Mathieu
## RON KLAIN REJOINS LAW FIRM O’MELVENY AS PARTNER
Ron Klain, an experienced lawyer and former White House chief of staff, has returned to the global legal firm O’Melveny as partner in its Litigation Department. This news is particularly significant because Klain will have the flexibility to provide informal senior advice to Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.
## KLAIN’S BACKGROUND AND ROLE IN THE FIRM
Klain, who is a Harvard Law graduate and has served three presidents, will head the firm’s Strategic Counseling and Crisis Management Practice. His role will entail advising C-suite executives and boards of directors across complex industries, such as technology, healthcare, infrastructure, national security, transportation, and finance. In addition, he will handle critical pro bono cases and assist in recruiting lawyers to the firm. Klain had already worked for the firm as partner from 1999 to 2004.
## KLAIN’S AFFECTION FOR O’MELVENY
Klain expressed his delight in rejoining the O’Melveny community, specifically citing Warren Christopher, Bill Coleman, Walter Dellinger, and A.B. Culvahouse as his mentors. He mentioned feeling the support of the firm throughout his years in public service.
## KLAIN’S LIFE AFTER LEAVING THE WHITE HOUSE
Since leaving the White House, Klain has been enjoying “normal life,” walking his dogs, and taking care of his health, which includes being on a “no more White House Mess cheeseburgers” diet. He’s lost 15 pounds, and his blood pressure has improved.
## KLAIN’S LESSONS LEARNED
In an exit interview with The New Yorker before leaving the West Wing, Klain learned the power of “persistence and not panicking” and the slow accumulation of expertise. He believes that publics are hard on leaders, and people are polarized, resulting in difficulties for leaders to maintain their popularity.
## KLAIN’S SUPERPOWER
Klain’s superpower is his ability to prepare debates. Assuming there are debates, look for Klain to deploy his expertise in this regard during the general election campaign. He spent Biden’s first presidential inauguration in the Situation Room and hopes to be cheering on the podium if there is a second one.
## CLOSING THOUGHTS
Ron Klain’s return to O’Melveny as a partner is significant because he will be able to assist Joe Biden’s re-election campaign informally. Klain’s experience advising C-suite executives and boards of directors in complex industries makes him a valuable asset to the firm. Moreover, Klain’s superpowers in crisis management and debate preparation will be crucial for Biden’s campaign.
