During a typical Supreme Court session on Wednesday, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. invited the government’s lawyer, Edwin S. Kneedler, back to the lectern.
“You have now delivered your 160th argument before this court, and it’s understood that this will be your last,” Chief Justice Roberts remarked, commending Mr. Kneedler, who is retiring as deputy solicitor general. “This sets a modern record.”
Roberts continued with heartfelt gratitude, expressing appreciation for Mr. Kneedler’s “remarkable professionalism and dedication.”
Then, something truly noteworthy occurred—applause erupted in the courtroom, culminating in a standing ovation for Mr. Kneedler, joined by the justices.
“It was a rare instance of harmony and genuine joy from all nine justices present,” noted Richard Lazarus, a law professor at Harvard. “They were all smiling.”
Veteran Supreme Court attorney Kannon Shanmugam described it as “one of the most electrifying moments I’ve ever witnessed in the courtroom.”
The tribute to Mr. Kneedler highlighted his honesty and integrity, especially when juxtaposed with recent courtroom behaviors where some lawyers were accused of manipulation and dishonesty during the Trump administration.
Former colleagues painted a contrasting picture with Mr. Kneedler.
“Ed exemplifies the ideal government lawyer—someone devoted to truthfulness in court and prioritizing justice over merely winning cases,” said Gregory G. Garre, who was solicitor general under President George W. Bush.
According to Mr. Shanmugam, Mr. Kneedler’s commitment was always to uphold the law, stating, “He preferred to ensure the law was correct, even if it meant losing, rather than winning through misrepresentation.”
Seth P. Waxman, who served as solicitor general during the Clinton administration, characterized Mr. Kneedler as anything but partisan.
“Throughout my years in the Justice Department with Ed, I never knew his political views,” Mr. Waxman remarked.
Mr. Kneedler joined the Office of the Solicitor General, the prominent unit that represents the federal government at the Supreme Court, in 1979. He served under multiple administrations and played a key role in mentoring incoming solicitors general.
“I was very fortunate to have had Ed as a deputy during my time as S.G.,” stated Justice Elena Kagan, who held the solicitor general role in the Obama administration. “There’s virtually no legal question he can’t tackle. He possesses a profound understanding of the traditions and values of the S.G.’s office.”
She added, “I learned immensely from him, and my performance improved substantially because of his presence. In all my time in government, I’ve never encountered a better public servant.”
This perspective seemed to resonate with many former solicitors general. Mr. Waxman referred to Mr. Kneedler as “a national treasure.”
Noel J. Francisco, who served as solicitor general during the first Trump administration, said that Mr. Kneedler was “not only a well of knowledge but also of wisdom.”
Elizabeth B. Prelogar, the solicitor general in the Biden administration, asserted that “Ed Kneedler exemplifies what it means to be a lawyer representing the United States.”
Mr. Kneedler’s retirement comes amid a wave of departures from the small solicitor general’s office. Besides the solicitor general and a few deputies, only 16 line attorneys remain, and approximately half are leaving, as reported by The Washington Post this month.
At 79 years old, Mr. Kneedler did not provide any comments after requests for an interview. During a recent award ceremony from the University of Virginia’s law school, he mentioned, “I’m a career civil servant, and I prefer to stay out of the spotlight when possible.”
At the ceremony, Mr. Kneedler delivered extensive remarks. While his points might have seemed standard in the past, they touched on provocative themes today.
Describing himself as a “citizen lawyer,” he lauded the numerous federal employees with whom he collaborated, expressing admiration for their “dedication, compassion, and understanding for our country.”
He noted that his office approached legal matters with thoroughness and care, especially regarding cases on the regular docket. Since Mr. Trump’s presidency began in January, the government has filed a significant number of emergency applications concerning what critics refer to as the court’s shadow docket.
“In times without emergencies,” Mr. Kneedler said, “our decision-making process is very structured.”
Leslie Kendrick, dean of the Virginia law school, posed a few questions to Mr. Kneedler, one being based on his office’s “commitment to nonpartisan representation for the United States, irrespective of cause or the political leadership in the other branches.”
Mr. Kneedler did not fully embrace this premise. “We represent the United States as lawyers,” he clarified, “and the administration in power ultimately determines what the United States’ interests are.”
Nonetheless, he concluded his remarks on an optimistic note: “We are all part of a journey toward a more perfect union,” he stated, “which signifies a union where we are uniting, not dividing.”
Before the applause at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Chief Justice Roberts, himself an alumnus of the solicitor general’s office, added a personal touch to his words to Mr. Kneedler.
“I recall that on two occasions you and I argued together, with me representing a private client and you representing the United States,” the Chief Justice recalled. “We lost both cases, and I’m certain it was my doing. Mr. Kneedler, thank you for your exceptional service to both court and country.”
