Career Timeline of Edwin Kneedler: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Edwin Kneedler built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Edwin S. Kneedler is an American lawyer notable for his extensive service as Deputy United States Solicitor General since 1993. He briefly served as acting United States Solicitor General in 2009. By his retirement in April 2025, Kneedler had argued 160 cases before the Supreme Court on behalf of the U.S. government, marking him as one of the most prolific advocates in modern history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1974: Clerkship for Judge James R. Browning

In 1974, Edwin Kneedler clerked for Judge James R. Browning on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

1975: Admittance to the Oregon Bar and Joining the Office of Legal Counsel

In 1975, Edwin Kneedler was admitted to the bar of the state of Oregon and joined the Office of Legal Counsel in the United States Department of Justice in October.

1979: Joined the Office of the United States Solicitor General

In 1979, Edwin Kneedler joined the Office of the United States Solicitor General, under the U.S. Department of Justice.

1993: Appointed Deputy Solicitor General

In 1993, Edwin Kneedler was appointed a Deputy Solicitor General.

1993: Appointment as Deputy United States Solicitor General

In 1993, Edwin Kneedler was appointed as Deputy United States Solicitor General.

March 17, 2008: 100th case before the Supreme Court

On March 17, 2008, Edwin Kneedler was recalled to the lectern at the United States Supreme Court by Chief Justice John G. Roberts after arguing his 100th case before that Court.

January 16, 2009: Appointed Acting Solicitor General of the United States

On January 16, 2009, Edwin Kneedler was appointed acting Solicitor General of the United States by President George W. Bush.

March 2009: End of tenure as acting Solicitor General

In March 2009, Edwin Kneedler's tenure as acting Solicitor General ended with the confirmation of Elena Kagan.

2009: Appointed as acting United States Solicitor General

In the spring of 2009, Edwin Kneedler was appointed to serve as acting United States Solicitor General by President George W. Bush.

April 27, 2022: Argued his 150th case before the Supreme Court

On April 27, 2022, Edwin Kneedler argued the U.S. position for Victor Manuel Castro-Huerta in Oklahoma v. Victor Manuel Castro-Huerta, marking his 150th case before the Supreme Court.

April 2025: Retirement from Deputy United States Solicitor General

In April 2025, Edwin Kneedler retired from his position as Deputy United States Solicitor General.

April 23, 2025: Argued 160th Case Before Supreme Court and Recognition

On April 23, 2025, Edwin Kneedler argued his 160th case before the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts recognized Kneedler's milestone and announced his plan to retire, praising his "extraordinary care and professionalism."