An assistant district attorney who resigned from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office due to a controversial prosecution decision involving New York City Mayor Eric Adams has joined the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, where Paul Clement, the former U.S. Solicitor General, is a partner. The former prosecutor, Colleen Faherty, is now part of a prominent team known for handling high-profile appellate cases.
Faherty’s departure from the DA’s office highlights ongoing tensions within legal and political circles regarding the handling of cases that involve political figures. Her resignation followed the office’s decision to proceed with an investigation that she reportedly disagreed with, a development that raised questions about prosecutorial discretion and autonomy. The specifics of the case involved her role in the investigation against Adams, which drew significant attention and criticism.
Kirkland & Ellis, known for its robust appellate and litigation practice, welcomes Faherty as part of its efforts to strengthen its public law group, largely influenced by strategic additions like hers. The firm’s expansion strategy is evident as it seeks to attract top legal talent with substantial experience in both the public and private sectors. For more details on this move, see the article from Bloomberg Law.
This transition comes at a time when the legal profession is witnessing a notable trend of former public service attorneys joining private firms, leveraging their experience and network to drive business development and provide strategic legal counsel. With her background, Faherty is expected to contribute significantly to Kirkland & Ellis’s caseload, especially in areas where intricate legal and regulatory challenges intersect.
Paul Clement, who rejoined Kirkland & Ellis after founding Clement & Murphy, has been instrumental in bolstering the firm’s appellate bench strength. The arrival of seasoned attorneys like Faherty aligns with Clement’s vision of establishing a leading appellate practice team. Legal analysts suggest that such bold recruitment moves indicate a broader trend of big law firms investing heavily in government-experienced counsel to enhance their litigation capabilities.
For additional insights into recent high-profile attorney transitions and their implications for the legal industry, refer to coverage in Reuters.