Encyclopedia · Organization
White House Counsel’s Office
Legal advisory office within the White House
Organization details
- Location
- White House Office
- Function
- Legal advice to president and White House staff
- Counsel in Nov. 2026
- Will Scharf
The White House Counsel’s Office provides legal advice to the president and White House staff.
Role
The White House Counsel’s Office advises the president and White House staff on legal issues in official duties. Its lawyers do not represent every federal agency in litigation; the Justice Department typically represents the federal government in court.
November 2026 dispute
White House counsel Will Scharf issued a letter objecting to anticipated House investigations and warning that certain misconduct might constitute criminality. Congressional Democrats rejected the implication that ordinary oversight required White House approval.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.