The 2024 presidential election is poised to set the course of the United States for the next four years and beyond. As it stands, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, appears to be heavily relying on legal experts from prominent Biglaw firms to shape her presidential transition team, should she emerge victorious.
The legal roster backing Harris includes a constellation of accomplished attorneys from prominent law firms such as Jenner & Block, Covington & Burling, and Hogan Lovells. Details from the National Law Journal reveal key players: Josh Hsu, a partner on leave from Jenner & Block, previously served as counsel to the vice president and is a confirmed member of the transition team. Additionally, Rachel Palermo, another associate from Jenner & Block, brings her prior experience as the deputy communications director and associate counsel to Vice President Harris into play.
Erica Songer, a familiar face from the vice presidential office, also joins the ranks, adding her experience as counsel to the vice president. Covington partner Dana Remus, noted for her leadership in Harris’s campaign’s legal election protection programs, is also lending her expertise after her previous role as White House counsel under President Joe Biden.
Although Harris prioritizes legal expertise in her team composition, it will be led by Yohannes Abraham, who diverges from the legal profession. Abraham’s most recent tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations adds a blend of diplomatic experience to the transition efforts.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has opted for a transition team devoid of Biglaw influence, favoring former Small Business Administration chief Linda McMahon, Cantor Fitzgerald chairman Howard Lutnick, his running mate Senator JD Vance, and his sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr. (Wall Street Journal).
The election may be uncertain, but what appears clear is the shift in strategy between the two candidates when it comes to the integration of legal expertise in transition planning. As the legal community closely monitors the results, one can infer which potential administration aligns more with the values and priorities of legal professionals.
For a deeper dive into the lawyers comprising Harris’s team: Above the Law.