Nancy Grace

Who Is Nancy Grace?

Nancy Grace is a renowned legal commentator and television personality, known for her assertive approach to criminal justice. Initially on track to become an English professor, her life took a dramatic turn in 1979 when her fiancé, Keith Griffin, was tragically murdered. This event motivated her to pursue a career in law, leading her to earn a degree in constitutional and criminal law from New York University. Grace went on to work as a special prosecutor in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office in Atlanta, where she became known for her tough courtroom demeanor and commitment to justice.

Her legal career transitioned into television when Court TV invited her to host a live trial coverage show, Closing Arguments. Grace’s sharp commentary and strong opinions earned her a following, leading her to co-host Cochran and Grace and later anchor the highly successful Nancy Grace show on HLN. Over the years, she became one of the most recognizable legal analysts on television. In 2016, she stepped down from her HLN show but remained active in media with radio shows, podcasts, and other television appearances.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on October 23, 1958, in Macon, Georgia, Nancy Grace initially pursued a path in academia. At 19, she planned to become an English professor, but the murder of her fiancé shifted her focus to law and criminal justice. Grace earned her bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees from Mercer University and later completed advanced legal studies at New York University School of Law. Before joining the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, she taught at Georgia State University’s College of Law.

During her decade-long tenure as a special prosecutor, Grace handled cases primarily involving murder, rape, and child molestation—never losing a single case. In addition to her courtroom work, she volunteered on a battered women’s hotline, further solidifying her reputation as a fierce advocate for victims’ rights.

Rise to Television Fame

Nancy Grace’s no-nonsense style and reputation for handling high-profile cases garnered the attention of Court TV, where she began hosting Closing Arguments. Her work on television quickly expanded, including co-hosting Cochran and Grace alongside famed attorney Johnnie Cochran. She also hosted the Emmy-nominated show Swift Justice with Nancy Grace.

In 2005, Grace launched her own prime-time legal show, Nancy Grace, on CNN’s Headline News (HLN). The show quickly gained popularity, thanks to Grace’s impassioned coverage of major legal cases, such as the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping and the Caylee Anthony murder case. While her bold opinions sometimes sparked controversy, they also fueled high ratings. Grace appeared frequently on other prominent TV shows, offering her insights into the modern justice system.

Throughout her career, Grace has been honored with several Gracie Awards from American Women in Radio & Television, recognizing her advocacy for victims’ rights and her impact as a host.

Recent Work and New Ventures

Since stepping down from her HLN show in 2016, Grace has remained active in the media world. She launched her website, CrimeOnline.com, and has hosted a radio crime show on Sirius XM. In addition to her legal commentary, Grace is also a published author, writing the Hailey Dean mystery thriller series.

In 2018, Grace returned to television, teaming up with legal analyst Dan Abrams for the crime debate show Grace vs. Abrams on A&E. The show features the two legal minds discussing controversial criminal cases with a live studio audience, showcasing Grace’s continued passion for legal analysis.

Despite leaving her long-running TV show, Nancy Grace continues to be a prominent voice in legal discussions, both in the media and as an advocate for crime victims.

Other Projects

Grace is the author of three books: Objection! How High-Priced Defense Attorneys, Celebrity Defendants, and a 24/7 Media Have Hijacked Our Criminal Justice System (2005), The Eleventh Victim (2009), a work of fiction, and Death on the D-List (2010), also a fictional novel.

Family

In 2007, Grace married Atlanta investment banker David Linch, and later that year, they welcomed twins, Lucy and John.