Jun 15, 2017 · Vice President Mike Pence has hired his own lawyer to represent him in the special counsel investigation and congressional inquiries into Russia's role in the 2016 election.
Pence's office confirms he has hired Richard Cullen, who served as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia during the term of George H.W. Bush and later worked on George W. Bush's legal team during the 2000 Florida recount.
"The Vice President is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the President's agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter," he added.
Pence has not come under any particular scrutiny over the course of the Department of Justice Russia investigation. As head of the Trump campaign's transition committee, he was involved in the hiring of Michael Flynn as national security adviser.
Pence's choice for outside counsel contrasts with the president's. Richard Cullen has a long record as a high-profile attorney in Washington, particularly in Republican circles. His official biography from McGuireWoods lists, in addition to his time at the Justice Department, his experience working for former Sen.
Kasowitz and his spokesman have served as public attack dogs in defense of Trump in the Russia matter. He delivered an on-camera statement sharply criticizing James Comey after the former FBI director's recent testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee.