Chicago Judge Is Tapped To Help Overhaul Justice Department

WASHINGTON — The White House yesterday tapped a Chicago federal judge to assist Attorney General Mukasey in overhauling the Justice Department as a new report described lagging public confidence in the agency following months of upheaval.

If U.S. District Judge Mark Filip is confirmed as deputy attorney general, two former federal jurists will hold the two top Justice Department jobs. Judge Mukasey is a retired district judge from Manhattan.

Judge Filip's nomination was one of five the White House announced in an effort to fill more than a dozen vacant leadership posts across the department.

"Each brings a wealth of experience and skill in both the public and the private sector," Judge Mukasey said in a statement. "And I am confident that, if confirmed, each will fulfill the responsibilities of his or her office with great distinction for the American people."

The vacancies have had "a negative effect on the Justice Department, and in fact, that is one thing that we agree with Senate Democrats about," the White House spokeswoman, Dana Perino, said, urging the Senate to confirm the nominees swiftly.