SG Paul Clement to Resign

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

The Solicitor General conducts all litigation on behalf of the US in the Supreme Court, and oversees the handling of litigation in the federal courts.

Thanks a lot. My understanding was actually pretty close, but this was a very clear explaination.

I appreciate the knowledge.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

Thanks a lot. My understanding was actually pretty close, but this was a very clear explaination.

I appreciate the knowledge.

Not a problem. Because the position isn't as public as other DOJ spots, I would guess that most of the country doesn't know what the job entails, or the importance of it.

I've just found out so much about it because I've read quite a bit on the Court, and, to be honest, SG would probably be my dream job.

[KSigkid]

Apparently there are rumors flying around (after a recent Novak column) that Clement was forced out, because his brief in Heller was in opposition to the President's feelings on the issue. If true, it would explain the timing of the resignation.

The issue is discussed a bit here (with the typical Slate perspective on this): http://www.slate.com/id/2185927/pagenum/all/

Not that this would be a huge problem for Clement; he's going to get a boatload of money from some firm (maybe King & Spalding or Kirkland), and he's still a possible future Supreme Court pick.

[KSigkid]

Looks like Gregory Garre is the new SG:
http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/court-notes-sgs-service/

Garre has almost an identical resume to Chief Justice Roberts; he was a clerk to Chief Justice Rehnquist, head of the Supreme Court Appellate Practice at Hogan & Hartson, and has recently worked as Deputy Solicitor General.

I don't think his elevation was too big a surprise; from what I've read, he's a tremendous oral advocate, and should do an excellent job in his new post.

Apparently Clement has accepted a faculty position at Georgetown Law for the upcoming year, so he'll be putting off any decisions as far as private practice.