Ted Olson, former U.S. attorney general and partner at Gibson Dunn, died Wednesday at the age of 84.
in press releasethe law firm praised Olson's work, calling him a “pioneering advocate who cares for all people.”
“Ted was a legal giant and one of the most extraordinary and eloquent advocates of our time. He was a pioneering advocate who was creative, principled, fearless, and cared for all people.” said Barbara Becker, Gibson Dunn Chairman and Managing Partner, in a release.
“We are deeply saddened by his death and send our condolences to his wife Lady, a valued member of our family, and all of Ted's loved ones,” she added.
Olson, a prominent lawyer, has tried 65 cases before the Supreme Court, the release said. He argued in two cases after the 2000 presidential election and in the 2000 Citizens United case. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commissiona controversial decision that overturned campaign finance limits and allowed corporations and outside groups to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. he also Department of Homeland Security v. University of California Board of Regentsobjected to the Trump administration's reversal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The release also notes that Olson served as U.S. attorney general in the early 2000s. Previously, he served as an assistant attorney general overseeing the Office of the General Counsel at the Department of Justice. Outside of these two roles, he has been an attorney at Gibson Dunn since 1965.
He also served as general counsel to former Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, serving them in high-ranking positions at the Department of Justice.
