Senate approves Donald Verrilli to replace Elena Kagan as solicitor general

The Senate on Monday approved Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. as the U.S. solicitor general, taking over the position that opened after Elena Kagan’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court last year.

Verrilli, a deputy counsel to President Obama and former associate deputy attorney general, was approved 72-16 as federal government’s chief legal representative before the U.S. Supreme Court. He had been an attorney in private practice for 20 years, and argued 12 cases before the court.

Verrilli would take over for Neal Katyal who has served as acting solicitor general after Kagan left the office last year.

“Mr. Verrilli is by all accounts one of the finest lawyers in the country, whose extensive experience as an advocate for a wide variety of clients will serve him well as Solicitor General, the top advocate for the United States,” said Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.