Overnight Energy: Climate skeptic confirmed as DOJ environmental…

FORMER BP ATTORNEY CONFIRMED AS TOP US ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER: The Senate voted Thursday to confirm a climate change skeptic and former industry attorney to lead the Department of Justice's environment division. Lawmakers voted 52 to 45 to confirm Jeffrey Bossert Clark to be the assistant attorney general for environment and natural resources.

Senate Democrats demand Trump withdraw DOJ nominee over Russian bank ties

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday demanded President Donald Trump withdraw his nominee of Brian Benczkowski to head the Department of Justice's Criminal Division, claiming his ties to a Russian bank could undermine the special counsel's probe. Mr. Benczkowski , currently a partner at Kirkland & Ellis , ran the Trump transition team at the Justice Department .

10 minutes at Supreme Court cost Wisconsin $60K

Wisconsin taxpayers footed a previously unknown $60,000 bill for an attorney to argue for 10 minutes before the U.S. Supreme Court in the state's defence of a redistricting lawsuit. A summary of bills that The Associated Press obtained through an open records request shows the law firm of Kirkland and Ellis was paid $60,000 to make the arguments.

Eight Major SCOTUS Cases to Watch

Counsel: Two former George W. Bush administration solicitors general will face off: Theodore Olson of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Paul Clement of Kirkland & Ellis representing the NCAA. About: Can the federal government keep states from authorizing legal sports betting? That is the high-stakes question raised by Christie's persistent efforts to allow sports betting at New Jersey's casinos and racetracks, where the state could reap millions in tax revenue.