The BLT has tracked down former Solicitor General Gregory Garre who, as was reported earlier, started work today as chair of Latham & Watkins' Supreme Court and appellate practice group. He will take over that role from Maureen Mahoney, who has headed Latham’s 70-lawyer appellate practice for two decades.
Garre says Mahoney has decided to “step back her practice.” Mahoney could not be reached for comment, but in a statement released by the firm she said, “Greg is a superb lawyer and friend. We are delighted that he has agreed to join us and assume the leadership of our appellate group.”
Garre, who has been teaching as a visiting professor at George Washington University Law School since his term as solicitor general ended in January, called joining Latham & Watkins a "remarkable" opportunity.
"It's an opportunity to work with a group of extraordinarily talented appellate lawyers," Garre said.
Garre's term as solicitor general was relatively brief. After a stint as principal deputy solicitor general from 2005 to 2008, Garre was tapped to serve as acting solicitor general in June 2008 and officially took over that post in October, succeeding Paul Clement.
Garre has argued in front of the Supreme Court 27 times. Last term, Garre's arguments included Ashcroft v. Iqbal, FCC v. Fox Television Stations, and Winter v. NRDC.
Before joining the Justice Department in 2005, Garre headed Hogan & Hartson’s appellate practice, taking over that role when now-Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. was nominated to the Supreme Court.
Garre, who was on his way to the investiture of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, said the upcoming Supreme Court term will be an especially interesting one with her joining the bench.
“Any time there is a new justice, the court is going to change, often in ways
that even the justices can’t expect. Justice Sotomayor has a great deal of
experience, so it will be interesting to see her effect on her colleagues and
the institution of the court,” Garre said.
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