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Press Release

Elena Kagan Sworn in as Solicitor General

For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – Elena Kagan was sworn in as Solicitor General of the United States today by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., in a ceremony held in the Chief Justice’s chambers at the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Elena Kagan’s intelligence, experience and commitment to the rule of law will make her an exceptional Solicitor General," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said. "With the addition of Elena Kagan, we are building a strong, effective leadership team to enforce our nation’s laws."

Prior to her confirmation as Solicitor General, Elena Kagan served as Dean of Harvard Law School. She is a graduate of Princeton University (A.B. 1981), Worcester College, Oxford (M. Phil. 1983) and Harvard Law School (J.D. 1986). Kagan clerked for Judge Abner Mikva of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the Supreme Court of the United States. Kagan worked in private practice for Williams & Connolly from 1989 to 1991 and served in President Clinton’s White House as Associate Counsel to the President and as Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council from 1995 to 1999.

Kagan is the 45th person and first woman to serve as Solicitor General of the United States.

Updated February 5, 2025

Press Release Number: 09-258