Donald B. Verrilli Jr

Donald B. Verrilli Jr. is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading Supreme Court and appellate advocates. His work centers on complex legal disputes that shape public policy, markets, and constitutional law. He is known for guiding clients through matters involving federal authority, civil rights, economic regulation, and issues of national importance.

Donald completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University, earning a B.A. in 1979, cum laude. He later pursued his legal education at Columbia Law School, where he received a J.D. in 1983, with honors. These academic experiences formed a strong foundation for his analytical approach to constitutional interpretation and appellate advocacy.

Donald served as Solicitor General of the United States from June 2011 to June 2016, representing the federal government before the U.S. Supreme Court. During this period, he argued dozens of cases, including landmark decisions involving healthcare reform, marriage equality, patent law, and presidential authority in foreign affairs.

Following Donald’s government service, he continued to handle major Supreme Court and appellate matters involving class actions, antitrust disputes, copyright, patent law, and constitutional challenges. His advocacy has helped resolve high-stakes legal questions affecting regulated industries, emerging technologies, and government institutions across the United States.

Donald’s public service also includes roles as Deputy White House Counsel and Associate Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice. In these positions, he advised senior government officials on national security, domestic policy, economic regulation, and the scope of executive and administrative authority.

Donald’s appellate work has earned significant professional recognition. He is recognized as a Star Individual by Chambers USA and was named “Lawyer of the Year” for appellate work in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He also received the 2025 Frederick Douglass Award and the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the DC LGBTQ+ Bar Association.

Donald B. Verrilli Jr. brings decades of experience to matters where litigation, regulation, and public policy intersect. His career reflects a sustained commitment to principled advocacy, clear legal reasoning, and outcomes that influence the development of constitutional and statutory law nationwide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• New York

Education

• Columbia Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Yale University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges