Career Timeline of Harmeet Dhillon: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Harmeet Dhillon built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Harmeet Dhillon is an American lawyer and Republican Party official. She currently serves as the U.S. assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division since 2025. Previously, she held prominent positions within the California Republican Party, including vice chair and Republican National Committeewoman for California. Dhillon's career reflects her involvement in both law and Republican politics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1989: Graduation from Dartmouth College

In 1989, Harmeet Dhillon graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in classics. During her time there, she became the editor-in-chief of The Dartmouth Review, where a controversial satirical column led to controversy.

1993: Clerkship for Judge Paul V. Niemeyer

From 1993 to 1994, Harmeet Dhillon clerked for Judge Paul V. Niemeyer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

1993: Graduation from University of Virginia School of Law

In 1993, Harmeet Dhillon graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law with a Juris Doctor (J.D.). She was also an editor of the Virginia Law Review.

1994: End of Clerkship

In 1994, Harmeet Dhillon concluded her clerkship for Judge Paul V. Niemeyer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

2006: Founding of Dhillon Law Group

In 2006, Harmeet Dhillon founded the Dhillon Law Group, where she became a managing partner.

2008: California Assembly Campaign

In 2008, Harmeet Dhillon ran for a seat in the California Assembly but lost the race.

2012: California Senate Campaign

In 2012, Harmeet Dhillon ran for the California Senate but was unsuccessful.

2013: Member of California Republican Party's Board

In 2013, Harmeet Dhillon was chosen to be a member of the California Republican Party's board.

2016: Republican National Committeewoman and Convention Prayer

In 2016, Harmeet Dhillon became a Republican National Committeewoman from California and gave the opening prayer at the Republican National Convention.

April 2017: Lawsuit Filed Against UC Berkeley

In April 2017, Harmeet Dhillon filed a lawsuit against the University of California, Berkeley, on behalf of the Berkeley College Republicans and Young America's Foundation, citing freedom of speech issues related to the cancellation of Ann Coulter's speech.

August 2017: Removal of Chad Mayes

In August 2017, Harmeet Dhillon led the successful effort to remove Chad Mayes as the California State Assembly Republican caucus leader.

August 2017: Hired as James Damore's Lawyer

In August 2017, Harmeet Dhillon was hired by James Damore, a former Google employee, to represent him in a case against Google.

2017: Interview for Assistant Attorney General Position

In early 2017, Harmeet Dhillon interviewed for the position of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) but was not nominated during Trump's first term.

December 2018: Settlement of UC Berkeley Lawsuit

In December 2018, the lawsuit filed by Harmeet Dhillon against the University of California, Berkeley, was settled, with differing interpretations of the impact on university policies regarding controversial speakers.

June 2019: Retained as Attorney for Andy Ngo

In June 2019, Harmeet Dhillon was retained as the attorney for Andy Ngo, a conservative social media influencer and activist, after he was assaulted in Portland, Oregon.

July 11, 2019: Speech at Social Media Summit

On July 11, 2019, Harmeet Dhillon, a supporter of Donald Trump, gave a speech at his "Social Media Summit".

June 2020: Lawsuit Filed on Behalf of Andy Ngo

In June 2020, Harmeet Dhillon filed a lawsuit on behalf of Andy Ngo against antifa, seeking damages and an injunction for assault and emotional distress stemming from alleged attacks in Portland during 2019.

July 2020: Consideration of Lawsuit Over Singing Restriction in Church

In July 2020, Harmeet Dhillon considered filing a lawsuit over a restriction on singing or chanting in church to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and filed a lawsuit against Hawaii over its quarantine requirements for visitors.

July 2020: Lawsuits Against California's COVID-19 Restrictions

In July 2020, Harmeet Dhillon was reported to be suing state and local governments in California to keep nail salons and barbers open and to prevent the closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

December 2022: Candidacy for RNC Chair Announced

In December 2022, Harmeet Dhillon announced her candidacy to challenge Ronna McDaniel as chairperson of the Republican National Committee.

January 27, 2023: Loss in RNC Chair Election

On January 27, 2023, Harmeet Dhillon lost the Republican National Committee (RNC) chairmanship election to Ronna McDaniel.

February 22, 2023: Lawsuit Against Kaiser Permanente

On February 22, 2023, Harmeet Dhillon's firm filed a lawsuit against Kaiser Permanente over alleged misinforming and medical damage experienced by Chloe Cole, a detransitioner, citing issues with informed consent and off-label use of prescription drugs.

2023: Representation of Tucker Carlson

In 2023, Harmeet Dhillon was hired by Tucker Carlson to represent him in a gender discrimination lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg.

April 17, 2024: Dhillon Testified in Front of the House Judiciary Committee

On April 17, 2024, Harmeet Dhillon testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee and argued that during the pandemic that fundamental rights were taken simply because the government declared an emergency.

October 2024: Interview on The Tucker Carlson Show

In October 2024, Harmeet Dhillon was interviewed by Tucker Carlson on "The Tucker Carlson Show" and she was chosen by the Arizona Republican Party to run its election integrity operation.

2025: Appointment as U.S. assistant attorney general

In 2025, Harmeet Dhillon assumed the role of U.S. assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division.

April 3, 2025: Confirmation as Assistant Attorney General

On April 3, 2025, Harmeet Dhillon's nomination as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights was confirmed by the Senate, making her the first Republican woman and first Republican of Indian origin to head the division.

April 7, 2025: New mission statements issued across Civil Rights Division

On April 7, 2025, upon entering office, Harmeet Dhillon issued new mission statements across all eleven sections of the Civil Rights Division, refocusing its work toward combating antisemitism, gun rights, religious liberty, opposition to transgender participation in women’s sports, and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) culture. This led to widespread departures and reassignments.

December 9, 2024: Nomination as Assistant Attorney General

On December 9, 2024, Harmeet Dhillon was nominated by then President-elect Trump to serve as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Department of Justice.