Ruemmler succeeds Bauer as Obama counsel

WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- White House counsel Robert Bauer will return to private practice and be replaced by deputy counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday.

Bauer will return to the Seattle international law firm of Perkins Coie at the end of the month, where he will resume his practice as general counsel to Obama's re-election campaign, general counsel to the Democratic National Committee and Obama's personal lawyer, the White House said.

"Bob was a critical member of the White House team," Obama said in a statement. "He has exceptional judgment, wisdom, and intellect, and he will continue to be one of my close advisers."

Bauer was a central figure in Obama's decision to nominate Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court, The New York Times reported.

Ruemmler, Obama's principal deputy counsel since January of 2010, "is an outstanding lawyer with impeccable judgment," Obama's statement said. "Together, Bob and Kathy have led the White House Counsel's office, and Kathy will assure that it continues to successfully manage its wide variety of responsibilities."

Before joining the administration, Ruemmler was a private lawyer and a federal prosecutor, playing a key role in the government's successful prosecution of former Enron Corp. executives for financial fraud. She received the U.S. Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Service for her Enron investigation, the White House said.