Hey, folks! It’s Gourav Singh from DramaWire.Studio, diving into the personal life of a powerhouse in law and media for our Celeb section. As a dad who admires strong, multifaceted women, I’ve been fascinated by Rikki Klieman—criminal defense attorney, TV personality, actress, and author. Fans are curious about her personal side, especially the question: Who is Rikki Klieman married to? Using reliable sources like IMDb, New York Daily News, and X posts, I’ve got the details on her marriage, her husband’s high-profile career, and their dynamic partnership. Let’s get into it!
Who Is Rikki Klieman?
Born on May 13, 1948, in Chicago to a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant family, Rikki Klieman is a trailblazer. She started as a theater major at Northwestern University, dreaming of acting, but pivoted to law, earning her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law in 1975. Time magazine named her one of the top five female attorneys in the U.S. in 1983, and she’s defended high-profile clients like Michael Milken and Martha Stewart. Klieman’s also a familiar face on TV, anchoring for Court TV (1994-2010) and serving as a legal analyst for CBS News, NBC, and CNN. Her acting credits include The Cable Guy (1996), Las Vegas (2005-2008), and Blue Bloods (2013-2015). Her 2003 memoir, Fairy Tales Can Come True: How a Driven Woman Changed Her Destiny, is an L.A. Times bestseller.
Who Is Rikki Klieman Married To?
Rikki Klieman is married to William J. Bratton, a renowned American law enforcement officer. They tied the knot in April 1999, and as of May 2025, they’ve been married for 26 years. Bratton, born October 6, 1947, is a heavyweight in policing, having served as Police Commissioner of New York City (1994-1996, 2014-2016), Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (2002-2009), and Boston Police Commissioner (1993-1994). Known for his crime-reduction strategies, he’s a polarizing figure, praised by some and criticized by others for policies like stop-and-frisk. New York Daily News (2014) calls them a “power couple,” noting their strong bond despite demanding careers.
This is Klieman’s third marriage and Bratton’s fourth. Bratton has a son, David, and grandchildren from a previous marriage, but he and Klieman have no children together. Klieman’s X posts, like one on their 21st anniversary in 2020, gush about their love: “I know how blessed we are having pure #joy and love” (
@rikkijklieman). Factsbuddy.com confirms they live in New York City, where Klieman serves on boards like the Women’s Forum.
How Did They Meet?
Klieman and Bratton met in New York in the late 1990s, a time when both were at career peaks. In her memoir, Klieman describes their instant connection, recalling Bratton saying, “If you were single, I’d marry you,” at their first meeting. She felt a “thunderbolt” of attraction, and after he called her office later that day, their romance took off. New York Daily News (2014) highlights their efforts to stay connected, like texting “I love you” and Bratton leaving greeting cards around the house. Klieman moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to join Bratton when he became LAPD chief, leaving her Court TV show Both Sides. Their partnership thrives on mutual respect, with Klieman often joining Bratton at community events to support his work.
Why Their Marriage Stands Out?
At 50 when they married, Klieman found the “loving partnership” she’d long sought, as she shared in a 2004 nwitimes.com interview. After two failed marriages and choosing not to have kids to focus on her career, she sees her marriage to Bratton as a triumph of balance. The Insider Exclusive notes they’re one of America’s most respected couples, blending high-profile careers with a grounded personal life. Klieman’s advocacy—supporting causes like City Meals on Wheels and the Police Athletic League—complements Bratton’s public service, making them a dynamic duo. X posts from fans, like
@LegalEagle’s “Rikki and Bill are goals!” [], reflect admiration for their enduring bond.
“Rikki and Bill prove you can have big careers and a bigger love story!” – Gourav Singh
Final Thoughts
Rikki Klieman is married to William J. Bratton, and their 26-year marriage is a testament to love, partnership, and balancing high-stakes careers. From their romantic start to their shared commitment to justice and community, they’re a true power couple. For more celebrity insights, follow DramaWire.Studio on Instagram or YouTube. Got thoughts on Rikki and Bill? Drop them below!
