Obama names W. Neil Eggleston as White House counsel

WASHINGTON, April 21 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama has named W. Neil Eggleston, a veteran Washington, D.C., lawyer and former Clinton aide, as his new White House counsel.

"Neil brings extraordinary expertise, credentials, and experience to our team,” Obama said in a statement. “He has a passion for public service, is renowned for his conscientiousness and foresight, and I look forward to working with him in the coming years."

Eggleston previously served Bill Clinton as associate White House counsel and former White House Rahm Emanuel during the prosecution of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He is a partner at the Kirkland & Ellis law firm and has "broad experience advising individuals and companies facing Congressional and regulatory investigations," according to his biography.

A White House official told the New York Times that he was hired because he "knows how to navigate complex, multidimensional problems," especially in situations where the executive branch has to work with Congress.

Eggleston, 60, will succeed Kathryn Ruemmler, who said she plans to return to private practice, in the second week of May.

[Politico, NY Times]