Johnsen’s expertise made her likely pick for Obama legal team

While some IU students will travel to Washington next week for the presidential inauguration, IU law professor Dawn Johnsen will go to begin work for the Office of Legal Counsel.

Following her nomination to serve as President-elect Barack Obama’s assistant attorney general, former colleagues praised her experience in the Clinton administration and expressed hope that her service at the federal level will shine a positive spotlight on the University.

A known critic of the Bush administration’s position on the handling of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Johnsen will wield significant influence over the executive branch’s legal opinions.

Former colleagues agree that a major concern in Washington is the legality of the military prison in Cuba, and Johnsen will have to face this issue, they said.

Earlier this week media outlets reported closing Guatanamo Bay as a top priority for the incoming Obama administration.

“I have deep affection for the Office, which has historically played a vital role in upholding the nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” Johnsen said in a news release, following her nomination Jan. 5. “I look forward to the confirmation process.”

IU Maurer School of Law Dean Lauren Robel said Johnsen’s position includes advising the president on constitutional issues.

Johnsen is no stranger to Washington politics, having held numerous positions under the Clinton administration, including the one she will likely soon inherit.

After serving as the deputy assistant attorney general from 1993 to 1996 and acting as the assistant attorney general from 1997 to 1998 for the Office of Legal Counsel in the Clinton administration, Johnsen began teaching at the law school.

Johnsen has remained there for more than 10 years teaching subjects such as constitutional law and the First Amendment, as well as two seminars in the Separation of Powers and Sexuality, Reproduction and the Constitution.

Johnsen also worked as the legal director for the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League and at the American Civil Liberties Union Reproductive Freedom Project.

As a result of her experience, her colleagues at the law school said they believe she will do well in this position.

Robel has worked with Johnsen since Johnsen arrived and thinks her previous experience with the Clinton administration helped her receive this nomination.

Because of years spent in Washington, Johnsen understands her new job, Robel said.

Robel also said she believes Johnsen will excel in this position because of her law experience.

“She’s a very smart, very ethical lawyer who has always articulated a very clear vision for what this office should do,” she said.

Law professor Jeannine Bell also has confidence that Johnsen will succeed.

“I think she’ll be fantastic because she’s a leading scholar in the area,” she said.

Bell said Johnsen’s time in the spotlight will strengthen IU’s image on the national level.

Robel said Johnsen is skilled at giving straightforward legal advice to the executive branch.

“She has already demonstrated she can do that,” she said. “She’s one of the best in the country.”