Former Law Partner Recalls Mueller's Aspiration to Lead FBI

In 1989, Robert Mueller shared his career goal with his colleague during a car ride home from work.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:20am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary car at a traffic light, the driver's silhouette visible through the window, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a pensive, introspective mood about the future.A glimpse into the career aspirations of a future FBI director, as revealed during a chance encounter on the road.Boston Today

In a letter to the Boston Globe, Richard Alfred, a former law partner of Robert Mueller, recounts a conversation he had with Mueller in 1989 where Mueller expressed his aspiration to become the director of the FBI. Alfred says that during a car ride home from work, Mueller turned to him and said, 'I want to be the director of the FBI.' This conversation took place 12 years before Mueller was nominated by President George W. Bush to lead the FBI in 2001.

Why it matters

This anecdote provides insight into Mueller's long-held ambition to lead the FBI, which he ultimately achieved years later. It also highlights how Mueller's career trajectory was shaped by this early aspiration, which he was able to realize through his distinguished legal career.

The details

According to Alfred, the conversation took place in 1989 when Mueller was still working at the law firm Hill & Barlow. Alfred says that after Mueller offered him a ride home, he turned to Alfred and asked if he thought Mueller was 'crazy' to leave the firm and take a new position. In response, Mueller shared his goal of wanting to become the FBI director.

  • The conversation between Mueller and Alfred occurred in 1989.
  • Mueller was nominated by President George W. Bush to lead the FBI in July 2001, 12 years after the car ride conversation.

The players

Robert Mueller

A former law partner of Richard Alfred who went on to become the director of the FBI, a position he aspired to hold as early as 1989.

Richard Alfred

A former law partner of Robert Mueller who recounted a conversation he had with Mueller in 1989 where Mueller expressed his desire to become the director of the FBI.

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What they’re saying

“I want to be the director of the FBI.”

— Robert Mueller, Former Law Partner

The takeaway

This anecdote provides a fascinating glimpse into Robert Mueller's long-held ambition to lead the FBI, which he ultimately achieved years later through his distinguished legal career. It highlights how an individual's early aspirations can shape their professional trajectory in unexpected ways.