Top White House lawyer resigns

Nov 13, 2009, 15:04 GMT

Washington - US President Barack Obama's top lawyer will resign by the end of the year and return to private practice, the White House said Friday.

Greg Craig served as White House counsel through the Obama administration's first year, shepherding through the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court.

'It has been a busy first year, and I feel very lucky to have been a part of it,' Craig said in a resignation letter released by the White House.

But Craig also reportedly faced criticism for his handling of Obama's plans to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba. The White House, in a statement announcing his departure, made no mention of the issue.

Obama said Craig has been a 'huge asset' to the White House who 'ensured that we are keeping the nation secure in a manner that is consistent with our laws and our values.'

Craig will be replaced by Bob Bauer, a long-time Democratic lawyer who has already served as Obama private attorney. He currently works for Perkins Coie LLP.