Masters of the Game

May 1, 2010
Veteran legal-affairs journalist Eisler examines the Washington powerhouse law firm of Williams& Connolly.

The most ubiquitous, arrogant and feared law firm, writes the author, is the one founded by Edward Bennett Williams (1920–1988). In a town boasting thousands of lawyers, this firm of bipartisan fixers is at the top of the heap of true insiders. With tentacles everywhere, the partners handle criminal cases, run sports teams, arrange authors' book deals, set TV appearances and manage national affairs. At considerable fees, omnipresent Williams lawyers have represented the likes of Oliver North, the Bushes and the Clintons. They have handled cases involving tobacco regulation, the Iran-Contra scandal, a presidential impeachment, Elián González ("the…attorney had successfully turned the issue not to whether Elián would be turned over but to when and, just as importantly, how"), the Vioxx controversy and the rise of Sarah Palin as a nationally known political candidate. Wielding considerable intellectual firepower—besting their many of New York competitors, writes Eisler—the Williams& Connolly team deftly navigates a world of internecine tricksters and vicious competition. The author's often-snarky tone caters to the popular view of lawyers, yet despite the cynicism, Eisler's text is something of a tribute to those who practice an oft-despised profession. The author depicts them as people of overwhelming ability and, often, rectitude."Among American law firms," writes Eisler,"Williams& Connolly—with its one office, its one-for-all attitude, and its unique don't-poach-the-rivals policy—is the anachronism that proves the folly of its clumsy PR- and consultant-driven competition."

Vivid, savvy reportage.

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

June 1, 2010
Since the death in 1988 of Washington lawyer-fixer Edward Bennett Williams (The Man to See, by Evan Thomas, 1991), how has his firm of Williams & Connolly been faring? Very well in terms of billable hours and political sway, according to legal journalist and author Eisler (The Last Liberal: William J. Brennan, 1997). Profiling five partners and their cases since Williams passing, Eisler casts some light on D.C.s inner workings, especially during the Clinton presidency when Williams & Connolly attorneys such as David Kendall fended off special prosecutors. Partly helping to defray Bill and Hillarys legal expenses, however, was partner Robert Barnett, whose auctions of their memoirs exemplify how politicians get published. To show the media connection to D.C.s legal-political nexus, Eisler tosses in stories about Williams & Connolly representing the Washington Post and the National Enquirer. The name-dropping doesnt let up: Brendan Sullivan defends Oliver North, Greg Craig defends Clinton against impeachment, and partner Larry Lucchino trades players from the Boston Red Sox. A diligently informative account of a DC power source.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)