Former Watergate Prosecutor & Friends Reflect in ‘Legal Briefs’
Retirement is often seen as a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. However, for Roger M. Witten, retirement presented an opportunity to embark on a new journey—the creation of a book that would offer readers a glimpse into the world of law beyond the confines of popular crime dramas like Law & Order. With the help of his longtime friends and colleagues, Witten’s book, entitled Legal Briefs: The Ups and Downs of Life in the Law, came to life.
The book is a collection of short, engaging anecdotes from 20 attorneys, each sharing memorable cases, clients, and challenges they faced throughout their careers. Witten’s goal was to provide a window into the diverse and often unpredictable world of legal practice, offering readers a chance to spend a few minutes immersed in the experiences of these legal professionals.
From Watergate to Modern Times
One of the highlights of Legal Briefs is Witten’s own journey as an assistant special prosecutor for the Watergate Special Prosecution Force in the 1970s. In a candid conversation with host Lee Rawles on The Modern Law Library podcast, Witten recounts his experience defending a client known as Ted, who humorously dubbed him “Witless” and celebrated their successful plea agreement with a banner declaring “Ted – 1, FBI – 0.”
Many of the contributors to Legal Briefs have backgrounds in government litigation and complex corporate matters. Witten himself was a prominent litigator specializing in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act cases and served as a senior litigation partner in Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr’s New York office before retiring. Through the anecdotes shared in the book, readers gain insight into the diverse range of legal challenges these professionals encountered throughout their careers.
Witten also offers his perspective on current events within the federal government, drawing on his experience as a former Watergate prosecutor. He reflects on his interactions with the late Sen. John McCain of Arizona while working on campaign finance reforms, providing a unique glimpse into the intersection of law and politics.
A Lifetime of Legal Expertise
Roger M. Witten’s legal career spans decades, beginning with his role as an assistant Watergate special prosecutor under Archibald Cox. His tenure at Wilmer Cutler & Pickering (now Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr) saw him handling a wide range of litigation cases with international and public policy implications, as well as white-collar law enforcement matters and internal investigations related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Witten was also a vocal advocate for campaign finance reform, showcasing his commitment to shaping the legal landscape beyond the courtroom.
As the chair of WilmerHale’s litigation group and a member of the firm’s management committee, Witten’s influence extended far beyond individual cases, shaping the direction of the firm’s legal practice. Legal Briefs: The Ups and Downs of Life in the Law marks Witten’s foray into the world of publishing, offering readers a firsthand look at the joys and challenges of a career in law.
In conclusion, Legal Briefs stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that define a life in the law. Through the personal stories shared by Witten and his colleagues, readers are invited to explore the complexities, triumphs, and occasional humor that accompany a career in legal practice. As Witten himself transitions into retirement, his book serves as a lasting tribute to the enduring impact of a life devoted to the pursuit of justice and the rule of law.
