Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is a prominent American environmental lawyer, political figure, and member of the well-known Kennedy family. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $15 million, according to Forbes. His wealth stems from a combination of inheritance, legal practice, business ventures, and real estate investments.
Early Life and Family Wealth
Born on January 17, 1954, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, a former U.S. Attorney General and senator from New York, and the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. His father was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the presidency.
The Kennedy family is one of the most influential and wealthy dynasties in American history. Their fortune was valued at $1.2 billion in 2015, built through real estate, stock investments, and private businesses. RFK Jr. inherited part of this wealth, with his share of family assets valued at around $4 million. He also has a $1.75 million to $6.5 million stake in a luxury property in Chicago, as reported by Forbes.
Legal Career and Earnings
RFK Jr. built a successful career outside of his family’s wealth, primarily as an environmental lawyer. He graduated from Harvard University and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He initially worked as an assistant district attorney in New York City before shifting to environmental law in the 1980s.
In 1987, he co-founded the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic at Pace University School of Law, where he worked as a supervising attorney for over 30 years. Additionally, he founded the Waterkeeper Alliance in 1999, a global network of environmental organizations, and served as its president until 2020.
In 2000, RFK Jr. co-founded the environmental law firm Kennedy & Madonna LLP. His firm was instrumental in major legal battles, including environmental contamination cases. His work was featured in the 2010 HBO documentary “Mann v. Ford”. Later, he became counsel to the law firm Morgan & Morgan in 2016.
His financial disclosures reveal that in recent years, he has earned:
- $8.8 million from Kennedy & Madonna LLP (now Madonna & Madonna LLP after he resigned in 2024).
- $481,732 from JW Howard, where he remains a consultant.
- $856,559 in contingency fees from Wisner Baum, a firm involved in litigation against Merck.
Political Career and Recent Developments
RFK Jr. entered the 2024 presidential race as an independent but withdrew in August 2024. Following his withdrawal, he endorsed President-elect Donald Trump, a move that shocked many political observers. In November 2024, Trump nominated RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, pending Congressional approval.
His stance on vaccines and public health policies has been widely debated, given his history as a vocal critic of certain pharmaceutical companies.
Investments and Business Ventures
Aside from law and politics, RFK Jr. has numerous investments and financial holdings. According to his government financial disclosures, he owns:
- Bitcoin holdings between $100,001 and $250,000.
- $500,000 in stocks, private equity, and hedge funds managed by the family’s Park Financial Holdings.
- Royalties and advances totaling $451,000 from Skyhorse Publishing for book contributions.
Additionally, he has earned substantial income from public speaking, commanding $100,000 per appearance.
Real Estate Portfolio
RFK Jr. holds significant real estate assets, including:
- A $3 million property in the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
- A $7 million home in Los Angeles, which he shares with his wife, Cheryl Hines, an actress best known for her role in Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The Kennedy family previously owned Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, one of the world’s largest buildings, selling it for $300 million in 1998. Many of their assets are managed through family trusts.
Cheryl Hines’ Contribution to Family Wealth
RFK Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines, has her own impressive financial standing. As an actress, she has earned $1 million in residuals from her acting projects between 2022 and early 2023. Her career includes film, television, endorsements, and voice acting, adding to the couple’s combined wealth.