Washington, D.C. – Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) announced that Barry H. Berke, Esq., and Ambassador (ret.) Norman L. Eisen, Esq. have been retained on a consulting basis as special oversight counsels to the Majority Staff, advising the Committee’s Oversight Counsel team on a range of issues.  In their role, Mr. Berke and Ambassador (ret.) Eisen will consult on oversight matters related to the Department of Justice, including the Department’s review of Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation, and other oversight and policy issues within the Committee’s jurisdiction.  Barry Berke is a nationally prominent expert on federal criminal law, including public corruption, recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers in the country.  Norm Eisen is one of the nation’s preeminent authorities on government ethics and corruption, having co-founded Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and served as White House Special Counsel for Ethics and Government Reform under President Obama. 

“We are fortunate to be adding the insight and expertise of two widely respected legal authorities to the staff of the House Judiciary Committee as we look to restore accountability, safeguard our democracy, and protect the rule of law,” said Chairman Nadler.  “This is a critical time in our Nation’s history.  The President of the United States faces numerous allegations of corruption and obstruction.  His conduct and crude statements threaten the basic legal, ethical, and constitutional norms that maintain our democratic institutions.  Congress has a constitutional duty to be a check and balance against abuses of power when necessary.  Before anything else, however, we have to follow the facts and conduct the sort of oversight that has been completely absent over the last two years.  The House Judiciary Committee is determined to ask critical questions, gather all the information, judiciously assess the evidence, and make sure that the facts are not hidden from the American people.  I am glad to have such valuable resources available to help us ensure that this Administration is held accountable to our laws and to the American public.”

Widespread Support for Barry Berke:

• “Barry is one of the top legal experts in the country, who has vast experience with how the laws apply to activities involving foreign governments, political campaigns, and public officials.” -- Paul Shechtman, former director of criminal justice under NY Governor George Pataki  

• “Barry is a titan of the bar, who can always be counted on for his integrity, ethics, and commitment to the rule of law.”-- John Gleeson, former Federal Judge for the Eastern District of New York

• “Barry is one of the very best legal counsel in the country. He is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the criminal statutes, rules and procedure, and his deep understanding of how they apply in practice.” -- Paul Coggins, former US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas

Widespread Support for Norman Eisen:

• “Norm is a renowned expert on government ethics and law. He is trusted across the political spectrum both in the United States and internationally.” -- former Rep. Claudine Schneider (R-CO)

• “Norm has worked tirelessly to partner with Republicans and conservatives like me on issues of government integrity, accountability, and transparency. His fairness and evenhandedness make him respected on both sides of the aisle.” -- former Rep. Mickey Edwards (R-OK)

• “Norm is one of America’s most skilled lawyers when it comes to advising government officials on complex investigations.  He is tenacious but scrupulously objective.” -- Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller