Quick Facts
Biography
Mark H. Tuohey III is an American attorney best known for representing corporations and white collar clients. In February 2015, he was appointed by Muriel Bowser as director of the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel
Education
Tuohey received a J.D. from Fordham University Law School in 1973and B.A. from St. Bonaventure University in 1969.
Career
Tuohey has been labeled one of Washington's "go-to" white collar defense attorneys.
Whitewater Investigation
In 1994, Tuohey joined the legal team of Ken Starr in the investigation of the Whitewater controversy, leaving his position as a partner at the law firm Reed Smith. Tuohey served as Starr's deputy counsel.
Enron
In 2001, Tuohey sat on a special committee on Enron that Vinson & Elkins set up to oversee the company’s defense in the Enron Scandal.
Bob Ney
In 2006, Touhey represented former Ohio Republican Congressman Bob Ney, who was convicted of conspiracy in charges related to the Jack Abramoff Indian lobbying scandal. In a Federal Elections Commission filing showing expenses through the end of June 2006, Ney reported that he had not paid any legal fees since January 5 from campaign funds. Tuohey said Ney "needs money for his campaign and that's a priority right now. He intends to pay. He'll pay his fees, I have no doubt about that."Ney's withdrawal from his race meant that he could use his remaining campaign funds, almost half a million dollars, to pay for his legal defense.
Pershing Park Arrests
Tuohey represented Metropolitan Police Department chief Charles H. Ramsey after he was accused of a mass arrest of IMF protesters in Pershing Park in 2002. The case generated at least $1.53 million in fees for Vinson & Elkins. Tuohey assured the courts that Ramsey would comply with judges orders but was unable to produce key evidence. Local media expressed outrage over the cost of the lawyer fees.
In 2010, Tuohey left Vinson & Elkins after 16 years, citing the firm's mandatory retirement policy. He joined the law firm Brown Rudnick.
Jeanne Clarke Harris
In 2013, Tuohey represented Jeanne Clarke Harris, a public relations consultant who admitted in federal court to participating in the shadow campaign for Mayor Vincent Gray. Harris funneled financier Jeff Thompson’s money through companies she owned.
Campaign for Attorney General
Tuohey announced his candidacy for the position of Attorney General of the District of Columbia in June 2014. Tuohey said that he was encouraged to run by individuals who want an Attorney General in the vein of incumbent Irvin B. Nathan, but withheld details, saying “I better not name names, but you’d know them all.” In July, Tuohey dropped out of the race to endorse lawyer Karl Racine