Definition
Earl J. Silbert is an American attorney and former United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, notable for his involvement in high‑profile political investigations, including the Watergate scandal and the Whitewater controversy.
Overview
Earl J. Silbert was born on March 9, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University (1958) and a Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center (1961. He began his legal career in private practice before joining the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia.
In 1973, Silbert was appointed United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, a position he held until 1977. During his tenure, he acted as chief counsel to the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment inquiry staff, assisting in the investigation and drafting of articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon amid the Watergate scandal.
After leaving public service, Silbert returned to private practice, eventually becoming a partner at the law firm Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells). He later served as an independent counsel overseeing aspects of the Whitewater investigation in the 1990s. Silbert has also contributed to legal scholarship, authoring articles on criminal procedure and governmental ethics.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Earl” is derived from an English title of nobility, historically used as a personal name in the United States. The surname “Silbert” is of Germanic origin, likely a variant of “Silver” or “Silber,” meaning “silver,” and is common among families of German or Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Characteristics
- Legal Expertise: Specializes in criminal law, governmental investigations, and ethics compliance.
- Public Service: Held senior prosecutorial roles, notably as U.S. Attorney for D.C. and as counsel during congressional impeachment proceedings.
- Investigative Experience: Played a key role in the Watergate investigation and later in the Whitewater matter, demonstrating experience in high‑stakes political inquiries.
- Publications: Authored scholarly pieces on the intersection of law enforcement and constitutional rights, contributing to legal journals and professional conferences.
- Professional Affiliations: Member of the District of Columbia Bar Association; has served on various governmental advisory panels concerning law enforcement policy.
Related Topics
- Watergate scandal
- Impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon
- United States Attorney for the District of Columbia
- Independent counsel statutes and investigations (e.g., Whitewater)
- Hogan Lovells (formerly Hogan & Hartson)
- Department of Justice criminal prosecution policies