Mike Pence hires a personal attorney as Russia probes heat up

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published 15 June 2017

Less than a month after President Trump hired a private attorney to deal with the ongoing Russia probes, Vice President Mike Pence has followed suit. The vice president's office confirmed Thursday to The Washington Post that Pence has hired outside legal counsel to handle the recently opened independent investigation headed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller and the ongoing congressional probes into Russian election meddling and any possible collusion by the Trump team.

Pence has chosen Richmond, Virginia-based attorney Richard Cullen, who is a chairman at McGuire Woods and who previously served as a U.S. attorney. The vice president's office said his decision to hire a personal attorney reflects his intention to "fully cooperate with any inquiries related to the Russia probe."

Pence's decision comes despite Trump's personal attorney Marc Kasowitz's reported assurance to White House personnel that it's not necessary to hire their own lawyers. The Post noted Pence's move "could set off a scramble among other West Wing aides — many of whom are already bracing for subpoenas — to do the same, even if only as a protective measure."