Robert Mueller, former special counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice, testifies before the House Intelligence Committee in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2019. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM

As news swirls in Washington, D.C., over the latest scandal to hit the Trump administration, the central figure in the scandal of the past—the Russia investigation—has melted back into his partnership at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.

Robert Mueller left the firm in 2017 when he was appointed special counsel to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election. Two other attorneys who worked alongside Mueller in the special counsel's office, Aaron Zebley and James Quarles, have also migrated back to Wilmer as partners along with Mueller.

Back in private practice, Mueller will focus his practice on high-profile investigations and crisis management, the same work he conducted before he left for the special counsel's office. He's worked at the firm and its predecessor firms on and off over the years, with stints in government service intertwined. He was FBI director for 12 years.

Mueller didn't return an email seeking comment, but he said in a firm statement, "I'm glad to be at WilmerHale once again, a firm with a tradition of honoring public service. It was an honor to serve as special counsel. Now, I look forward to resuming my private practice alongside the talented lawyers at the firm."

Wilmer co-managing partner Robert Novick said in the statement that he and his colleagues are privileged to work alongside Mueller.

Novick said, "Few lawyers have been entrusted with as many matters of national significance as Bob, in both his public service and in private practice. Bob embodies the highest values of our firm and profession."

Novick also expressed gratitude for the return of Zebley and Quarles as partners.

James Quarles, left, and Aaron Zebley, partners with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. Courtesy photos

In the special counsel's office, Zebley was responsible for the daily oversight of the Russia investigation as Mueller's deputy special counsel. Back at the firm, Zebley will handle high-profile investigations, cybersecurity and data breach issues, national security matters and defense of government enforcement actions. Previously in his career, he spent 18 years at the FBI—there, he was Mueller's chief of staff—and at the U.S. Department of Justice and a U.S. attorney's office.

"Public service is a great honor and I'm glad to return to a firm that shares that view," Zebley said in a statement. "The firm remains a tremendous platform from which I can help clients navigate their toughest challenges."

As for Quarles, one noteworthy stint in his legal experience was serving as an assistant special prosecutor during the Watergate investigation from 1973 to 1975. In private practice, he's focused on trial and appellate civil litigation, especially intellectual property. Back at Wilmer, he's planning to handle high-profile investigations and litigation.

"It's great to be returning to WilmerHale," he said in a statement. "It has always been a privilege to work alongside such talented colleagues to tackle the challenging issues clients bring to us."

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