Lawyers Contribute $1.8M to Obama Inauguration
President-elect Obama’s inauguration committee had raised $22 million from individuals by the end of 2008, and lawyers contributed $1.8 million of that amount.
The biggest individual lawyer contributor so far is Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner Cantwell “C.F.” Muckenfuss III, according to a Legal Times (sub. req.) story about the lawyer donations. More than 100 lawyers have given to the cause. The committee has raised another $20.7 million from bundlers, including Williams & Connolly partner Howard Gutman, who bundled $225,000 for the inauguration, the story says.
Muckenfuss is listed as donating $50,000, but he told Legal Times a friend will pay half the amount. He said the inauguration of Obama is “a remarkable and unique moment.” He was just 17 when Alabama Gov. George Wallace gave his speech vowing “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” Muckenfuss said he heard the speech in person.
“I thought I would never get to see this,” he told the legal publication. Muckenfuss represents financial institutions in matters involving financial regulation and public policy, according to Gibson Dunn’s website.
Muckenfuss’ firm was one of the top donors to Obama’s election opponent, John McCain, according to the Legal Times story. With Muckenfuss’ $50,000 donation, Gibson Dunn lawyers are giving $75,250 to the inauguration.
Lawyers at the Chicago personal injury law firm Power Rogers & Smith are collectively donating the most, at $125,000, according to a Legal Times chart (PDF). Other law firms whose lawyers are giving about the same amount as those at Gibson Dunn are Sidley Austin and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
