Apparently the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles just couldn’t hold out any longer.
Thomas O’Brien, a George W. Bush appointee who has stayed on into the Obama administration, sent an email to federal prosecutors Monday announcing his intention to join Paul Hastings as a litigation partner, leaving his office on Sept. 1. “I am so very proud to have served with you,” O’Brien wrote in the email. Firm spokespeople did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. (The firm also picked up a star IP litigator and two others from Skadden — See Cal Law.)
The White House has not yet nominated anyone to fill O’Brien’s slot. In San Francisco, U.S. Attorney Joseph Russoniello — also a Bush appointee — remains at his post.
O’Brien’s spokesman Thom Mrozek said he believes the Department of Justice will appoint an acting U.S. Attorney to serve until the Senate confirms a replacement. Though O’Brien didn’t know who that would be, First Assistant George Cardona would be high on the list.
— Dan Levine
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