Theodore Olson - One of Time Magazine's Most Influential People in the World
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published January 04, 2011
Donna McGill
Many would believe that after having served in two very powerful roles in the U.S. Government, it would be time to slow down and focus on one's partnership at a major Washington D.C. Law firm. For Theodore B. Olson, however, it's just the beginning. Receiving the honor of being named Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010 only reiterated Olson's drive.
Ted Olson has argued more than 50 cases in the Supreme Court, including the now-infamous Bush v. Gore that was a result of the presidential election in 2000. He has made an impressive mark on the American justice system as a whole. He focuses on appellate and constitutional law, federal legislation, media and commercial disputes and other major cases involving everything from the First Amendment to the environment.
Olson graduated University of California at Berkeley in 1965 with his JD after having graduated in 1962 from the University of the Pacific with his Bachelor of Arts degree. He is admitted both with the California Bar and the District of Columbia Bar. He authored several publications in 2010 alone, including Supreme Court Round-Up: A Summary of Upcoming Arguments and Other Developments in July, September and November of last year.
Perhaps what is most impressive to so many is his service as private counsel to two presidents; Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. He has received many national honors, including the prestigious United States Department of Justice's Edmund J. Randolph Award, which is the highest award for public service and leadership. He also received the Department of Defense's highest civilian award, which was due to his advocacy in the various courts, including the Supreme Court.
While it may appear that Olson has led a charmed life, it hasn't been without its devastating tragedies. On September 11, 2001, Olson's wife, Barbara, who worked for CNN, died in the plane that hit the Pentagon. His wife contacted him before the plane struck, at which time Olson was able to immediately contact the Department of Justice to inform it of the pilot's intention. Despite the horror and heartbreak, Olson found himself moving forward with a deep determination to ensure these tragedies would not ever occur again. He had only been in the office of Solicitor General for the Bush Administration three months before the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Perhaps former AG John Ashcroft said it best: ''Olson is among the finest individuals it has been my privilege to know; he is a dedicated patriot who brought unbridled energy and enthusiasm, along with brilliant legal acumen and peerless dedication to his office and to Justice''.
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