As announced on Monday, former White House counsel Stuart Delery is set to return to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, a prominent U.S. law firm. Delery, who served as President Joe Biden’s top legal advisor from July 2022 to September 2023, will be a partner and co-chair of the crisis management, administrative law, and regulatory practice groups at the firm’s Washington, D.C. office.
A Career Trajectory
Delery’s return to Gibson Dunn marks a homecoming, as he had previously worked at the firm before his tenure at the White House. With a background as a senior Justice Department official during the Obama administration, Delery’s expertise spans both public and private sectors. He joined Biden’s White House transition team in 2020 and later served as deputy White House counsel before assuming the top legal role in 2022.
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Notable Contributions and Legacy
During his time as White House counsel, Delery was pivotal in advising President Biden on legislative initiatives and navigating through various challenges, including congressional inquiries led by Republicans. Delery’s appointment as White House counsel marked a milestone as he became the first openly gay person to hold this position.
Leadership Recognition
Barbara Becker, chair and managing partner of Gibson Dunn, commended Delery’s tenure at the White House, highlighting his innovative thinking and adeptness in handling legal complexities amidst evolving landscapes of law, politics, and investigations.
Transitions in Legal Circles
Delery’s return to private practice is part of a broader trend of legal professionals transitioning between public service and private firms. Last month, Stacey Grigsby, a former deputy White House counsel, rejoined Covington. In contrast, Jude Volek, a former special assistant and senior associate counsel to the president, took on a role at Latham & Watkins.
Overall, Delery’s move underscores the fluidity of talent between government and private sectors, reflecting the dynamic nature of legal careers in contemporary times.
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