White House Counsel

The White House Counsel is a staff appointee of the President of the United States. The Counsel's role is to advise the President on all legal issues concerning the President and the White House. The current White House Counsel is Harriet Miers, who was appointed to fill the post when President George W. Bush nominated her predecessor, Alberto Gonzales, to the post of Attorney General. Since she is now a nominee for Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, she could be replaced soon if she is confirmed.

Related Topics:
President of the United States - White House - Harriet Miers - George W. Bush - Alberto Gonzales - Attorney General - Associate Justice - U.S. Supreme Court

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The Office of Counsel to the President is responsible for advising on all legal aspects of policy questions, legal issues arising in connection with the President's decision to sign or veto legislation, ethical questions, financial disclosures, and conflicts of interest during employment and post employment. The Counsel's Office also helps define the line between official and political activities, oversees executive appointments and judicial selection, handles Presidential pardons, reviews legislation and Presidential statements, and handles lawsuits against the President in his role as President, as well as serving as the White House contact for the Department of Justice.

Related Topics:
White House - Department of Justice

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Although the White House Counsel offers legal advice to the President, the Counsel does so in the President's official capacity, and does not serve as the President's personal attorney. There is therefore controversy over the scope of the attorney-client privilege between the Counsel and the President. It is clear, however, that the privilege does not apply in personal matters, such as impeachment proceedings; thus, in such situations the President relies on a personal attorney for confidential legal advice.

Related Topics:
Attorney-client privilege - Impeachment

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