A ‘Business-Friendly’ Lawyer’s Rise From Lobbyist to Attorney General Pick
President-elect Joe Biden has selected a ‘business-friendly’ lawyer, Merrick Garland, to be his pick for the next Attorney General of the United States. Garland, a former lobbyist and federal prosecutor, has a long and distinguished career in public service and is known for his moderate views and bipartisan approach to law and politics.
Garland’s rise to prominence in the legal world began in the 1980s when he served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr. After working in private practice for several years, Garland joined the Justice Department as a prosecutor in the 1990s, where he played a key role in the investigation and prosecution of the Oklahoma City bombing case.
In 1997, Garland was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where he served for more than two decades before being nominated by President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court in 2016. Despite his impressive qualifications and bipartisan support, Garland’s nomination was blocked by Senate Republicans, who refused to hold a confirmation hearing.
After his failed Supreme Court nomination, Garland returned to private practice and served as a partner at a prestigious law firm in Washington, D.C. He also worked as a lobbyist for several corporate clients, representing their interests in front of Congress and federal agencies.
Throughout his career, Garland has been praised for his legal acumen, integrity, and commitment to upholding the rule of law. His reputation as a ‘business-friendly’ lawyer stems from his experience representing corporate clients and his moderate approach to legal and policy issues.
If confirmed as Attorney General, Garland is expected to focus on restoring the independence and integrity of the Justice Department, which has come under intense scrutiny during the Trump administration. He has promised to prioritize combating domestic terrorism, protecting civil rights, and promoting criminal justice reform.
Garland’s nomination has been met with widespread bipartisan support, with many lawmakers and legal experts praising his qualifications and temperament. As the country grapples with a range of pressing legal and social issues, Garland’s experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the Justice Department and upholding the rule of law.
In selecting Merrick Garland as his pick for Attorney General, President-elect Biden has chosen a seasoned and respected legal professional who is well-equipped to lead the Justice Department and restore public trust in the nation’s top law enforcement agency. With his moderate views and bipartisan approach, Garland is poised to bring a sense of stability and professionalism to the role of Attorney General and help steer the country towards a more just and equitable future.