Irv Nathan Nominated for D.C. Attorney General

Updated 3:02 p.m.

Outgoing House General Counsel Irv Nathan was nominated today as the next attorney general for the District of Columbia, Mayor-elect Vince Gray announced.

Gray wrote on his Web site today that “Nathan will join me in taking politics out of the office of the attorney general and ensuring that public safety decisions are not clouded by political motives.” The Washington Post first reported the nomination shortly before Gray’s announcement.

Nathan, a former Arnold & Porter partner who has taught at Georgetown University Law Center, was not immediately reached for comment this afternoon.

Gray said Hogan Lovells partner Robert Bennett recommended Nathan. "I think the city is very fortunate to have somebody of his caliber and ethical standing to take on this job," Bennett said this afternoon. "I've known Irv for 25 years, at least, and he is an outstanding lawyer in every way."

Outgoing Attorney General Peter Nickles, a former Covington & Burling partner who was confirmed for the top legal post in D.C. in 2008, said this afternoon he is looking forward to meeting Nathan. Nickles said he is still considering his post-government options, which include a return to Covington.

Yesterday, Nathan said he was considering several possibilities in the private sector and in academia. He left Arnold & Porter in 2007 for the House. Nathan’s departure from the top legal post in the House of Representatives comes as Republicans take control after four years in the minority.

Comments

[larry gandal]

The District couldn't find a bettr person, professionally, personally and ethically. His public and private law experiences will be of great benefit to DC.

[Carol Ziegler]

Congratulations to my friend,Irv Nathan, a great man, a great lawyer and a great public servant!

Carol L. Ziegler

[Just Curious]

I wonder how much of his time he will spend dealing with waste, fraud and abuse in public contracting there. Particularly as it relates to cronies of the incoming mayor and the lottery contract that he (Mayor Elect Gray) steered to a buddy.

Interesting times... Will Irv be independent or another mayoral lackey?

Just Curious