This week, at least six former U.S. attorneys who served under the Biden administration have made moves to private law firms, including notable hires from top federal prosecutor positions in Boston and Houston.
Joshua Levy, the former U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, has joined Ropes & Gray as a partner, effective March 31. Levy had previously stepped down ahead of former President Donald Trump‘s return to office.
During his tenure, Levy led significant cases, including a high-profile investigation into a high-end brothel network frequented by public officials and corporate leaders. He also played a key role in securing a $650 million deferred prosecution agreement with McKinsey & Co. over its involvement in the U.S. opioid crisis.
In another move, Bracewell, a Houston-based law firm, announced the hiring of Alamdar Hamdani, the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas. Under Hamdani’s leadership, a prominent case included the prosecution of a Texas doctor accused of illegal access to confidential medical records.
The case drew national attention and was widely criticized, with charges ultimately being dropped following the inauguration of President Trump.
McGuireWoods also bolstered its team this week, bringing on three former U.S. attorneys: Eric Olshan, Ryan Buchanan, and Michael Easley. Olshan is recognized for his work on the case against Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting, one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks in U.S. history.
Additionally, Trina Higgins, the former U.S. attorney for Utah, joined Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as of counsel, further strengthening the firm’s legal capabilities. Edward Kim, the former acting U.S. attorney for Manhattan, has returned to his private law firm, KKL, which has rebranded following his return.
The shift of these former U.S. attorneys to the private sector is not unprecedented. When a new administration enters office, it’s common for former government lawyers to transition into high-level positions at prestigious law firms. Following President Trump’s 2016 election, similar transitions occurred with numerous U.S. attorneys joining firms such as Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and Latham & Watkins, among others.
This trend highlights the ongoing rotation between public service and private sector opportunities, as these seasoned legal experts bring invaluable experience and insider knowledge to their new roles in the legal field.
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