Don McGahn represents clients before government agencies, in enforcement matters, and in court disputes arising from government regulation or action. He handles litigation, crisis management, regulatory compliance, and political issues.
Prior to rejoining Jones Day in 2019, Don served as Counsel to the President of the United States, advising Donald J. Trump on all legal issues concerning the President and his administration, including constitutional and statutory authority, executive orders, international agreements, tariffs, trade, administrative law, and national security. Don also managed the judicial selection process for the President. During Don's tenure, a historic number of judges were appointed to the federal bench, including two Supreme Court justices. In addition, he spearheaded President Trump's deregulation efforts, which resulted in deregulation at record rates. Following Don's departure from the White House, the President appointed him to the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States, a nonpartisan, independent agency dedicated to promoting improvement to administrative agency processes.
Don's accomplishments have been recognized at the highest levels of government. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that Don concluded his tenure "not only as the best White House Counsel I've seen on the job, but more broadly, as one of the most successful and consequential aides to any President in recent memory."
Don was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2008, and confirmed in the Senate by unanimous consent, to serve as a member of the Federal Election Commission. He also served as outside Counsel to the Committee on House Administration during the 113th and 114th Congresses and as general counsel to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
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Judge Lisa Branch in Conversation with Don McGahn
DC Young Lawyers Chapter
America's Square300 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
When Life Gives You Lemons: A Conversation with Hon. Kyle Duncan & Don McGahn
DC Young Lawyers Chapter
America's Square300 New Jersey Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
The Boundaries of Judicial Writing
DC Young Lawyers Chapter
Gibson Dunn1050 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
A Conversation with Judge Oldham and Judge Thapar, Moderated by Don McGahn
DC Young Lawyers Chapter
The George Washington University, University Student Center, Continental Ballroom, Third Floor800 21st Street., NW
Washington, DC 20052
Discussion and Q&A with Don McGahn
2020 Annual Florida Chapters Conference
On January 31-February 1, 2020, The Federalist Society's Florida lawyers chapters hosted their annual Florida...
Discussion and Q&A with Don McGahn
2020 Annual Florida Chapters Conference
On January 31-February 1, 2020, The Federalist Society's Florida lawyers chapters hosted their annual Florida...
Keynote Address by Don McGahn
Third Circuit Chapters Conference
On October 24, 2019, The Federalist Society held its annual Third Circuit Chapters Conference. The...
Keynote Address by Don McGahn
Third Circuit Chapters Conference
On October 24, 2019, The Federalist Society held its annual Third Circuit Chapters Conference. The...
Judicial Nominations in the Trump Administration: A Conversation with Senate Majority Leader McConnell and Former White House Counsel Don McGahn
2019 Kentucky Chapters Conference
On October 7, 2019, The Federalist Society hosted a conversation between Senate Majority Leader Mitch...