History of Edwin Kneedler in Timeline

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

January 4, 1946: Edwin Kneedler's birth

On January 4, 1946, Edwin S. Kneedler was born.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Graduation from North Penn High School

In 1963, Edwin Kneedler graduated from North Penn High School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

1967: Graduation from Lehigh University

In 1967, Edwin Kneedler graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, earning a B.A. in economics.

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.

1974: Graduation from the University of Virginia School of Law

In 1974, Edwin Kneedler graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law with a J.D. degree.

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.

1980: Mother's retirement

In 1980, Isabella S. (née Jones), Edwin Kneedler's mother, retired from her position as a guidance counselor at North Penn School District.

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.

October 2021: Inducted into North Penn High School’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame’

In October 2021, Edwin Kneedler was the first inductee to North Penn High School’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame’.

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 11, 2025: Received Thomas Jefferson Foundation and University of Virginia School of Law Medal

On April 11, 2025, Edwin Kneedler received the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and University of Virginia School of Law medal, their Medal in Law, in a ceremony with accompanying lecture at the law school.

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."