Margaret E. Whitney

Margaret E. Whitney

Partner

With a keen understanding of the unique challenges presented by international investigations, Ms. Whitney excels in handling cases that involve cross-border complexities, diverse legal systems, and cultural nuances. Her deep understanding of governmental processes and regulations, combined with her analytical prowess, makes her a trusted advisor in navigating intricate legal frameworks and conducting precise and detailed investigations, delivering exceptional legal representation to clients involved in complex matters.

Ms. Whitney co-leads a team at Levy Firestone Muse LLP conducting investigations, on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, in connection with the Genocide against the Tutsi.

A Washington lawyer, Ms. Whitney has held senior positions in the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. Most recently, she served as Special Assistant and Senior Counsel to President Barack Obama, where she led the judicial nominations and clemency teams within the Office of the White House Counsel. For nominations, her responsibilities included the selection, vetting, and confirmation of President Obama’s judicial nominees. Her clemency team responsibilities included advising the President on commutations, pardons, and issues of executive clemency. Prior to her work at the White House, Ms. Whitney served as Chief Counsel for Nominations to U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, where she worked on a number of congressional investigations and led a team of committee lawyers and staff dedicated to all aspects of the vetting and confirmation of federal judicial and executive nominations. Prior to serving in the government, Ms. Whitney practiced in the Washington and Los Angeles offices of Sidley Austin LLP.

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  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. 2002
  • University of Vermont, B.A. 1992
  • District of Columbia