Ted Olson was a famous American lawyer known for Supreme Court cases. His full name was Theodore Bevry Olson. He was born on September 11, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. He died on November 13, 2024, at age 84.
He stood about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He weighed around 175 pounds. He served as Solicitor General from 2001 to 2004. He argued 65 cases before the Supreme Court. His estimated net worth was $20 million in 2024.
He was a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He won Bush v. Gore in 2000. He championed marriage equality in Perry v. Brown. He married Lady Booth Olson in 2006. He had 2 children named Kenneth and Christine.
Ted Olson Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Theodore Bevry Olson |
| Stage Name | Ted Olson |
| Date of Birth | September 11, 1940 |
| Age in 2026 | 85 (if alive; died in 2024) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Lawyer, Solicitor General |
| Category | Lawyer |
| Education | University of the Pacific, UC Berkeley School of Law |
| Partner / Spouse | Lady Booth Olson (m. 2006) |
| Children | 2 (Kenneth and Christine) |
| Career Start | 1965 |
| Company / Label / Team | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher |
| Major Works | Bush v. Gore, Citizens United, Perry v. Brown |
| Achievements | ABA Medal, Edmund Randolph Award |
| Net Worth | $20 million (estimated) |
| Primary Income Source | Law practice, government service |
| Social Media Presence | Not publicly confirmed |
Ted Olson Real Name
Ted Olson was born as Theodore Bevry Olson. He used Ted Olson professionally. His full name appeared on all legal documents. He had no stage name or pseudonym.
His real name reflected his family heritage. He was named after his father. He was known as Ted Olson in legal circles. His identity was tied to his legal career.
Olson was often called a “conservative legal titan.” He was also known as a “premier appellate lawyer.” His name was synonymous with Supreme Court advocacy. He used this name for over 50 years.
His real name was rarely discussed in public. Ted Olson was his professional identity. He had no known nicknames from childhood. His identity was inseparable from his legal legacy.
| Full Name | Theodore Bevry Olson |
|---|---|
| Professional Name | Ted Olson |
| Nickname | “Conservative legal titan” |
| Name Origin | Birth name |
Ted Olson Early Life and Education
Ted Olson grew up in Mountain View, California. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Yvonne Lucy and Lester W. Olson. He attended Los Altos High School.
He graduated from high school in 1958. He then attended the University of the Pacific. He studied communications and history there. He graduated cum laude in 1962.
Olson attended UC Berkeley School of Law. He was a member of the California Law Review. He graduated in 1965 with Order of the Coif. His education shaped his legal mind.
He was a charter member of Phi Kappa Tau. He excelled in journalism and forensics. His college years built his skills. He graduated and passed the California Bar.
| Stage | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Los Altos High School | 1958 |
| College | University of the Pacific (BA) | 1962 |
| Law School | UC Berkeley School of Law (JD) | 1965 |
Ted Olson Parents and Siblings
Ted Olson was born to Lester W. Olson and Yvonne Lucy Olson. His mother’s maiden name was Bevry. His parents raised him in California. His family was middle-class.
His father worked in business. His mother was a homemaker. His parents valued education and hard work. His family supported his ambitions.
Olson had 1 brother and 3 sisters. He grew up with his siblings in Mountain View. His siblings are not widely publicized. His family was close-knit.
His parents encouraged his education. His family shaped his discipline. His upbringing was stable. His siblings remain private individuals.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Lester W. Olson | Father |
| Yvonne Lucy Olson | Mother |
| 1 Brother | Sibling |
| 3 Sisters | Siblings |
Ted Olson Before Fame
Ted Olson joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in 1965. He was an associate in the Los Angeles office. He became a partner in 1972. He built his reputation slowly.
He served as Assistant Attorney General from 1981 to 1984. He worked in the Reagan administration. He was the Office of Legal Counsel head. He gained national attention during the Iran-Contra investigation.
He returned to Gibson Dunn in 1984. He argued a dozen cases before the Supreme Court. He represented Jonathan Pollard in the 1980s. His before fame years were productive.
He represented George W. Bush in Bush v. Gore in 2000. This case made him nationally known. He delivered the oral arguments before the Supreme Court. His career was rising.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Joined Gibson Dunn | 1965 |
| Became Partner | 1972 |
| Assistant Attorney General | 1981–1984 |
| Bush v. Gore | 2000 |
Ted Olson Career
Ted Olson began his legal career in 1965. He joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He became a partner in 1972. He served in the Reagan administration. He built a formidable reputation.
He served as Solicitor General from 2001 to 2004. He was the 42nd Solicitor General of the United States. He argued many cases before the Supreme Court. He won over 75% of his cases. His career spans 6 decades.
He represented George W. Bush in Bush v. Gore in 2000. He represented Citizens United in 2010. He represented DACA recipients in 2020. He represented Tom Brady in Deflategate. His client list was star-studded.
He won Perry v. Brown for marriage equality in 2013. He co-wrote “Redeeming the Dream” with David Boies. He appeared in “The Case Against 8” documentary. His career is historic.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher |
| 1972 | Became partner at Gibson Dunn |
| 1981 | Assistant Attorney General |
| 2000 | Bush v. Gore |
| 2001 | Became Solicitor General |
| 2010 | Citizens United case |
| 2013 | Perry v. Brown victory |
| 2020 | DACA case |
Ted Olson Family
Ted Olson was married 4 times. His first wife was Karen Beatie. They married in 1964 and divorced in 1987. His second wife was Jolie Ann Bales. They married in 1987 and divorced in 1991.
His third wife was Barbara Olson. She was an attorney and commentator. She died on September 11, 2001. She was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 77. Her death was a tragedy.
He married Lady Booth Olson in 2006. She is a tax attorney. They remained married until his death in 2024. Their marriage was stable.
He had 2 children named Kenneth and Christine. He had 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. His family was important to him. His family is private.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Karen Beatie | First Wife (divorced) |
| Jolie Ann Bales | Second Wife (divorced) |
| Barbara Olson | Third Wife (deceased) |
| Lady Booth Olson | Fourth Wife |
| Kenneth Olson | Son |
| Christine Olson | Daughter |
Ted Olson Wife, Girlfriend or Partner
Ted Olson was married to Lady Booth Olson. They married in 2006. She is a tax attorney from Kentucky. She was a lifelong Democrat. Their marriage lasted until his death in 2024.
He was previously married to Karen Beatie. They married in 1964 and divorced in 1987. His second wife was Jolie Ann Bales. They divorced in 1991. His third wife was Barbara Olson. She died on 9/11.
Lady Booth Olson confirmed his death to The New York Times. She cited a stroke as the cause. She survived him. Their relationship was strong.
Olson valued his wife’s privacy. They lived in Virginia. Their marriage was stable. Their partnership was solid.
| Partner | Relationship | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Lady Booth Olson | Wife | 2006–2024 |
| Barbara Olson | Third Wife | 1996–2001 |
| Jolie Ann Bales | Second Wife | 1987–1991 |
| Karen Beatie | First Wife | 1964–1987 |
Ted Olson Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Ted Olson was 84 years old at his death in 2024. He was born on September 11, 1940. If he were alive in 2026, he would be 85 years old. He stood about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He weighed around 175 pounds.
He had grey hair and blue eyes. His hair was thinning with age. He had a fair skin tone. His appearance was professional and polished. He often wore dark suits in public.
He maintained a healthy lifestyle. He exercised regularly to stay fit. He did not publicize his fitness routine. His physique was average for his age. He was energetic for an 84-year-old.
He was often seen in courtrooms and on television. His visual presence was commanding. He spoke with authority and clarity. His physical presence was part of his legal persona.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 175 pounds |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Body Type | Average |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Ted Olson Social Media Presence
Ted Olson had a limited social media presence. He did not have a verified X account. He did not have a public Instagram account. His social media presence is not publicly confirmed.
He was active in traditional media. He appeared on PBS and C-SPAN. He wrote op-eds for major newspapers. He gave interviews to legal publications. His media presence was significant.
His law firm had a website and social media. Gibson Dunn has LinkedIn and X accounts. They shared firm news and updates. Olson himself did not post on these platforms.
He communicated through traditional channels. He did not engage on social media. His public statements came through interviews. His legal filings are public records. His social media absence was notable.
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Traditional Media | Interviews and commentary |
| Law Firm Website | Professional information |
| Legal Filings | Public records |
Ted Olson Awards and Achievements
Ted Olson won many prestigious awards. He received the ABA Medal in 2011. This is the highest award of the American Bar Association. He received the Edmund J. Randolph Award twice. This is the Justice Department’s highest award.
He received the Department of Defense’s Distinguished Public Service Award. This is its highest civilian award. He was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2010. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.
He received the Fordham-Stein Ethics Prize in 2010. He received the Golden Plate Award in 2014. He was named one of the 100 Most Influential People by Time. He argued 65 cases before the Supreme Court. He won over 75% of them. His achievements are historic.
He co-wrote “Redeeming the Dream” with David Boies. He appeared in “The Case Against 8” documentary. His work on marriage equality earned him praise. His achievements are widely recognized. He is a legal icon.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| ABA Medal | 2011 | American Bar Association |
| Edmund J. Randolph Award | Twice | Justice Department |
| Distinguished Public Service Award | Not publicly confirmed | Department of Defense |
| Time 100 | 2010 | Most Influential People |
| Fordham-Stein Ethics Prize | 2010 | Fordham University |
| Golden Plate Award | 2014 | American Academy of Achievement |
Ted Olson Net Worth
Ted Olson had an estimated net worth of $20 million in 2024. Some sources estimate it between $10 million and $20 million. His income came from law practice, government service, and media. He was one of the highest-paid lawyers in America.
His hourly rate was reported at $1,800. This made him one of the most expensive attorneys in the world. He charged high fees for his services. His law firm generated millions in revenue.
He also earned from book royalties. He wrote “Redeeming the Dream” in 2014. He appeared in documentaries. His income was diverse.
His net worth was substantial for a lawyer. He owned property in Virginia. He lived in Fairfax. His wealth reflected his success. He was a legal icon.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Practice | Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher |
| Government Service | Solicitor General |
| Books | “Redeeming the Dream” |
| Media | Documentaries |
Ted Olson Nationality and Religion
Ted Olson was an American citizen. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. He held American nationality. He was proud of his country. He lived in the US his entire life.
His religion is not publicly confirmed. He was raised in a Protestant family. He did not discuss his faith publicly. His religious views were private.
He was a member of the Republican Party. He was politically active. He served two Republican presidents. He supported marriage equality. His political views were complex.
His nationality was American. His heritage was European. His religion was not widely publicized. His political affiliation was Republican. His background was California.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Heritage | European |
Ted Olson Public Image
Ted Olson had a complex public image. He was seen as a brilliant lawyer. He was respected by peers and judges. He was known for his legal acumen. His image was mostly positive.
He was also a controversial figure. He represented conservative causes. He faced criticism for Bush v. Gore. Some questioned his politics. His public image was layered.
He was known as a workaholic. He worked long hours. He was dedicated to his cases. He was seen as formidable in court. His public image was that of a skilled advocate.
He was also seen as a champion of equality. He fought for marriage equality. He represented DACA recipients. His public image was mixed. He was a complex figure.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 1980s–1990s | Rising litigator |
| 2000–2010 | National prominence |
| 2010–2020 | Marriage equality champion |
| 2020–2024 | Legal icon |
Ted Olson Legacy and Impact
Ted Olson had a significant legal legacy. He argued landmark cases. He defended conservative causes for decades. He won marriage equality in California. His legacy is secure.
He changed how lawyers handle Supreme Court cases. He was known for his preparation and strategy. He inspired many young lawyers. He showed that hard work pays off. His impact is generational.
He served as Solicitor General. He won Bush v. Gore. He won Citizens United. He won Perry v. Brown. His cases shaped American law. His legacy is institutional.
He continues to inspire lawyers in 2026. He mentored young attorneys. He wrote and spoke about legal issues. His legacy is still growing. He is a legal icon.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Landmark Cases | Bush v. Gore, Perry v. Brown |
| Solicitor General | 42nd Solicitor General |
| Marriage Equality | Perry v. Brown victory |
| Mentorship | Young lawyers |
Ted Olson Future Plans and Goals
Ted Olson died on November 13, 2024. He was 84 years old. He suffered a stroke. He passed away in Fairfax, Virginia. He had no future plans after his death.
Before his death, he continued his legal career. He remained active in high-profile cases. He argued before the Supreme Court. He mentored younger attorneys. His future was busy.
He planned to write more books. He wanted to spend time with family. He valued his wife Lady. His goals were personal and professional.
He aimed to protect civil liberties. He fought for equal rights. He defended the constitution. He inspired future lawyers. His legacy lives on. He is a legal icon.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Law Practice | Gibson Dunn |
| Writing | More books |
| Media | Documentaries |
| Family | Time with wife Lady |
Ted Olson Legal Career
Ted Olson began his legal career in 1965. He joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. He became a partner in 1972. He served in the Reagan administration. He built a formidable reputation.
He served as Solicitor General from 2001 to 2004. He was the 42nd Solicitor General of the United States. He argued many cases before the Supreme Court. He won over 75% of his cases. His career spans 6 decades.
He represented George W. Bush in Bush v. Gore in 2000. He represented Citizens United in 2010. He represented DACA recipients in 2020. He represented Tom Brady in Deflategate. His client list was star-studded.
He won Perry v. Brown for marriage equality in 2013. He co-wrote “Redeeming the Dream” with David Boies. He appeared in “The Case Against 8” documentary. His career is historic.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher |
| 1972 | Became partner at Gibson Dunn |
| 1981 | Assistant Attorney General |
| 2000 | Bush v. Gore |
| 2001 | Became Solicitor General |
| 2010 | Citizens United case |
| 2013 | Perry v. Brown victory |
| 2020 | DACA case |
Ted Olson Notable Cases
Ted Olson argued many landmark cases. He represented George W. Bush in Bush v. Gore in 2000. He won the case in a 5–4 Supreme Court decision. He represented Citizens United in 2010. He won the case, removing limits on political contributions.
He represented DACA recipients in 2020. He won the case in the Supreme Court. He represented Tom Brady in Deflategate. He represented Apple in the FBI encryption dispute. His cases are historic.
He represented California couples in Perry v. Brown. He won the case for marriage equality. He represented Virginia couples in 2013. He challenged the state’s same-sex marriage ban. His work on these cases is significant.
He represented Jonathan Pollard in the 1980s. He represented Wen Ho Lee in 2006. He represented the NFL Players Association in 2011. His cases shaped American law.
| Case | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Bush v. Gore | 2000 | Represented George W. Bush |
| Citizens United | 2010 | Represented Citizens United |
| Perry v. Brown | 2010 | Represented plaintiffs |
| DACA | 2020 | Represented DACA recipients |
| Deflategate | 2015 | Represented Tom Brady |
Ted Olson Books and Publications
Ted Olson co-wrote “Redeeming the Dream: The Case for Marriage Equality.” The book was published in 2014. He co-wrote it with David Boies. The book explores the marriage equality case. It became a notable publication.
He has authored articles in multiple law review journals. These articles cover legal topics. He has written about appellate advocacy. His writings are influential. He is a respected legal scholar.
He has lectured widely on appellate advocacy. He spoke at universities and conferences. He shared his legal expertise. His publications are part of his legacy. He was a prolific writer.
His book influenced the legal debate. His articles are cited by lawyers. His lectures inspired students. His publications are part of his legacy. He is a legal icon.
| Title | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| “Redeeming the Dream” | Book | 2014 |
| Law Review Articles | Scholarly | Various |
| Lectures | Speaking | Various |
Ted Olson Hobbies
- Playing golf
- Reading legal thrillers
- Watching documentaries
- Spending time with family
- Teaching law
- Appearing on TV
- Debating legal issues
- Traveling
- Exercising
- Writing
Ted Olson Favorite Things
- Favorite Book: Legal thrillers
- Favorite Case: Perry v. Brown
- Favorite Justice: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Food: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite City: San Francisco
- Favorite Law School: UC Berkeley
- Favorite Sport: Golf
- Favorite Quote: “Equal justice under law”
- Favorite Hobby: Writing
- Favorite Activity: Practicing law
Ted Olson Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He was born in Chicago, Illinois. |
| 2 | He grew up in Mountain View, California. |
| 3 | He graduated from Los Altos High School in 1958. |
| 4 | He was a charter member of Phi Kappa Tau. |
| 5 | He was a member of the California Law Review. |
| 6 | He graduated with Order of the Coif. |
| 7 | He joined Gibson Dunn in 1965. |
| 8 | He became a partner in 1972. |
| 9 | He served in the Reagan administration. |
| 10 | He argued 65 cases before the Supreme Court. |
| 11 | He won over 75% of his cases. |
| 12 | He delivered the oral arguments in Bush v. Gore. |
| 13 | He represented Citizens United in 2010. |
| 14 | He won Perry v. Brown for marriage equality. |
| 15 | His third wife Barbara died on 9/11. |
| 16 | He married Lady Booth Olson in 2006. |
| 17 | He co-wrote “Redeeming the Dream” in 2014. |
| 18 | He received the ABA Medal in 2011. |
FAQs
Q1: What was Ted Olson’s net worth?
Ted Olson‘s net worth was estimated at $20 million in 2024. His income came from law, government, and media.
Q2: How old was Ted Olson when he died?
Ted Olson was 84 years old when he died. He was born on September 11, 1940.
Q3: Who was Ted Olson’s wife?
Ted Olson was married to Lady Booth Olson. He was previously married to Barbara Olson, who died on 9/11.
Q4: What was Ted Olson’s height and weight?
Ted Olson was about 5 feet 10 inches tall. He weighed around 175 pounds.
Q5: What is Ted Olson’s real name?
His real name was Theodore Bevry Olson. He had no stage name or pseudonym.
Q6: What cases was Ted Olson known for?
He was known for Bush v. Gore, Citizens United, and Perry v. Brown. He also represented DACA recipients.
Q7: Did Ted Olson have children?
Yes, he had 2 children named Kenneth and Christine. He also had 3 grandchildren.
Conclusion
Ted Olson was a legendary American lawyer. His real name was Theodore Bevry Olson. He was born on September 11, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. He died on November 13, 2024, at age 84. He stood 5 feet 10 inches and weighed 175 pounds.
He started his career in 1965. He served as Solicitor General from 2001 to 2004. He wrote “Redeeming the Dream” in 2014. He defended Bush v. Gore and Perry v. Brown. His net worth was $20 million in 2024.
He married Lady Booth Olson in 2006. He had 2 children named Kenneth and Christine. He won the ABA Medal in 2011. His legacy is historic. He is a legal icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Ted Olson‘s journey from Mountain View to legal superstardom.
