The U.S. Senate confirmed today President Bush’s nomination of Cleary Gottlieb partner Charles F. Lettow as a judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Mr. Lettow is a litigation partner based in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.
In his more than 30 years of practice with the firm, Mr. Lettow has focused on constitutional litigation, defense of regulatory enforcement actions and business disputes. He has argued three cases relating to regulatory and federal courts issues before the U.S. Supreme Court. He has also argued more than 40 cases before the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and numerous cases before the federal district courts and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
“Chuck has made an enormous contribution to our firm over the years, and we will miss him greatly. But, at the same time, we are happy that he has this terrific opportunity to embark on a new career in public service,” said Cleary Gottlieb managing partner Peter Karasz. “Our firm has always been committed to public service, and we are proud that Chuck will be our next partner to continue this tradition.”
Mr. Lettow joined the firm in 1973 and became a partner in 1976. He served as law clerk to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, Supreme Court of the United States; and to Judge Ben C. Duniway, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Prior to joining the firm, he served as counsel to the Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of the President, and served two years with the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Division.
Mr. Lettow received an LL.B. from Stanford University in 1968 and a B.S. Ch.E. from Iowa State University in 1962. He also received a M.A. in history from Brown University in 2001. Mr. Lettow is a member of the Bars in California, Iowa, the District of Columbia and Maryland.
The U.S. Court of Federal Claims comprises 16 judges serving 15-year terms. It hears monetary claims founded upon the Constitution, federal statutes, executive regulations or contracts with the U.S. government.
