Featured Alumni

Zach Schauf, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel

Zach Schauf was recently appointed Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. A former partner in Jenner & Block’s Appellate and Supreme Court Practice, Zach has briefed and argued cases in appellate courts throughout the country and before the U.S. Supreme Court.

He argued Oklahoma v Castro-Huerta in 2022 and led the briefing in McGirt v Oklahoma, the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision affirming the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s reservation in eastern Oklahoma. He also co-authored winning Supreme Court briefs in several other cases, including Kokesh v SECHoneycutt v. United States, and Harris v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, and he has played a lead role in the firm’s defense of the Indian Child Welfare Act in Haaland v. Brackeen, which was argued in November.

He also was the lead litigator in North Carolina League of Conservation Voters v Hall, in which a Jenner team helped secure free and fair election maps and persuaded the North Carolina Supreme Court to invalidate the state legislature’s maps as unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders.  This case, now combined with two others as Moore v Harper, is currently before the Supreme Court.

What is your current position and how did Jenner prepare you for your new role?

I am a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC).  By delegation from the Attorney General, the Office provides legal advice to the President and all executive branch agencies, often on legal issues of particular complexity and importance or where two or more agencies disagree.  I couldn't have asked for better preparation than the nine years I spent at Jenner, where I got to work on the most difficult issues our clients faced alongside an extraordinary group of colleagues, mentors, and friends.

Looking back, what have you come to appreciate about Jenner?

At Jenner, I had amazing mentors who pushed me forward and promoted me, when they didn't need to.  Lindsay Harrison pressed for me to get my first oral argument—before I was even a lawyer.  Ian Gershengorn opened the path that got me my first Supreme Court argument (after another close call thanks to Adam Unikowsky's generosity).  Sam Hirsch and Jessie Amunson prodded me to take a bigger role and more public credit in their redistricting litigation, when the credit fairly belonged to them.  And partners like Dave DeBruin, Matt Hellman, Matt Price, and many others were a constant source of inspiration and support.  I'd say I was lucky—but it's very much in the DNA of the firm. During my time at the Jenner, I did my best to pay forward the support I received. The thing that drew me to Jenner originally was just as true when I left: It is an extraordinary place filled by extraordinary lawyers and staff who are so committed to their clients, the firm's values, and their colleagues.

How are you staying in touch with your former Jenner colleagues?

I remain close by Jenner DC; I've had the chance to catch up with many former colleagues over lunch or coffee, and I'd love to catch up with many more.

 

Return to the Alumni Newsletter — June 2023

Alumni Newsletter — June 2023


Photo of Zachary Schauf standing in an office

Zach Schauf, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

Featured Alumni

Zach Schauf, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel

Zach Schauf was recently appointed Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel. A former partner in Jenner & Block’s Appellate and Supreme Court Practice, Zach has briefed and argued cases in appellate courts throughout the country and before the U.S. Supreme Court.

He argued Oklahoma v Castro-Huerta in 2022 and led the briefing in McGirt v Oklahoma, the US Supreme Court’s landmark decision affirming the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s reservation in eastern Oklahoma. He also co-authored winning Supreme Court briefs in several other cases, including Kokesh v SECHoneycutt v. United States, and Harris v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, and he has played a lead role in the firm’s defense of the Indian Child Welfare Act in Haaland v. Brackeen, which was argued in November.

He also was the lead litigator in North Carolina League of Conservation Voters v Hall, in which a Jenner team helped secure free and fair election maps and persuaded the North Carolina Supreme Court to invalidate the state legislature’s maps as unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders.  This case, now combined with two others as Moore v Harper, is currently before the Supreme Court.

What is your current position and how did Jenner prepare you for your new role?

I am a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC).  By delegation from the Attorney General, the Office provides legal advice to the President and all executive branch agencies, often on legal issues of particular complexity and importance or where two or more agencies disagree.  I couldn't have asked for better preparation than the nine years I spent at Jenner, where I got to work on the most difficult issues our clients faced alongside an extraordinary group of colleagues, mentors, and friends.

Looking back, what have you come to appreciate about Jenner?

At Jenner, I had amazing mentors who pushed me forward and promoted me, when they didn't need to.  Lindsay Harrison pressed for me to get my first oral argument—before I was even a lawyer.  Ian Gershengorn opened the path that got me my first Supreme Court argument (after another close call thanks to Adam Unikowsky's generosity).  Sam Hirsch and Jessie Amunson prodded me to take a bigger role and more public credit in their redistricting litigation, when the credit fairly belonged to them.  And partners like Dave DeBruin, Matt Hellman, Matt Price, and many others were a constant source of inspiration and support.  I'd say I was lucky—but it's very much in the DNA of the firm. During my time at the Jenner, I did my best to pay forward the support I received. The thing that drew me to Jenner originally was just as true when I left: It is an extraordinary place filled by extraordinary lawyers and staff who are so committed to their clients, the firm's values, and their colleagues.

How are you staying in touch with your former Jenner colleagues?

I remain close by Jenner DC; I've had the chance to catch up with many former colleagues over lunch or coffee, and I'd love to catch up with many more.

 

Return to the Alumni Newsletter — June 2023

Alumni Newsletter — June 2023


Photo of Zachary Schauf standing in an office

Zach Schauf, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

News and Insights

Event

Associate Steven Arango to Speak at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair

On September 18, Associate Steven Arango will speak on a panel at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair (VLCF), the only legal career fair in the United States dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.

September 18, 2026

Event

Partner David Greenwald to Speak at PLI Program on Privilege and AI

On August 17, David Greenwald will speak at "Fitting New “Tech” Into the Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Protection," a virtual program hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI).

August 17, 2026

Publications

In Law360, Trump Debarment Threat Calls for Targeted Defense Plan

Partners Ashley Callen and David Robbins authored an article for Law360 examining how entities should respond when suspension or debarment is threatened directly by the president, rather than initiated through the usual agency-driven process.

August 6, 2026

Publications

"DC Circuit Undercuts Congress's Subpoena Power: Important New Authority for Targets of Congressional Investigations," National Law Journal

In the National Law Journal, Congressional Investigations Co-Chair Emily Loeb, Special Counsel David Manners-Weber, and Associate Kate Mather examine a recent DC Circuit decision that gives fresh weight to 2020 Supreme Court dicta on common-law privileges in congressional investigations.

July 30, 2026