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Trump nominates Kavanaugh seat replacement
01:00 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

Former White House counsel Don McGahn will return to the law firm Jones Day, he told CNN on Sunday.

“I enjoy the practice of law and I look forward to coming back to Jones Day,” McGahn told CNN. “I’m going to practice law. No paid corporate speeches and no books, unlike some others who have worked in the White House.”

McGahn left his mark as White House counsel by focusing on nominating young conservatives to federal judgeships, a legacy for President Donald Trump’s presidency that will be felt for decades to come.

According to a source familiar with the situation, McGahn continues to engage in the judicial nominations process, most recently making calls in support of Neomi Rao, a controversial nominee to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the powerful DC Circuit Court of Appeals.

McGahn called Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican who had reservations about Rao, before the Senate Judiciary Committee voted last week, according to the source. Despite concerns expressed by several Republicans including Hawley, the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed her nomination which will next be considered by the full Senate.

The Washington Post first reported McGahn’s return to Jones Day and advocacy on behalf of Neomi Rao.

CNN’s Tammy Kupperman contributed to this report