentary and maintains a presence that underscores institutional stability rather than personal branding. This restrained visibility is consistent with his post-FBI aim to contribute expertise without appearing to leverage his status for constant attention.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Some assume Comey remains in government or holds a senior federal position; in reality, he has been out of government since 2017 and operates in the private and non-profit spheres. Others conflate his current activities with ongoing investigations or political roles, whereas his work is largely advisory, educational, and reflective. Clarifying these points helps distinguish his present status from past responsibilities.
Reliable Sources and Verification Notes
Information on Comey’s current status derives from official affiliation announcements, reputable news reports on his speaking engagements and books, and disclosures related to legal practice and board appointments. These sources are cross-referenced to avoid speculative claims and to present a timeline anchored in verifiable events. When specifics are not publicly confirmed, this is noted explicitly.
Key Takeaways
- James Comey is currently based in the New York City area and is not in government service.
- He holds an academic position at a New York law school, focusing on criminal justice and ethics.
- He engages in selective media work, paid speaking, and limited legal or advisory roles.
- His public output emphasizes institutional integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.
- Security and privacy considerations shape his restrained public presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is James Comey still with the FBI? No, he left the FBI in 2017 and has not held a government position since.
- Where does James Comey live now? He resides in the New York City area, where he also works and teaches.
- Does James Comey still give speeches or interviews? Yes, he participates in selective speaking engagements and interviews, usually focused on governance and ethics.
- Is James Comey writing or publishing new work? He continues to author books and op-eds that analyze institutions and accountability, consistent with his public themes.
- How can I verify information about James Comey’s current activities? Rely on official academic affiliations, reputable news organizations, and disclosed business or legal records.