AG (202) 616-2777WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT WELCOMES PRESIDENT BUSH'S ANNOUNCEMENTS REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICIALS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General John Ashcroft today welcomed President George W. Bush's intention to nominate Jay B. Stephens to be Associate Attorney General as well as the President's announcement that Philip J. Perry will serve as Acting Associate Attorney General.
"These are two outstanding individuals whose records of public service, including service with the Department of Justice, are exemplary," said Attorney General John Ashcroft.
Stephens, 54, is currently the Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Honeywell International Inc., where he has been employed since March 1997.
From 1993 to 1997, he was a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm of Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro.
In March 1988, President Ronald Reagan appointed Stephens United States Attorney for the District of Colombia, a position he held until April 1993. Previous to that, he served as Deputy Counsel to President Reagan for two years.
From 1981 to 1985, Stephens held several positions at the Department of Justice, including Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General. He was an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Colombia from 1977 to 1981.
Stephens was an Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutor from 1974 to 1975, and was an associate at the law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering from 1973 to 1974.
Stephens graduated from Harvard Law School in 1973 and Harvard College in 1968. In 1968, he studied philosophy, politics and economics on a fellowship to Oxford University in England.
"Jay's strong reputation for integrity and leadership in the legal community makes him an ideal nominee for Associate Attorney General," said Ashcroft. "He has a wealth of management experience and brings great judgment to the Department of Justice."
Perry, 36, has served in the Department of Justice since the Administration's transition as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General. In this capacity, he provides oversight to the Antitrust, Civil, Civil Rights, Environment and Natural Resources and Tax Divisions.
Prior to entering the Department, Perry was a partner in the Washington D.C. office of Latham & Watkins. In 1997, Perry served as Counsel to the U.S. Senate Special Investigation of Campaign Finance Abuses.
As a partner in Latham & Watkins, Perry practiced in commercial litigation, arbitration, government investigations, and federal administrative law. His experience included matters involving government contracts, health care, securities, intellectual property rights, software and biotechnology issues. He has represented clients in federal and state courts, before Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and before certain federal government agencies.
Perry graduated from Colorado College in 1986 and Cornell Law School in 1990.
"Since becoming Attorney General, I have relied heavily on Phil's wise counsel and advice on a wide range of issues," said Ashcroft. "His expertise in many areas of the law make him the right choice to serve as the Acting Associate Attorney General."
Stephens must be confirmed by the Senate.
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