In recent legal news, Erez Reuveni, a seasoned attorney with nearly 15 years of service at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), has been placed on paid administrative leave following a controversial courtroom appearance. Reuveni, who most recently held the position of assistant director and briefly served as acting deputy director of the Office of Immigration Litigation, faced criticism after his handling of a significant immigration case.

Reuveni has a distinguished legal career, having filled multiple roles within the DOJ's civil division. His experience includes serving as senior counsel and trial attorney, where he managed some of the most sensitive cases related to immigration and constitutional law under various presidential administrations. His foundational legal training began with esteemed clerkships under Judge Jon O. Newman on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and Chief Judge Mark Wolf in the District of Massachusetts.

Before joining the DOJ, Reuveni worked as a litigation associate at the prominent law firm Morrison & Foerster and was also a fellow at Stanford Law School’s Center for Internet and Society, which has a reputation for fostering innovative legal scholarship.

Academically, Reuveni graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, summa cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. There, he distinguished himself as a finalist in the moot court competition and served as Articles Editor for the Law Review, highlighting his strong legal writing and analytical skills. He also holds a Bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, in Politics, Economics, and Near Eastern Studies from Brandeis University.

The recent controversy surrounding Reuveni stems from his role in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. During a hearing presided over by Judge Paula Xinis, Reuveni appeared frustrated and was unable to adequately defend the government's position regarding Abrego Garcia's deportation. Judge Xinis ultimately ruled that the deportation was unlawful and ordered Garcia's return to the United States.

Reports from ABC News indicate that the DOJ cited Reuveni's “failure to zealously advocate” for government interests as the reason for his suspension. During the hearing, he expressed that he had advised his superiors at the DOJ to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return and admitted his inability to explain the legal rationale behind Garcia's detention or why he was designated as a member of the notorious MS-13 gang.

In a striking move after the proceedings, the DOJ removed Reuveni's name from official filings related to the case, signaling the severity of the situation. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly criticized Reuveni, asserting that DOJ attorneys are expected to “zealously advocate on behalf of the United States.” Furthermore, his supervisor, August Flentje, has also been placed on leave due to concerns over his oversight of Reuveni's actions.