As former U.S. Attorneys, we are in a special position to evaluate the qualifications of one of our own to serve as our nation’s Deputy Attorney General, and we know the important characteristics it takes to serve effectively in that position. It requires a tireless work ethic, unassailable integrity, careful legal thinking, and prudent judgment. These are qualities Mr. Rosenstein possesses in abundance. Many of us served alongside Rod, know him personally, and can vouch for his outstanding reputation—both as a fair and extraordinarily effective prosecutor, and as a person of the highest integrity.

 

Rod’s record of achievement demonstrates those traits. He graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.S. in Economics, summa cum laude, and earned his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He then served as a law clerk to Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. After his clerkship, Rod joined the Justice Department through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Since that time, he has served in a variety of significant positions, including a trial attorney with the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, Counsel to Deputy Attorney General and Special Assistant to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division, and as United States Attorney for the District of Maryland. Rod has seen it all and done it all, and knows intimately the workings of the Department, its duties, its powers, and its bounds.

 

His lengthy tenure also demonstrates his commitment to public service. He has now served as U.S. Attorney for almost 12 years, under three presidents—a remarkable tour of duty that is far longer than typical. At any time Mr. Rosenstein could have left his position as U.S. Attorney for a lucrative career in the private sector. That he is one of the very few who did not is, perhaps, the strongest testament to his devotion to public service.

 

Finally, Mr. Rosenstein’s record demonstrates his integrity and independence. He has served as an Associate Independent Counsel, investigated White House officials, prosecute public-corruption cases, and relentlessly pursued every kind of fraud and malfeasance, regardless of the party in power. He epitomizes the ideal DOJ lawyer with his outstanding record of honesty, decency, good judgment and hard work. We have no doubt he will exercise this sound judgment in the role of Deputy Attorney General and fulfill his duties with the utmost propriety and care.

Rosenstein’s confirmation hearings continue.