Cases Argued by Michael R. Dreeben
Michael R. Dreeben argued 106 times in the U.S. Supreme Court since October 1955, according to Oyez.
Similar to the recognition given to Lawrence Wallace in 2002 and to Edwin Kneedler in 2008, the Court recognized Michael Dreeben’s 100th argument on April 27, 2016 in McDonnell v. United States:
Mr. Dreeben, could I invite you to return to the lectern? Our records reflect that this was your one-hundredth oral argument before the Court.
You are the second person to reach that rare milestone this century. I distinctly recall your first argument in January of 1989.
Throughout your career, you have consistently advocated positions on behalf of the United States in an exemplary manner. On behalf of the Court, I extend to you our appreciation for the many years of advocacy and dedicated service during your tenure in the Solicitor General’s Office and as an officer of this Court. We look forward to hearing from you many more times.
Chief Justice John Roberts’ recollection of Mr. Dreeben’s first argument is no surprise, since then-attorney John Roberts argued in the same case: United States v. Halper.
We also note that Mr. Dreeben once argued twice on the same day. On Tuesday, April 29, 2014, he first argued in Riley v. California (No. 13-132), and then later that same morning, he argued in United States v. Wurie (No. 13-212).
Perhaps due to this unusual circumstance, or to some difference in argument-counting methodology, what was previously described as Mr. Dreebens’s 100th argument must now be listed below as his 101st argument. However, we will be double-checking his first 100 arguments to verify the accuracy of our list and will post an update if we learn anything new.
