As Republican lawmakers intensify their scrutiny of former President Joe Biden’s mental acuity during his term, a cadre of top-tier law firms—including Latham & Watkins and Covington & Burling—has mobilized to represent his inner circle. More than half a dozen firms are providing counsel, often on a pro bono basis, to shield ex-aides from what Democrats decry as a partisan witch hunt. This legal phalanx underscores the high stakes of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, launched in July 2025, which seeks transcripts, emails, and testimony to probe claims of a White House cover-up.
The bipartisan legal firepower highlights the polarized post-presidency landscape, where Trump’s allies wield congressional subpoenas like weapons, forcing former officials to tap deep industry ties for defense. With hearings slated for October, these firms—known for congressional investigations expertise—could shape narratives around Biden’s fitness, influencing 2026 midterms and historical legacies.
The Probe’s Scope: Unpacking the GOP’s Allegations
The investigation, spearheaded by House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), stems from Biden’s abrupt July 2025 withdrawal from the reelection race amid leaked audio of halting debate performances and staff memos on his “decline.” Subpoenas target aides like Annie Tomasini (former director of Oval Office operations), Ron Klain (ex-chief of staff), and Jill Biden’s chief Ashley Williams, demanding documents on accommodations for Biden’s schedule and public appearances.
Comer alleges a “conspiracy of silence” to conceal cognitive lapses, citing Special Counsel Robert Hur’s February 2025 report labeling Biden a “sympathetic, elderly man with a poor memory.” Democrats counter it’s election-year revenge, pointing to Trump’s own cognitive gaffes and lack of evidence for impeachable offenses.
Over 20 aides have received subpoenas or document requests since July, with the probe expanding to include physician Kevin O’Connor and national security advisor Jake Sullivan. Witnesses face closed-door depositions, potentially escalating to contempt charges if uncooperative.
Key Firms and Aides: A Who’s Who of BigLaw Defenses
Elite firms, leveraging alumni networks from the Biden era, are offering pro bono services to former officials—framed as upholding public service norms rather than partisanship. Here’s a breakdown of notable representations:
| Firm | Key Aide(s) Represented | Expertise Highlight | Pro Bono Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latham & Watkins | Annie Tomasini, Ron Klain, multiple unnamed aides | Congressional investigations; white-collar defense; former White House Counsel Ed Siskel (joined March 2025) | Yes, for select ex-officials |
| Covington & Burling | Jeff Zients (ex-chief of staff) | Election law, public policy; home to ex-White House Counsel Dana Remus | Pro bono for Zients |
| Cooley LLP | Jill Biden’s chief Ashley Williams | Tech policy, regulatory; strong D.C. Hill ties | Pro bono |
| Steptoe LLP | Kevin O’Connor (physician) | Healthcare compliance; bipartisan lobbying arm | Partial pro bono |
| WilmerHale | Jake Sullivan (national security) | Supreme Court advocacy; Chambers-ranked investigations practice | Full pro bono |
| Others (e.g., Gibson Dunn, Hogan Lovells) | Various staffers | General counsel rotations; global regulatory | Case-by-case |
Latham’s involvement is particularly robust, drawing on Siskel’s insider knowledge from advising Biden on executive actions. Covington, with its history in high-profile probes (e.g., Mueller-era defenses), positions Zients’ representation as safeguarding “veteran public servants.”
These firms’ bipartisan creds—Latham defended Trump allies in past impeachments—add irony, as critics like The Federalist decry a “flight of white-shoe lawyers” shielding Democrats while allegedly abandoning conservatives like Michael Flynn.
Background: From Biden’s Exit to Partisan Firestorm
The probe traces to Biden’s June 2025 debate debacle, amplified by anonymous leaks from ex-staffers alleging scripted interactions and limited press access. Post-withdrawal, Comer’s committee subpoenaed Hur’s full report and White House logs, clashing with Biden’s counsel over executive privilege.
This mirrors prior GOP probes, like the 2023 Hunter Biden laptop saga, but escalates with Trump’s return, where Oversight vows “full accountability” for the “Biden crime family.” Democrats, led by Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), boycotted initial sessions, calling it a “revenge fantasy.”
Legal precedents loom: The Supreme Court’s 2024 immunity ruling shields official acts, potentially blunting subpoenas, but personal communications remain fair game.
Reactions: Partisan Sniping and Ethical Debates
GOP firebrands like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) blasted the defenses as “taxpayer-funded shields for liars,” demanding billing transparency. On X, #BidenCoverUp trended with 500K posts, users mocking “BigLaw’s Biden bailout.”
Democrats and firm spokespeople push back: Latham emphasized “pro bono commitments to public interest,” while Covington’s team hailed aides as “dedicated patriots.” Ethics watchdogs like CREW praised the support but urged disclosures to avoid conflicts.
Experts like those at WilmerHale note firms’ “well-connected” Hill access as invaluable, per Chambers rankings. Critics, however, see hypocrisy—Covington’s Flynn mishandling in 2017 drew bar complaints for inadequate representation.
Implications for U.S. Readers: Politics, Professions, and Precedents
For Americans, this probe stokes partisan divides, potentially eroding trust in institutions amid 60% public doubt on Biden’s fitness per 2025 polls. Economically, it burdens taxpayers via congressional resources ($5M+ annually on probes), while spotlighting BigLaw’s influence—firms like Latham bill $2,000/hour, making pro bono optics crucial.
Lifestyle-wise, it humanizes aides’ post-service struggles, echoing whistleblower protections debates. Technologically, subpoenaed emails could expose AI use in White House scripting, tying to broader ethics.
Politically, a dud probe risks GOP overreach; successes could fuel impeachments, reshaping Biden’s legacy under Trump’s shadow.
Conclusion: BigLaw’s Frontline in a Post-Presidency Reckoning
Latham, Covington, and peers’ defenses form a formidable barrier against the GOP’s Biden probe, blending pro bono ethos with elite advocacy to protect aides from political crossfire. As depositions loom, this saga tests congressional overreach limits and firms’ neutrality. Ultimately, it reminds: In Washington’s revolving door, loyalty—and legal muscle—endures. With Latham Covington Biden aides probe, congressional investigation Biden cognitive, pro bono law firms Biden, House Oversight Biden aides subpoenas, and GOP Biden mental fitness inquiry dominating D.C. dockets, expect revelations that ripple far beyond the Beltway.