About William
William Spencer Consovoy was a prominent conservative attorney based in Arlington, Virginia. Born on August 31, 1974, in Plainfield, New Jersey, he dedicated his life to the practice of law and the principles of constitutional governance. After a valiant two-year battle with brain cancer, he passed away on January 9, 2023, in Falls Church, Virginia, at the age of 48. His contributions to the legal field, particularly in constitutional litigation, have left a lasting impact. Consovoy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Monmouth University in 1996. His academic achievements continued as he pursued a Juris Doctor at the George Mason University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude in 2001.
Following his graduation, he gained inexperience by clerking for Judge Edith H. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This position was pivotal in shaping his legal acumen, and he further developed his skills while clerking for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. In 2002, Consovoy began his legal career as an associate at McGuireWoods LLP, where he quickly established himself as a talented attorney. By 2004, he had joined Wiley Rein LLP, and his dedication and expertise led to his promotion to partner in 2010.
His career took a significant turn in 2014 when he co-founded Consovoy McCarthy PLLC, a boutique law firm that specialized in constitutional litigation. This firm became known for its focus on high-profile cases that often shaped public policy and legal precedent. Throughout his career, Consovoy was involved in several landmark cases. He represented Students for Fair Admissions in their challenge against Harvard University's affirmative action policies, a case that garnered national attention. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the Shelby County v. Holder case, which resulted in the Supreme Court invalidating a key provision of the Voting Rights Act in 2013.
These cases exemplified his commitment to conservative legal principles and his belief in the importance of constitutional rights. Beyond his practice, Consovoy was an active member of the legal community. He was a member of both the District of Columbia Bar and the Virginia State Bar. His commitment to education was evident in his role as the Director of the Supreme Court Clinic at the George Mason University School of Law. He mentored numerous students, guiding them in their legal studies and careers. Survived by his mother, Linda Whalen; his father, Andrew Consovoy; his sister, Amanda Consovoy; and his niece, Lila, his legacy continues through the many lives he touched and the significant legal battles he fought.
