Who Will Be The Next Solicitor General?

With Elena Kagan now in line for the Supreme Court, the Obama administration can start to think about who will replace her as solicitor general. In today’s Daily Journal (subscription required) your blogger reports on some of the leading contenders. The favorite appears to be White House lawyer Donald B. Verrilli Jr., an experienced appellate lawyer who has frequently argued before the Supreme Court, Washington legal sources said. His status as the front-runner has also been reported elsewhere. Also in contention would be the current number two in the office, Neal Katyal. Other leading Washington lawyers who have been mentioned as possible candidates (by other leading Washington lawyers) include Paul Smith, a senior partner at Jenner & Block; David Frederick, a partner at Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel; and Sri Srinivasan, a partner at O’Melveny & Myers.