Richmond attorneys will be legal counsel to McDonnell in the pending case. AG hires law firm for gov's office

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has recused his office from representing Gov. Bob McDonnell in matters related to theft charges against the Executive Mansion's former chef and hired a team of five private lawyers.

Attorneys from the Richmond firm of Eckert Seamans headed by Democratic former Attorney General Tony Troy will be legal counsel to McDonnell in his official capacity and his office in the pending embezzlement case against Todd Schneider.


In a letter dated Wednesday, assistant Attorney General Ellen Porter cited "the practical conflict" arising from Cuccinelli's ties to Jonnie Williams, the same businessman who also lavished gifts on McDonnell and his family.

That includes Williams' $15,000 check to McDonnell's daughter to cover catering for her 2011 Executive Mansion wedding reception catered by Schneider's private catering business.

This article tagged under: Bob McDonnell

Ken Cuccinelli