WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Justice Department attorney who represents the Bush administration's legal positions before the Supreme Court announced Wednesday he is retiring.

Solicitor General Paul Clement, after seven years at the post, said he plans to retire June 2, just weeks before the nation's high court recesses for the summer.

Clement argued 49 cases before the Supreme Court, on issues ranging from the federal ban on late-term abortions and the White House's policy on terror suspects.

Nominated by President George W. Bush on March 14, 2005, Clement was confirmed June 8, 2005, and was sworn in June 13, 2005.

Before his confirmation, he served for over four years as Principal Deputy Solicitor General. Clement succeeded Solicitor General Theodore Olson as the fourth-ranking official in the United States Department of Justice.

"Paul Clement is one of the nation's finest appellate lawyers," said U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey in a statement.

"I am deeply grateful to Paul for his service to the Department and to the nation during his seven-year tenure in the Office of the Solicitor General. I will miss not only Paul's superb advocacy on behalf of the United States, but also his wise counsel and keen legal analysis," Mukasey added.

From Legal Newsline: Reach reporter Chris Rizo by e-mail at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.