Department of Justice Seal Department of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2002
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
ASG
(202) 514-2007
TDD (202) 514-1888

PETER D. KEISLER TO BE APPOINTED
PRINCIPAL DEPUTY ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY GENERAL;
PAUL CLINTON HARRIS, SR., TO BE APPOINTED
DEPUTY ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY GENERAL


WASHINGTON, D.C.- Associate Attorney General Jay B. Stephens today announced the appointment of Peter D. Keisler to serve as Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General and Paul Clinton Harris, Sr., to serve as Deputy Associate Attorney General.

Peter D. Keisler has been a partner in the Washington office of Sidley, Austin, Brown & Wood, LLP, since 1993 and served as an associate in that firm from 1989-1993. Keisler's practice has focused on civil, regulatory and appellate work. He has argued before the United States Supreme Court and numerous Courts of Appeals. Prior to joining Sidley, Austin, Brown & Wood, Keisler served in the White House from 1986-1988, first as Assistant Counsel and then as Associate Counsel to President Reagan.

Keisler served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy and also clerked for Judge Robert H. Bork on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He received his juris doctor in 1985 from Yale Law School where he served on the Yale Law Journal, and earned his bachelor's of arts degree from Yale College in 1981.

"Peter brings a strong intellect, a wealth of litigation experience and sound judgment to his responsibilities at the Department. He will make a significant contribution to the leadership and management responsibilities of the Associate Attorney General's office and the entire Justice Department," Associate Attorney General Jay B. Stephens said.

Paul Clinton Harris, Sr., most recently has served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Division of the Department of Justice where he has had responsibility for leading the Torts Branch. Prior to his service at the Department, Harris practiced law with the firm of McGuire, Woods, Battle & Booth and with Baise, Miller & Freer, P.C. where his practices involved litigation and regulatory matters. Harris also served for two terms in the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 58th District, the seat once held by Thomas Jefferson.

Harris received his bachelor's of arts degree cum laude in 1986 from Hampton University where he served as President of the Student Body and Cadet Battalion Commander of the Army ROTC Unit. Following college, Harris served as a military intelligence officer with the 10th Mountain Division. Harris received his juris doctor in 1995 from the George Washington University School of Law.

"Paul brings to his new responsibilities mature judgment, strong organizational skills and a keen ability to resolve complex matters. He will be a strong addition to the Justice Department's leadership team," said Stephens.

Keisler and Harris will assume their new duties shortly.

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